Political Careers
What Can I Do with a Political Science Degree?
Political Science undergraduates may find entry-level jobs as working in town, city or state governments, in community affairs, planning, public policy, research assistant, analyst and program administration positions. Federal government opportunities may include intelligence, foreign service and legislative or judicial services. Many will also find positions outside of politics and policy in fields such as business and law. Eventually, you may wish to manage political campaigns or run for political office.
Graduate Studies
An undergraduate degree in political science is good preparation for graduate study in areas such as political science, public administration, foreign policy, law, business and more. Political scientists need a master’s degree or Ph.D. in political science, public administration or a related field.
Job Opportunities
For detailed information about Political Science degree career opportunities, see also Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Political Scientists and Meeting, Convention and Event Planners.
Because the federal government employs more than half of all political scientists, employment growth will be tempered as overall employment in the federal government declines.
- Activist, Advocate/Organizer
- Campaign Management
- Political Party Administration
- Congressional Office/Committee Staffer
- Meeting, Convention and Event Planner
- Pollster
- Journalist
- Political Commentator
- Teacher
- Analyst
- Foreign Service Officer
- Intelligence Officer
- Research Specialist
- Issues Analyst, Corporate Social Policy
- Lobbyist
- Policy Analyst
- Public Opinion Analyst
- Public Relations Specialist
- Political Website Content Writer/Blogger