Anyone with a strong interest in government, law and politics should consider studying political science. This useful and pliable degree can provide a thorough introduction for further studies, like legal professionals who go on to pursue law degrees. Majoring in political science can also prepare professional lobbyists or campaign strategists for their career.
If you’re wondering “What can I do with a political science degree?”, there are ample options at your fingertips. Check out some of our favorite jobs for political science majors:
Lobbyists advocate on the behalf of special interest groups by communicating and influencing policy-makers. Being able to understand policy and communicate with both lawmakers and their clients is vital for a successful lobbyist, which is why a degree in political science is crucial.
Most journalists who cover local or national politics have some sort of background in political science. With a political science degree, a journalist can better analyze legislation affecting their communities and speak with more authority as they hold lawmakers accountable.
Making laws and levying taxes on a local, regional or national level is generally the job of a politician. Lawmakers must balance the interests of their constituents, donors and special interest groups in order to enact effective policy and stay elected. A political science degree is definitely a good start to becoming an educated and informed politician.
Many lawyers study political science prior to law school as an introduction to the US legal system. Legal professionals who focus on how legislation is enforced on a regional and community level will find a political science degree especially useful.
Although a political science degree isn’t necessary to become an activist, it can definitely help as you work to get your message across and advocate for chance. Activists work with communities on joining together to change some aspect of society. This can be done through protests, meeting with community leaders, raising money, giving speeches and writing letters.
Lawmakers depend on legislative assistants on helping them make educated decisions. Legislative assistants use their knowledge of public policy and political science as they read proposed legislation and write up briefs that articulate a policy-maker’s official position.
Whether you’re running a political campaign or doing door-to-door, a political science degree is crucial for anybody involved in advocating for an elected official. Political campaign staff need to understand how voters perceive their candidate and what they can do to improve their candidate’s image.
Educating the next generation on how government works is vital to a healthy democracy. An educated public will vote in lawmakers that are more likely to advocate for their well-being. As a government teacher or political science professor, you’ll play an important role in fostering civic responsibility among young people.
Sources: https://study.com/what_can_i_do_with_a_political_science_degree.html, https://www.thebalance.com/top-jobs-for-political-science-majors-2059632, http://www.apsanet.org/PScareers, https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/careers/law-government-community-organizers-activists
Photos:
Photo 1. based on parliament, by jo.sau, CC-by-2.0
Photo 2. based on Capitol, by Pierre-Selim, CC-by-SA 2.0
Photo 3. based on united nations flag, by sanjitbakshi, CC-by-2.0