Political Science Career Opportunities and Options

Experiential Education

Opportunities for experiential education are available through internships in governmental agencies (local, state and federal), political parties, and campaign organizations. These internships not only give students insight into the reality of politics and government, but also provide training and contacts that can be helpful in career planning and employment. For students interested in international affairs, there are exchange programs and opportunities to study abroad.

Graduate School

If you would like to continue to study Political Science and are considering a career as a political scientist, discuss your interests with your advisor and with your Political Science professors. Ask for guidance for graduate study and about the work of political scientists. If you are interested in graduate study in Political Science but not in pursuing a career in research and college teaching, there are master's degree programs in Political Science. Many of these are specialized professional programs in public administration, public policy analysis, international affairs, and political campaign management.

Law School

Most Political Science Graduate majors go to law school.

Business

Many Political Science majors choose careers in business. Their undergraduate training offers a good preparation for graduate programs in business. Students who have focused on international affairs for country/area studies may find opportunities in international business and trade. It is also possible to begin a business career with a bachelor's degree. Large corporations and banks have professional training programs for many employees.

Careers In Political Science

A bachelor's degree in political science can lead to exciting careers in federal, state and local governments; law; business; international organizations; nonprofit associations and organizations; campaign management and polling; journalism; precollegiate education; electoral politics; research and university and college teaching. Political science majors gain analytical skills, administrative competence and communication abilities that are valued in a wide spectrum of potential career areas.

Potential Earnings for Political Science Majors

On May 24, 2011, the Georgetown University Center for Education and Workforce released a report entitled Whats it Worth? The Economic Value of College Majors, by P. Carnevale, Jeff Strohl, and Michelle Melton. This report is based upon US Census Data and examines 171 majors. The findings indicate that there is a great deal of variation in projected median earnings among different majors. Earnings prospects for graduate degree holders are also discussed. To see where an undergraduate or a graduate degree in political science ranks in terms of potential future earnings, please view the full report and the social science chapter, in particular.

Examples of Careers for Political Scientists

Activist, Advocate/Organizer

Administration, Corporate, Government, Non-Profit, etc.

Budget Examiner or Analyst Banking Analyst or Executive Career Counselor

Congressional Office/Committee Staffer

University Professor

Political Science Majors Don't Have To Be Lawyers: A Look at Other Careers

Taking up political science as major field of concentration in college education is traditionally perceived as preparatory to attending law school. However, it may interest you to know the other high-paying career options for people with this type of background. After learning about the local and global political systems whilst comparing the policies and politics of every nation, what career options for political science majors could graduates embark on?

Traditionally, most political science students will proceed to law schools and become defenders or prosecutors or evolve into different kinds of specialized law practitioners. But what about those graduates in political science who dont proceed to law schools? What other career options await them that they take up political science as their main studies ?

One of the options considered aside from pursuing a costintensive law degree is to use their knowledge about governance to attain illustrious careers in politics

However, they have to be achievers and become highly visible by finding relevant occupations that could serve as stepping stones to reach their political ambitions.

Paralegal or Legal Assistant

Paralegals or legal assistants usually work in law offices as part of a lawyers support team. As legal assistants, they are often immersed in research work and verification of facts. They seek for related past cases, statutory laws and Supreme Court decisions that could uphold their defense or negate their opponents. In fact, a paralegal or legal assistant does most of the legwork in building a counselors case or defense by looking for facts and evidences.

Manager- Government Affairs

Private companies hire a Government Affairs Manager as their representative in informing elected officials in both state and local levels on how certain policies being proposed or studied will impact the companys industry, whether positively or negatively. The person who assumes the responsibilities of Government Affairs Manager is expected to come up with newsletters, or publish white papers as well as provide the company with the latest legislative issues.

There will be a need to develop sound relationships with industry partners and government offices as well, in order to communicate the companys concerns and perhaps dissuade or convince them about negative effects that could place the industry at a disadvantage. Such instances could result to economic loss that could bring about further unemployment

Industries where the position of Manager-government Affairs is highly relevant are those engaged in Health Care Services, Trade Association or Unions, Energy & Utility companies, Membership Advocacy Organizations as well as the government to act as the counterpart representative.

As one of the career options for political science majors, impressive performers in this kind of managerial occupation will open doors for future advancements as VP Government Affairs, Government Affairs- Director or Regulatory Affairs, Director.

Studying Political Science: Degree and Career Options

The study of political science examines the Philippine political system, including an in-depth look at the structure and process of local, state and governments. Political science degrees are available at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. Graduates are poised for career opportunities in a wide array of agencies including government, non-profit, corporate and administration organizations.

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Bachelor's degree programs in political science introduce students to political theory and government structure. Students become skilled in logical reasoning, critical analysis, fact gathering and enabling arguments. In addition, political science majors gain an understanding for and appreciation of the political system.

Program Coursework

Political Philosophy International Relations Philippine Government and Politics Global Issues

Comparative Government

Possible Career Options

Political journalist Public affairs officer Lobbyist Politician

Master of Arts in Political Science

Political science master's programs are designed to prepare individuals to take leadership positions in public service in the areas of government or education, as well as many positions available in the private sector. Master's programs provide students with skills in policy analysis and a deeper understanding of the political system. Many graduate programs provide students the option to concentrate in specialty areas such as Goverment and politics, world politics, public policy or urban politics.

Program Coursework

Research Methods in Policy and Politics Statistics and Data Analysis in Political Science Comparative Politics Political Theory

Political Behavior and Processes

Public Law

Possible Career Options

Government teacher Politician Political analyst Campaign manager

Ph.D. in Political Science

Ph.D. programs in political science are primarily researchbased and prepare students for careers teaching at the college or university level, as well as research positions with either public or private research institutions or foundations. Ph.D. students may choose to specialize in such areas as public policy and administration, American politics, political analysis,comparative politics, international relations or political theory. Most programs require doctoral candidates to complete hours of research to submit final dissertations and pass comprehensive exams in order to graduate.

Education Prerequisites

Doctoral students must submit evidence that a baccalaureate and/or master's degree from an accredited college or university has been received, as well as official transcripts from each college previously attended. Political Science Ph.D. programs often require students to also submit letters of recommendation and official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score reports.

Program Coursework

Research Design and Analysis Political methodology Modern Political Theory Problems in Political Science

Possible Career Options

Political Science Professor Government Official Political Science Researcher

What Can I Do with a Political Science Degree?

There are a variety of opportunities available to graduates of political science degree programs. Most work in the federal government as elected officials or in various other capacities. Other career options include journalism, law, business and teaching.

Government and Advocacy Jobs

Some political science degree-holders could also choose to advocate or work on behalf of a cause or a community. A thorough knowledge of government policies is necessary for most of these professions, though specific knowledge and particular skills might influence what kind of job one can pursue. Undergraduate political science students can participate in government or nonprofit organizations' internships to prepare for their careers. Additionally, the completion of a graduate degree program can help political scientists stand out in a crowded job market.

Lobbyist Professions

Those with backgrounds in political science can find jobs lobbying the government on behalf of interest groups and other non-government organizations. These individuals work closely with various stages of government, negotiating with elected officials and influencing policy to advance the goals of their employers or clients. This career does not necessarily require the completion of a graduate degree, though it could help in getting a job. Courses in political theory, political economy, international relations and government procedures could apply for aspiring lobbyists. Other crucial skills include public speaking and networking skills.

Business Fields

A political science degree can often lead to a career in business, with banking, advertising, personnel and public relations as possible employment goals. Political science students seeking to enter the business world usually need superb verbal and written communication skills as well as a high-level understanding of mathematics and economics. Computers skills are also valuable in business professions. This is a very competitive field, and a graduate degree, while not a strict requirement, can be an aid in job acquisition and might lead to advanced positions, such as corporate management.a

Journalism Occupations

Political science graduates with interests in film, television, radio and other media could pursue a career in journalism. Specifically, journalists who majored in political science might report on domestic and international policy, either for a politically-oriented media product or as a political correspondent in a more general news environment. Jobs as editors or news directors could also be available. Speech, writing and broadcasting skills are vital to this profession, and students must also learn to operate necessary equipment, such as video cameras and computer software. Some colleges offer journalism and political science as a combined major.

Teaching Positions

Political science majors might also find jobs teaching children, teenagers or young adults. At the elementary and middle school levels, these individuals might be qualified to teach history, social studies or government, while high school teachers could work with more specific subjects, Any number of specific political science courses might be taught at the post-secondary level, depending on the teacher's interests and area of specialization. Teacher certification is required along with a bachelor's degree to teach in public schools, and those who want to teach college students usually must earn a graduate degree.

POLICY MANAGEMENT
- designed to create specialist in policy studies (including campaigns and elections). The course is designed to equip students with knowledge and skills needed in micro level politics like organizational and structural analysis, policy formulation and determination, handling of propaganda and propaganda channels, operations and strategy, etc.

Local Government Administration

Aims to produce graduates adept in the politicoadministrative aspects of managing local governments. As the premier city in the country, Makati offers a very promising opportunity for local government administration majors since the program is tailored suit to craft students in the enterprise of running government units (LGUS)

Furthermore, it must be emphasized that the field of local governance covers a wide area that covers not only city governments, but barangays, towns, provinces, and other LGUs as well