What Can I Do With A Political Science Degree?

Have you always been interested in all things government, public policy, and political behavior? If so, a Political Science (or Poli Sci for short) degree might be the right course of study for you. But deciding what to study is about more than just interest, it’s about setting yourself up for a job and ultimately a successful career.

Studying Political Science teaches students about more than just government and civics. Securing a Political Science degree prepares students for a range of roles across public, for-profit, and non-profit sectors. Plus, a Political Science degree can lead to a lucrative career as well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook notes that the median pay for political scientists was $122,510 per year in 2021.

If you’re wondering whether or not a Political Science degree is worth it, read on to learn more about what Political Science is and what you can do with a Political Science degree.

What is Political Science?

Political Science is a social science that, at its core, is the scientific study of politics. More specifically, Political Science is a field of study that focuses on the theory, practice, and power of government and politics at all levels, from local and state to national and international.

Another way to think of Political Science is as the study of political states and their institutions. If this sounds broad, that’s because it is. Political Science touches on all activities related to politics, from psychology of voting to the constitution and law. That’s why Political Science is often broken down into sub-fields based on concentration.

What do Poli Sci majors study?

When pursuing a Political Science degree, students with Political Science majors will study the skills at the core of any liberal arts degree. This means that Political Science majors will focus on writing and communications as well as analytics and relevant technology skills. The goal of most Political Science programs is to impart critical thinking and independent thinking qualities within the realm of current and civic affairs.

Because the field of Political Science itself is so broad, Political Science majors will often choose a focus for their studies. Political Science degrees can be focused on American politics or international relations. They can be focused on certain government and social structures, or Political Science majors can hone in on transnational institutions. While most Political Science degrees will focus on qualitative measures, many Political Science degrees will also cover quantitative methods as well.

These are the core traditions that Political Science majors study. Of course, many Political Science programs have adapted to the demands of the modern world. Today many Political Science degrees will also cover effecting positive social change and responsible citizenship. Many programs focus on internships and community service opportunities to provide students with real-world experience and gain hands-on skills. Modern Political Science majors can expect to learn about themes like social justice and human rights as well.

Career paths for Political Science majors

Questions about career paths are at the core of deciding what field to study and ultimately work in. For those curious about Political Science degree jobs, the answer is that there are a broad range of careers for people with Political Science degrees.

Law

In the realm of law, Political Science degree jobs can look like anything from ultimately becoming an attorney, judicial clerk, or paralegal. Law careers for those with a Political Science degree can also include jobs across civil rights and juvenile justice sectors. Naturally, many Political Science degree holders go into politics. Political jobs for Political Science majors can range from campaign managers and press secretaries to speech writers, activists, and public opinion analysts.

Government

Government careers for those with a Political Science degree can range from public policy specialists to law enforcements to urban policy planning. Working as an ambassador or in healthcare are also career paths that Political Science degree holders often pursue.

Other Opportunities

But career paths for Political Science majors aren’t just limited to law, politics, and government. Careers for people with Political Science degrees can also include roles at colleges and universities, non-profits, think tanks, across the media and labor sectors, corporations, and more.

Ultimately, career paths for Political Science majors and degree holders are as broad and widely applicable as the degree itself. What about the highest paying jobs for students with Political Science degrees? If you’re interested in maximizing your earnings, parlaying a Political Science degree into a law degree and becoming a lawyer is generally the highest paid career track for Political Science degree holders. According to U.S. News & World Report, lawyers in the United States earned a mean salary of $127,990 in 2021 with the highest earners making more than $194,000 a year.

Political Science degree requirements

Every school’s Political Science program degree requirements will be different. But in general, Political Science majors can expect to spend at least three years studying for their degree. Most Political Science programs will require that majors earn credits across courses in English, writing, additional social sciences, government, and math.

In general, Political Science degree programs will require a certain mix of introductory courses and advanced, upper-level courses. Often Political science degree requirements culminate in a capstone or thesis project of some kind. Often students are required to earn certain grades (often a C or C-) in order to count course credits towards their degree.

Are you ready to start your Political Science degree journey today? Take the first step and request more information about Butler’s Political Science degree program today!