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Career Opportunities with a Major in Political Science

Many jobs require a college educated individual. College graduates can use their education in a wide variety of occupations.

Political Science is the study of government, public policy and the political behavior of both individuals and groups at all levels of community life. Government might include nation states, international organizations or sub-units of organizations such as counties, states or provinces. Graduates qualify for a variety of careers in both the public and private sectors including careers in state, local and federal governments, teaching, public relations, lobbying with interest groups, campaign work, journalism, policy research, marketing and personnel work.

 

SKILLS RELATED TO POLITICAL SCIENCE

  • Ability to communicate ideas to others

  • Ability to report to people from varying backgrounds

  • Personal charisma and public appeal

  • Aptitude for leadership

  • Ability to organize and interpret social, economic and political data

  • Ability to read and write articulately and analytically

  • Critical thinking skills

  • Ability to work well under pressure

The following list is a representative sample of job titles for individuals with a Political Science major. The list represents some, but certainly not all, careers which Political Science majors may consider.

Some of these jobs also require education beyond a bachelor's degree.

 

Account Manager Advocate Archivist
Attorney Business Development Officer Campaign Manager
City Manager Community Relations Director Congressional Aide
Congressional Researcher Consultant Consumer Advocate
Diplomatic Officer Environmental Policy Analyst Criminologist
Foreign Correspondent Foreign Service Officer Government Intelligence Analyst
Government Official International Business Labor Relations
Law Enforcement Officer Lawyer Legal Assistant
Lobbyist Media Analyst News Reporter
Paralegal Parole / Probation Officer Political Consultant
Political Campaign Manager Political Representative Public Relations Managers
Public Policy Analyst Researcher Technical Writer
Writer / Author Broadcast Journalist Management Analyst
Market & Survey Researcher Judge Social Scientist
Journalist Legislator Legislative Correspondent
Librarian International Affairs Public Relations Analyst/Specialist
Teacher Statitistician  

 

EMPLOYERS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

  • Advertising Agencies

  • Archives

  • Banks

  • Business/Industry

  • Campaign Management Firms

  • Chambers of Commerce

  • Colleges/Universities

  • Consulting Firms

  • Court Systems

  • Correctional Institutions

  • Government Agencies

  • Historical Socieities

  • Import/Export Companies

  • Labor Unions

  • Libraries

  • Newspapers

  • Non-Profit Organizations

  • Political Parties

  • Private/Public Interest Groups

  • Public/International Affairs Offices

  • Research Firms

  • State/Federal Government

 

WEB SITES RELATED TO POLITICAL SCIENCE

Metro State Department of Political Science Website

 

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS FIELD

The above information is collected from alumni surveys of numerous colleges, professional associations, and multiple print and online resources.