Are you interested in U.S. and world politics? Critical issues like healthcare policy, environmental protection, civil rights, or the budget deficit? Are you eager to delve into these subjects and explore others, with the aim of pursuing a career that aligns with your interests?

If so, you should consider political science and public policy as a major.

Political science and public policy is an excellent liberal arts major for students interested in learning how groups of people govern themselves, how policies are made, and how we can improve our government policies at the local, state, national and international levels.

The American Political Science Association notes that: “Political science majors qualify for many different careers in private and public sector organizations, including careers in business, the law, state, local and federal government, journalism, international organizations and finance, political campaigns, interest groups and associations, and pre-college and college teaching. Political science training also provides valuable preparation for participating in community organizations, electoral politics, movements on behalf of specific policies, or even seeking elected or appointed positions in government.”

A political science and public policy major prepares you for a number of potential careers. Some examples include the following:

Public Sector Employment

Many majors obtain jobs working for local, state, or federal government. Examples include Congressional aids and campaign managers, state representatives, state legislative staff members, state executive office staff members, and county or city officials. Political science graduates can also obtain jobs working for government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, State Board of Education, Social Security Office, and many more. Sometimes this can be done with an undergraduate degree, but many positions may require graduate work in public administration. For more information on public administration and government service, visit the American Society of Public Administrators.

Education

Many students choose to further their education through graduate school. By earning an MA or PhD, these students obtain jobs teaching at community colleges or universities, or conducting research. Besides university-level teaching, some graduates combine their political science major with a social studies teaching certificate to teach in secondary schools. For more information on graduate programs and political science, visit the American Political Science Association.

Legal Careers

Law is a common route for many political science majors. Political science and Public Policy is one of the best undergraduate majors for students who want to go law school because of its emphasis on conceptual thinking and public affairs. The American Bar Association and the Law School Admissions Council can provide more information about law school and legal studies. The Pre-law Studies program at Presbyterian College also offers information and advising to students interested in legal careers. For more information, visit PC’s Pre-law Studies Program.

International Organizations

The United Nations, international businesses, and various international relief and aid groups look for people who understand the problems of our increasing economic and political interdependence with the rest of the world. Political science focuses on this interdependence. Careers in governance, policy-making, human rights, research and analysis, and political economy are available to political science majors who can work for a variety of international organizations, non-profits agencies, foundations and think-tanks.

Business and Private Agencies

The study of political science can help develop an awareness of political, social and economic trends and attitudes affecting the business community. Also, many public goods and services, such as health care, senior citizen programs, and economic development, are being provided by private agencies and businesses. Many political science majors gain employment in these fields, given their policy expertise. Examples of such employment include insurance agencies, agricultural businesses, financial institutes, and consulting firms.

Communications and Journalism

With its emphasis on public affairs, public attitudes and government, political science is one of the best preparations for a career in journalism. Many news outlets are hiring individuals to provide political commentary and analysis of current events — ranging from newspapers, broadcast and online media to government agencies and political parties.

Internships

One way to get valuable professional experience in areas related to political science is through internships. Presbyterian College offers a wide variety of such opportunities, including the Washington Semester Program.  For more information and details, come by the Political Science department.

As always, if you have any questions related to a political science major, please feel free to come by the department.