Political Science is the study of politics, political institutions and processes, as well as their effects on society. This field specializes in how different societies respond to globalization, technological advances, non-state actors rising up against established powers, an ever more interconnected global environment and other transformative forces.
Political Science students are trained to think critically about society’s greatest challenges through political science study. This article delves into what political science is, career opportunities in this field, schools that offer degrees in it as well as resources available to advance your career in this area.
What is Political Science?
Political Science is a branch of social sciences which examines political processes, behaviors and their relationships to other spheres of social life. Political scientists examine governments, organizations and institutions, relationships among political actors as well as policies they create that have an effect on society. Political scientists are trained as critical thinkers who analyze impacts of decisions taken politically on individuals as well as providing policy recommendations to improve lives.
Political science encompasses an expansive field, including philosophy, political theory, public administration and policy analysis. Political scientists investigate all facets of politics: leaders’ election procedures; parties and ideologies that shape them; systems and institutions used by governments; political culture in general as well as domestic-international relationships.
Why Study Political Science?
Political science is an interdisciplinary discipline that draws from methods and approaches from a range of social science disciplines. As such, political science offers an unique lens through which we can view many aspects of society: culture, education, economy, ethnicity and law are just some examples.
Political scientists are trained to examine society objectively in order to address some of its greatest challenges, making them invaluable assets to organizations, businesses and the public sector alike. Over the course of your academic journey you will develop marketable skills that prepare you for various career paths.
Politics students gain skills that equip them to comprehend political systems and processes, develop solutions for social problems, interact with people of diverse backgrounds, analyze policy issues and share research findings. With these diverse capabilities at their disposal, political science majors are equipped to pursue careers across many different industries – non-government organizations (NGOs), think tanks (Tanks), nonprofits (Non Profits), political consulting services, public policy as well as consulting for non governmental organisations (NGO’s).
Careers in Political Science
Studies of political science can equip students with the necessary skills for careers across both public and private sectors, making this field of study highly flexible. Many students choose political science for this very reason: its versatility offers career options in government, international relations, public policy, law journalism business as well as non-profit organizations – just to name some of its more common career options! Some common paths taken by political science graduates may include the following.
Government service – Government agencies require individuals with expertise in various policy fields and skills like management and budgeting, communications, and law.
Government Law: Lawyers who specialize in government and public policy law are in high demand.
Public Administration – This field explores the practice of overseeing individuals, organizations, and societies for optimal functioning and governance.
Education – Political science majors may pursue careers as teachers, professors or administrators.
Journalism – Political science majors with strong writing skills may find opportunities in journalism at news organizations, newspapers, or magazines.
Nonprofit/NGO – Nonprofit organizations depend heavily on volunteers and professionals for assistance with carrying out their mission.
Business and political science majors may pursue careers in management, marketing or sales.
Policy Analysis – Policy analysts conduct extensive research and analyses of government policies or trends, in order to inform decision making processes.
International Relations – Political science majors who specialize in international relations may pursue careers in diplomacy, security, or trade.
Degree Options for Students Interested in Political Science
Political science undergraduate programs typically award a Bachelor of Arts degree; however, some universities also provide Bachelors of Science. Some programs may even offer Bachelors of Philosophy degrees. To be eligible to graduate with either degree option, students must fulfill 120 credits and fulfill any foreign language requirements before fulfilling internship requirements, attending political conventions or writing a thesis; these requirements may also allow the opportunity to study abroad (especially when seeking Bachelors of Arts degrees).
Bachelor of Science programs are tailored toward those interested in scientific research in political science. Usually lasting four years and with differing lengths depending on whether students pursue a Bachelor of Science in either Political Science or Public Policy, these programs usually span four years in total. On the other hand, Bachelor of Philosophy programs cater more towards those looking into becoming teachers; these two-year long programs typically concentrate on one or two specific fields of study.
Master’s degree programs in political science aim to prepare their students for careers in research and teaching as well as doctoral programs. Doctoral degrees provide an ideal way for individuals to enter academia, research or other related fields – typically students pursuing such degrees specialize in one or more fields such as political philosophy or public policy.
Resources for Learning More About Political Science
Political science undergraduate programs typically award a Bachelor of Arts degree; however, some universities also provide Bachelors of Science. Some programs may even offer Bachelors of Philosophy degrees. To be eligible to graduate with either degree option, students must fulfill 120 credits and fulfill any foreign language requirements before fulfilling internship requirements, attending political conventions or writing a thesis; these requirements may also allow the opportunity to study abroad (especially when seeking Bachelors of Arts degrees).
Bachelor of Science programs are tailored toward those interested in scientific research in political science. Usually lasting four years and with differing lengths depending on whether students pursue a Bachelor of Science in either Political Science or Public Policy, these programs usually span four years in total. On the other hand, Bachelor of Philosophy programs cater more towards those looking into becoming teachers; these two-year long programs typically concentrate on one or two specific fields of study.
Master’s degree programs in political science aim to prepare their students for careers in research and teaching as well as doctoral programs. Doctoral degrees provide an ideal way for individuals to enter academia, research or other related fields – typically students pursuing such degrees specialize in one or more fields such as political philosophy or public policy.
Also Refer :- Political Strategies for the Next Elections
Conclusion
Political Science is the study of politics, political institutions and processes, and their resulting social impacts. Political scientists study how different societies respond to challenges posed by globalization, technological advancements, non-state actors gaining more power, global interconnectivity and other transformative forces.
Political Science students are trained to critically consider society and find solutions for some of its greatest problems. In this article we’ll look at what political science is, its career opportunities, schools offering degrees in it and additional resources available to advance your career in this field.