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What Can You Do with a Political Science Degree: Career Paths and Insights

A political science degree is a gateway to diverse and exciting opportunities. Whether you’re intrigued by the inner workings of government, political systems, or global diplomacy, this degree equips you with the tools to build a meaningful and impactful career. But what paths can it truly unlock? You might be surprised by the variety of options available.

While political science is often linked to careers in politics, its applications go far beyond. From shaping public policy to working in international relations or even the private sector, a degree in political science can open doors to industries where your knowledge and skills are highly valued.

In this article, we’ll explore the vast array of career opportunities for political science graduates, delve into industries you might not have considered, and highlight the unique skills that make you a competitive candidate in today’s job market.

What Is a Political Science Degree

A political science degree provides an in-depth understanding of politics, governance, and how policy decisions influence society. This program delves into topics like political systems, the role of political parties, international relations, and the foundations of political thought. As a political science major, you’ll gain insight into the structure of governments, the processes behind decision-making, and the societal impact of laws and policies.

Here’s why a political science degree is worth considering:

Students develop critical thinking skills, learning to evaluate complex issues and construct well-supported arguments.
The program emphasizes communication, helping students refine their ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively through writing and public speaking.
It offers a comprehensive understanding of how governments function at local, national, and global levels.
Graduates can pursue careers in fields such as law, public policy, diplomacy, political advising, education, and more.
Studying political science fosters active engagement in civic life and cultivates an informed perspective on global and local issues.

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What Do You Study in a Political Science Program?

A political science program offers a broad and fascinating exploration of politics, governance, and society. Here’s an overview of the key subjects you’re likely to encounter:

Topic	Description
Political Theory	Examine the ideas of prominent philosophers like Plato, Machiavelli, and Locke, as well as modern political thinkers.
Comparative Politics	Study and compare political systems worldwide, exploring how different governments function and their impact on societies.
International Relations	Analyze relationships between nations, covering topics like diplomacy, global conflicts, and the role of organizations like NATO and the UN.
Public Policy	Learn about the development and evaluation of public policies, focusing on how laws and regulations affect communities.
Political Institutions	Study the workings of key entities like parliaments, judiciaries, and executive branches to understand their influence on governance.
Research Methods	Gain skills in data collection, statistical analysis, and survey design to interpret political phenomena.
Political Behavior	Investigate trends in voting, activism, and the role of media and political parties in shaping public opinion.

Related: Check out our dedicated blog about Political Science Research Topics

Potential Career Fields With a Political Science Degree

What can you do with a political science degree? The possibilities span a wide range of exciting and impactful careers. Here are five prominent fields to explore:

Government and Public Administration: For those passionate about shaping policies and making a difference, roles like policy advisors, public administrators, or city planners offer opportunities to influence how governments function and serve their citizens.
Legal Careers: A strong understanding of governmental systems and legal principles makes political science graduates excellent candidates for law school. Whether as attorneys, legal analysts, or judges, you can leverage your knowledge to uphold justice and navigate complex legal landscapes.
International Affairs: If global diplomacy and cross-border collaborations excite you, careers in international organizations, foreign service, or NGOs might be the perfect fit. These roles often focus on diplomacy, global policy-making, and international development.
Public Policy and Nonprofit Work: For those driven by social change, working with nonprofits, advocacy groups, or think tanks offers a chance to influence policies in areas like healthcare, education, and human rights. You’ll have the opportunity to shape initiatives that drive societal progress.
Political Campaigns and Strategy: Dive into the dynamic world of political campaigns as a campaign manager, media strategist, or political consultant. This field lets you shape candidate messaging, manage public relations, and play a pivotal role in electoral success.

What Jobs Can You Get with a Political Science Degree

Job Title	Description	Salary	Outlook	Courses for Improvement
Attorney	Represent clients in legal matters, draft legal documents, and advocate in court using knowledge of law and politics.	Average $148,030/year	6% (Faster than average)	Constitutional law, legal writing, negotiation
Policy Advisor	Research and develop recommendations for government agencies, think tanks, or organizations.	Average $90,000/year	5%	Public policy, statistics, economics
Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer	Represent your country abroad, engage in international negotiations, and manage foreign relations.	$65,000-$100,000/year	4%	International relations, cultural studies, languages
Legislative Analyst	Assist lawmakers by drafting legislation, conducting research, and preparing briefing materials.	Average $85,000/year	6%	Marketing, public relations, communication
Public Relations Specialist	Shape and manage public image for clients, organizations, or politicians through media and communications.	Average $70,000/year	7%	Media studies, crisis management, communication
Intelligence Analyst	Analyze data and reports to assess national security risks and provide actionable intelligence.	Average $80,000/year	4%	Data analysis, geopolitics, security studies
Human Rights Officer	Advocate for individual freedoms, investigate violations, and influence policies to protect human rights.	Average $50,000/year	12% (Faster than average)	Human rights law, sociology, global studies
Journalist	Report on political events, analyze government actions, and inform the public through articles and broadcasts.	Average $60,000/year	-3% (Decline)	Journalism, ethics, storytelling
Lobbyist	Advocate for laws and policies on behalf of clients or organizations to influence legislative outcomes.	Average $78,000/year	8%	Negotiation, public affairs, law

Skills Needed for a Political Science Major

Success as a political science major requires more than just understanding government systems and political theories. It demands a set of versatile skills that will help you excel academically and in your future career. Here’s what you’ll need to thrive:

Critical Thinking and Analysis
Political science revolves around dissecting complex issues, understanding multiple perspectives, and evaluating the impact of decisions. It’s about not just asking what is happening, but why it’s happening and exploring potential solutions.
Strong Writing Skills
From essays to policy reports, writing is central to political science. Your work must be persuasive, well-structured, and supported by evidence. The ability to communicate ideas clearly on paper is key to conveying arguments effectively.
Advanced Research Abilities
Political science majors often delve into historical documents, statistics, and case studies. Gathering credible information, interpreting data, and drawing conclusions are fundamental skills for tackling complex questions and issues.
Effective Communication and Public Speaking
Political science students frequently present their ideas in debates, class discussions, or public forums. The ability to articulate your thoughts confidently and persuasively is essential for influencing others and defending your viewpoints.
Attention to Detail
Whether analyzing legislation or interpreting survey data, political science demands precision. Small errors or overlooked details can significantly alter the conclusions of your analysis, so a sharp eye for accuracy is crucial.

Bottom Line

A political science degree offers far more than just an understanding of government systems—it equips you with critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills that are highly valuable across numerous industries. Whether you’re drawn to public service, law, international relations, or political consulting, this degree opens doors to impactful and diverse career paths. By leveraging your skills and exploring the many opportunities available, you can make meaningful contributions to society while shaping a career that aligns with your passions and goals. Political science is not just about studying politics—it’s about understanding and influencing the world around us.

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FAQs

What are the three major fields of political science?

Comparative Politics: Focuses on comparing political systems, institutions, and practices across different countries to understand their similarities and differences.
International Relations: Examines relationships between nations, including diplomacy, global conflicts, and international organizations.
Political Theory: Explores the ideas of political philosophers and theorists, analyzing concepts like justice, power, democracy, and governance.

Should I get a bachelor’s degree in political science?

A bachelor’s degree in political science is an excellent choice if you’re interested in understanding government systems, public policies, and societal structures. It provides a solid foundation for careers in law, public administration, international relations, journalism, and more. The degree also helps develop transferable skills like critical thinking, communication, and research, making it a versatile option for a range of career paths.

What are some skills for political science majors?

Political science majors develop a variety of skills, including:

Critical Thinking: Analyzing complex issues and evaluating arguments from multiple perspectives.
Research Abilities: Gathering, interpreting, and synthesizing information from credible sources.
Effective Communication: Writing clearly and persuasively, and presenting ideas confidently.
Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy when interpreting data or analyzing policies.
Problem-Solving: Identifying and proposing solutions to social and political challenges.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, September 6). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bls.gov; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/

ZipRecruiter Ireland. (2024). ZipRecruiter Ireland. https://www.ziprecruiter.ie/

‌U.S. News Best Jobs. (2014). Public Relations Specialist Ranks Among Best Jobs of 2019. Usnews.com. https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/public-relations-specialist

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What Can You Do with a Political Science Degree: Career Paths and Insights

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