Political Science — Understand Power, Policy, and Governance
What Is Political Science?
Political science is the study of governments, political behavior, public policy, and power structures. The major examines how political systems work — from local city councils to the United Nations — and how citizens, politicians, interest groups, and institutions interact to shape the rules that govern society. Students study American government, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy analysis. The curriculum develops strong analytical, writing, research, and argumentation skills that are valued in law, government, journalism, nonprofit work, and the private sector. Political science is one of the most popular pre-law majors and provides excellent preparation for careers in public service.
Why Study Political Science?
Political science teaches you to analyze complex problems, construct persuasive arguments, and understand how institutions and policies affect people's lives. These skills are directly applicable to careers in law, public administration, diplomacy, journalism, and advocacy. The major also provides essential context for careers in government affairs, lobbying, political campaigns, and international organizations. If you care about making a difference in how society is governed, political science gives you the tools to do it effectively.
Skills You Will Develop
Common Classes in Political Science
Here are the 8 core courses you can expect in a typical Political Science program:
Introduction to American Government
The Constitution, federalism, Congress, the presidency, the judiciary, civil liberties, civil rights, and political participation. How the American political system functions.
Comparative Politics
Political systems around the world: democracies, authoritarian regimes, parliamentary vs presidential systems, and how different countries address common governance challenges.
International Relations
Theories of world politics (realism, liberalism, constructivism), international organizations, conflict and cooperation, trade, diplomacy, and global security.
Political Theory
Great political thinkers from Plato to Rawls: justice, liberty, equality, democracy, and the philosophical foundations of modern political systems.
Public Policy Analysis
How policies are made, implemented, and evaluated. Cost-benefit analysis, stakeholder analysis, and case studies of major policy decisions in healthcare, education, and environment.
Constitutional Law
Supreme Court decisions on free speech, due process, equal protection, executive power, and federalism. Case brief analysis and legal reasoning skills.
Political Behavior & Public Opinion
Voting behavior, polling, political socialization, media effects, and how citizens form political attitudes and make electoral decisions.
Research Methods in Political Science
Quantitative and qualitative research methods, survey design, statistical analysis, and how to evaluate political science research.
Career Paths in Political Science
Salary ranges are approximate national averages. Growth projections are from BLS through 2032 and will vary by location and experience.
Degree Pathways for Political Science
Associate (A.A.)
Two-year introduction that transfers to a four-year university. Not sufficient for most political science careers on its own.
Bachelor's (B.A.)
Standard entry for government, campaign, and nonprofit work. Provides strong preparation for law school and graduate programs.
Master's (M.A. / M.P.A. / M.P.P.)
Master of Public Administration or Master of Public Policy for government leadership and policy analysis roles. M.A. in Political Science for academia.
Doctoral (Ph.D.)
For university professors and senior policy researchers at think tanks, research institutes, and international organizations.
Industry Outlook
Political science prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, though few jobs have 'political scientist' as the title. The skills — research, analysis, writing, and persuasion — are in demand across government, law, journalism, and the nonprofit sector. Washington, D.C. and state capitals are employment hubs, but political science skills are valued in corporate government affairs departments, advocacy organizations, and consulting firms nationwide.
Expert Tips for Political Science Students
- 1
Get a Capitol Hill or state legislature internship. Nothing teaches you more about government than working inside it, and the connections you make often lead directly to job offers.
- 2
If law school is your goal, focus on your GPA and LSAT preparation above all else. Law school admissions are overwhelmingly numbers-driven, and a strong GPA/LSAT combination matters more than any specific major.
- 3
Develop quantitative skills. Political science majors who can analyze data, read regression tables, and work with statistical software are significantly more competitive in the job market and in graduate school.
- 4
Consider a double major or minor in economics, data science, or a foreign language. These combinations make you far more marketable than political science alone.
- 5
Build a writing portfolio through campus newspapers, policy briefs, research papers, and blog posts. Strong, clear writing is the most important skill in virtually every political science career path.