Career Options For Political Science Majors

Types Of Political Science Degrees

Colleges never provide a one-size-fits-all political science online degree. A bachelors degree in political science can be made up of a variety of subject matter with electives offered to suit the students desired career path. Another way to narrow the focus of an online degree in political science, specializations are commonplace. Specializations should be reviewed for students who have clear-cut career goals.

Typically, there are two main types of political science degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. Although some core classes are similar with these two types of degrees, Bachelor of Science degree students tend to focus more on methodologies within the field of political science. When enrolling in an online degree in political science program, a college may request the student choose a specialization. The specialization determines what core classes the student must take. The following are the top political science degree specializations:

International Politics International politics focus on how modern politics operate on a global scale. The student may have the option to specialize in a particular continent or region, such as Europe or Asia. Some international politics majors choose to minor in a foreign language related to their pick.

• Political Theory
• Political Writing

Many graduates will go on to graduate school to obtain a masters degree.

What Are Political Science Careers

Political science is the study of government and the policies and procedures that surround it, so political science careers are jobs that are centered on governments and the organizations that interact with them. If you pursue this type of role, you may work directly with the government or an adjacent organization, or you might focus on studying the policies and movements of these organizations from outside the system.

Entry Level Political Science Jobs

Entry level political science jobs are a great way for students to gain exposure to the field of politics. These jobs can involve conducting research, writing reports, or participating in regular activities related to a political office. Some entry level political science jobs may include working in a campaign office, helping to organize events, or managing communications between constituents and political representatives. Others may involve more administrative tasks such as tracking voting records, preparing documents, and attending meetings. Entry level political science jobs can be an excellent way to gain valuable experience while gaining an understanding of the political process.

Here are eight entry-level jobs for political science students to look for. Paralegals are hired by lawyers to complete a wide range of legal tasks, such as filing legal papers and participating in trials. Government relations assistants work for a company in its government affairs office. Employers use social media managers to create content and build their online presence. What are the best entry level political science jobs? It depends on your interests and abilities. As a social media manager, you will have a variety of responsibilities.

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Ready To Start Your Journey

This is why prospective college students eager to make an impact on the world should consider majoring in political science. In this field, you’ll study concepts of ethics, justice, and democracy learn about systems of government and political behavior and apply theory to current political events.

Political science is a versatile degree. It can springboard a career in politics and policy, nonprofit work, business, media, or education. The research, communication, and data analysis skills acquired in the study of political science also have wide applications in both the private and public sectors.

Becoming a political scientist, or someone who analyzes and proposes policy, usually requires at least a master’s or doctoral degree. With a BA or BS , graduates can land an entry-level administrative, communication, or analyst job with a public sector organization, business, or nonprofit.

Political science is also one of the traditional majors for undergraduates on their way to law school.

Best Jobs For Political Science Bachelors Degree Majors

• Job Outlook: 13 percent

Public relations managers handle one of the most important jobs in the political sphere. They are in charge of fundraising and public relations. These experts plan and handle efforts to maintain an organizations image. A large part of their responsibility involves interacting with the media.

Political Scientist

• Job Outlook: nine percent

Political scientists work in public and private sectors. Their duties may include the collection and analysis of data, researching political subjects, and evaluating the effects of policies. They also study government structure to find partial solutions to political problems. Their research primarily focuses on foreign relations, political campaigns, elections, welfare reform, and immigration.

Political science isnt just a field of study. Many people go on to work as a political scientist, oftentimes for the state. This government position involves researching political subjects, evaluating the effectiveness of certain policies, and collecting data.

It is perhaps one of the easier careers to transition into for a political science major. However, there are some details to keep in mind. You generally need a masters degree to work in this field and there isnt a significant amount of job growth in this position.

Arbitrator

• Job Outlook: 10 percent

Community Service Manager

• Job Outlook: 15 percent

Survey Researcher

• Job Outlook: four percent

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Employers And Career Ideas

Here is a list of prospective employers and fields of employment for Political Science graduates. Another useful resource is the Careers in Political Science page of the American Political Science Association website. Students who are interested in learning more about career opportunities in Political Science are also encouraged to visit the Western Career Services Center and sign up for Viking CareerLink, a free online internship and job posting database available to students, alumni, and employers. In addition Western has launched a platform called WE Connect. The platform was created to connect students preparing to graduate with people already working in a profession.

Public Relations Representative/ Specialist

Public relations representatives or specialists are people who act as mediators between their clients and the public through various platforms of the media. From organising press releases and conferences to managing campaigns, events, and public appearances, the profession requires astute critical skills of researching, writing, and analysing to promote their clients image, something that political science majors possess in abundance.

Also visit upGrads Degree Counselling page for all undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

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What Are The Best Online Schools For Political Science

If youre wondering where to look for the best online degree programs in political science, weve compiled a list that might be helpful. Each of these schools is accredited and has been ranked according to a methodology our team developed based on affordability, flexibility, and student satisfaction.

How To Enter Civil Services In India

The civil service domain in India is not easy to enter into. Indias Civil Services exam is one of the toughest exams in the world. The recruitment process for the exam is difficult. The different examinations test the candidates basic intelligence, ability to think logically, communicate effectively, and work well in a team. The civil services in India offer a variety of benefits, such as a government salary, pension, and insurance. The civil services also offer many opportunities for advancement, such as promotions, career advancement, and transfers between jobs. This means that the civil services provide a stable income for the majority of candidates, regardless of background or education.

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Writing And Communication Skills

Political science majors are trained to write clearly and concisely. This skill is essential for writing reports, making presentations, and communicating with colleagues. Additionally, political science majors are trained to think analytically, which is beneficial for analyzing complex data and making decisions.

Where To Begin Your Career After Getting Political Science Degree

Your adaptable skills as a Political Science Major’s makes you suitable for almost every field, so it’s up to you to narrow your focus.

And if you aren’t fortunate enough to network your way into a position, it might be worth taking a look at what sort of internships you might be qualified for, even if you’ve already graduated.

A good internship can potentially lead directly to a position, and even if it doesn’t it gives you an undeniable edge — a Millennial Branding survey shows that 91% of employers think that students should have between one and two internships before graduating.

Here are some common types of internships for Political Science Majors:

• Public Relations Internships

If your goal is to intern for a politician, your best bet is to apply directly through the local office’s website — good luck with finding a paid one. If you’re looking for something a little higher on the totem pole, try the House of Representatives Employment Bulletin and the Senate Employment Bulletin.

Before you settle on an internship, though, you’ll want to make sure it’s the right fit for you. Ask yourself these questions:

• Where do you want to work?
• What size and type of organization do you want to work for?
• Do you need compensation in an internship, or might you be able to consider alternative compensation
• Is relocation an option?

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The Easiest Major For Med School: Biological Sciences

Medical students are drawn to biological sciences because of the ease with which they can complete their degree. Almost 60% of applicants pursuing this route meet the prerequisites for medical school in popular majors such as molecular biology, cell biology, and neuroscience. A bachelors degree can also lead to a medical degree as long as you have completed the necessary premed requirements. This allows students who want to pursue a major other than medical school to do so while still continuing to be eligible for medical school. It is critical to consider your interests, goals, and abilities when selecting a major.

What Is A Political Science Degree

All political science degrees, whether an associate degree or Ph.D., fall under social sciences. Social sciences are usually considered a “soft” science, compared with a “hard,” objective science like chemistry or physics however, political science is becoming increasingly data-driven.

A bachelor’s degree in political science can be earned as either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science . The categorization and ability to choose your degree type vary among schools. If both options exist, their requirements will be slightly different.

The course of study for a BS in political science typically includes mathematics and statistics.

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Political Science Job Outlook

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics , political science careers are projected to grow by nine percent from 2020 to 2030. Additionally, around 700 political science-related jobs are expected to become available every year. The job growth statistics will vary depending on the specific field you enter.

Communication Data Gathering And Organizational Skills

• The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written statements
• An ability to organize, understand and analyze new sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
• Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
• The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
• The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas

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Public Administration Vs Political Science

Public administration a related but distinct field to political science prepares students for civil service work in the public and nonprofit sectors at the administrative level. Sometimes considered an offshoot of political science, public administration puts policy into practice.

If youre pursuing a career as a public servant, an MPA could be preferable to a masters in political science.

Compared with political science, public administration is less theoretical and more pragmatic, with a bigger focus on organization, conduct/ethics, and budgeting.

Many colleges offer undergraduate and graduate programs in public administration, while others offer public policy programs or combine public administration with business administration. A master of public administration and master of public policy are both considered professional degrees, similar to an MBA for business executives or a JD for lawyers.

If you’re pursuing a career as a public servant, an MPA could be preferable to a master’s in political science. A bachelor’s degree in political science is also considered a good springboard to public administration programs at the graduate level.

Urban And Regional Planners

Your political science degree will help you land positions as urban and regional planner, responsible for examining site plans that developers submit and then developing different strategies and programs to help create and accommodate communities in various areas. They apply the appropriate principles of planning, analysis, and architecture to the development of spaces.

Salary

The average salary for urban and regional planners in the United States is $68,726 per year. The lowest reported salary is $48,098 per year, whereas the highest reaches $98,201 per year.

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What Is A Political Science Major

A political science major is a discipline studied in universities and colleges. This degree path covers topics such as international relations, political theory, and comparative politics. Students who major in political science enter a wide range of careers depending on the level of education they pursue.

Political Science Careers To Choose From

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed’s data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

People with a background in political science have a unique understanding of the intricacies of government and policy. This can be very useful when dealing with organizations that interact with the government or want to influence policy. If you are interested in the political science field, there are a variety of careers you can consider. In this article, we discuss what political science careers are, what skills you need to succeed in a political science career and 15 potential political science careers to choose from.

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Department Of Political Science

Pursue your path and make a difference with a degree in political science.

UConn political science majors and minors gain a critical understanding of government, institutions, civic discourse, and public life. Through our rigorous coursework and hands-on experience, our students also gain transferable skills that are highly desired by employers, including communication, critical reasoning, quantitative analysis, and an appreciation for human diversity.

Once they graduate, our students go on to apply these skills in a variety of professional fields and make a significant impact on their communities. Many of them also continue their education at some of the top graduate programs in the U.S.

Best Jobs For Political Science Masters Degree Majors

• Job Outlook: nine percent

Lawyers, also known as attorneys, specialize in different areas of law. Some of the specialties include tax law, environmental law, family law, immigration law, and corporate law. Lawyers are responsible for gathering the facts of a case, conducting legal research, advising clients, preparing briefs, and representing clients in court. Youre required to pass the bar exam in order to practice law.

Among the highest-paying careers for political science majors is that of a lawyer. While political science majors must attend law school to work in this field, the lifelong career path and high salary potential make it worth it.

As a lawyer, your knowledge of the law is used to represent clients in criminal and civil cases. A lawyers job is varied and multifaceted. Most legal professionals specialize in a type of law practice, such as corporate, family, or tax.

No matter what their specialty may be, a lawyers job is to gather facts for each case, perform legal research, write legal briefs, advise clients, and provide representation in court.

Economist

• Job Outlook: 13 percent

Economists work in both the public sector and private enterprises. They advise government bodies and organizations on economic policies, issues, and programs. They also conduct research on economic policies and stay updated on global and national economic issues. Economists focus on issues relating to wages, employment, business cycles, energy, and healthcare.

Lobbyist

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Highest Paying Jobs In Political Science

So, what jobs can you get with a political science degree? Well, the opportunities are countless. By the time you complete your degree, you should have a good understanding of political issues and theories and have developed some crucial and transferable skills that can open careers in various fields. Below we have gathered some of the highest paying political science degree jobs you might want to keep in mind while choosing your degree, major, and minor.

Crafting An Effective Resume

Your resume is the first impression employers will have of you, so its important to make sure it accurately reflects your qualifications and experience. Be sure to highlight any relevant skills and experiences, such as internships, volunteer work, and leadership roles. Additionally, emphasize any transferable skills, such as communication, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.

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