What can I do with an Political Sciences major?


AreasEmployersStrategies
GOVERNMENT
  • Public policy
  • Research
  • Regional planning
  • City or town management
  • Peace Corps
  • Intelligence service
  • Foreign service
  • Public affairs
  • Economic affairs
  • Administrative affairs
  • Federal, state, and local government
  • Complete an internship
  • Become involved in student government
  • Participate in cross-cultural groups/organizations
  • Develop skills in computers, statistics and data analysis
  • Acquire foreign language competency for international positions
  • Supplement curriculum with business courses
  • Earn a graduate degree in political science or public administration for advancement
LAW
  • Lawyer
  • Legal assistant
  • Paralegal
  • Law firms
  • Corporations
  • State and local government
  • Private practice
  • Public interest agencies
  • Develop research, writing, analytical, and communication skills
  • Attend law school to earn Juris Doctor
  • Attend a specialized training program for paralegals
POLITICS
  • Staff of state or national official
  • Campaign worker
  • Political party
  • Public interest
  • National and state legislators
  • Republican/Democratic National Committee
  • Public interest advocacy groups
  • National, state, county, city campaigns
  • Volunteer for local or national campaigns
  • Gain experience through internships
  • Attain leadership roles in campus and local organizations
  • Develop excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Become involved in campus political organizations, student government, and community service projects
  • Take courses in statistics, computer science, environmental protection or public policy
  • Develop a network of personal contacts
NONPROFIT
  • Administration
  • Management
  • Public relations
  • Fund raising
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Foundations
  • Professional associations
  • Interest groups
  • Charities
  • Gain experience through volunteerism and internships
  • Supplement curriculum with business courses
  • Serve in leadership roles in campus organizations
  • Develop strong written and oral communication skills
JOURNALISM
  • Editing
  • Reporting/research
  • Circulation
  • News programming
  • Sales
  • Large circulation newspapers
  • Local newspapers
  • Wire services
  • Trade newspapers
  • Commercial and public TV and radio stations
  • Find summer/part-time work and internship
  • Minor in journalism
  • Gain skills in desktop publishing and photography
  • Develop excellent grammar, verbal and written skills
  • Serve on Statesman staff
  • Get sales experience
BUSINESS
  • National and international
  • Marketing/sales
  • Human resources
  • Public relations
  • Banking/finance
  • Retail
  • Business firms
  • Develop strong analytical, verbal, writing, and computer skills
  • Acquire a business minor or double major
  • Get experience in area of interest through internships or employment
  • Earn leadership role in campus organizations
EDUCATION
  • Teaching
  • Research
  • Public schools
  • Private schools
  • Colleges and universities
  • Need licensure for public school teaching
  • Earn Ph.D. for college/university teaching
  • Volunteer with community and church youth programs
  • Become involved in student clubs


Political Sciences HomePage

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
Portions reproduced with permission from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
CLA Advisement Center; Spring Semester 2001