Political Science is the study of politics, political institutions and processes, as well as the social impact of political activities. The field focuses on how different societies respond to challenges and stresses brought about by globalization, technological change, the rise of non-state actors, an increasingly interconnected world, and other transformative forces.
Political Science students are trained to think critically about the world around them to address some of society’s biggest challenges. This article explores what political science is, career opportunities in political science, schools that offer a degree in political science as well as additional resources to help you advance your career in this field.
What is Political Science?
Political Science is a social science that studies the political process, political behavior, and the relationship between politics and other spheres of social life. Political scientists focus on governments, organizations and institutions, as well as the relationships among political actors, the policies they generate, and their impact on society. Political scientists are trained to be critical thinkers who evaluate the impact and implications of political decisions on society, as well as provide policy recommendations to improve the lives of people.
The term “political science” can be applied to the study of a wide range of topics, including political philosophy, political theory, public administration, and public policy. Political scientists consider many different aspects of the political landscape, including political leaders and how they are elected, political parties and ideologies, political systems and political institutions, political culture, and the relationship between domestic and international politics.
Why Study Political Science?
Political science is an interdisciplinary field that draws on methods and approaches from a wide range of social science disciplines. As a result, political science provides a unique lens that can be applied to almost any aspect of society, including culture, education, economy, ethnicity, law, and many others.
Furthermore, political scientists are trained to think critically about the world around them to address some of society’s biggest challenges. These skills make political scientists valuable assets to organizations and businesses, as well as the public sector. Throughout your academic journey, you have the opportunity to develop marketable skills that prepare you for a variety of career paths.
Those who study political science gain the skills to understand political systems and processes, develop solutions to social problems, interact with people of diverse backgrounds, analyze policy issues, and communicate research findings. This vast set of skills makes political scientists well-equipped for a variety of career options, including non-governmental organizations, think tanks, nonprofits, political consulting, public policy, and more.
Careers in Political Science
When you study political science, you equip yourself with the skills to pursue a variety of careers across both the public and private sectors. This flexibility is one of the many reasons why many students choose to study political science. Political science students can pursue careers in government, international relations, public policy, law, journalism, business, and a variety of non-profit organizations. Some of the most common careers that political science graduates pursue include the following:
Government service – Government agencies need people with expertise in various policy fields and skills such as management and budgeting, communications, and law.
Law – Lawyers who specialize in government and public policy are in high demand.
Public Administration – This field explores the process of managing and governing individuals, organizations, and society.
Education – Political science majors can pursue careers as teachers, professors, or administrators.
Journalism – Political science majors who are skilled writers can pursue positions as journalists at news organizations, newspapers, and magazines.
Nonprofit/NGO – Nonprofit organizations rely on volunteers and professionals to help carry out their mission.
Business – Political science majors can pursue careers in management, marketing, or sales.
Policy Analysis – Policy analysts research and analyze government policies or trends in an effort to inform decision-making.
International Relations – Political science majors interested in international relations can pursue careers in diplomacy, security, or trade.
Degree Options for Students Interested in Political Science
While most undergraduate programs in political science offer a Bachelor of Arts degree, some universities offer a Bachelor of Science in political science. Programs may also offer a Bachelor of Philosophy degree. To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in political science, students must complete 120 credits and fulfill a foreign language requirement. Some undergraduate programs require students to complete internships, attend a political convention, or complete a thesis. Students may also have the option of studying abroad, especially if they are pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Bachelor of Science programs are intended for students interested in scientific research in political science. These programs typically last four years and vary in length depending on whether students pursue a Bachelor of Science in Political Science or Public Policy. Bachelor of Philosophy programs are intended for students interested in pursuing a teaching career. Bachelor of Philosophy programs are two years long, and students typically focus on one or two particular fields.
Master’s degree programs in political science focus on preparing students for careers in research and teaching, as well as for doctoral programs. Doctoral programs in political science prepare students for careers in academia, research, and other related fields. Students who pursue a doctoral degree in political science usually specialize in one or more fields, such as political philosophy or public policy.
Resources for Learning More About Political Science
Political Science Associations The American Political Science Association (APSA) is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the study of political science. The APSA works to advance the field of political science through research, teaching, and service. The association also publishes The American Political Science Review, a leading peer-reviewed journal in the field.
The Political Science Research Center is an organization that aims to attract undergraduates to the field of political science. The PSRC also trains undergraduate students to conduct research in political science and public policy. The International Political Science Association is an association of political science organizations around the world. The IPSA publishes the International Political Science Review and holds an annual conference. Political Science Journals The American Political Science Review is a leading peer-reviewed journal in the field of political science.
The APSR publishes research on a wide variety of topics, including political theory, public policy, and international relations. The International Political Science Review publishes research on global political issues, such as politics in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Political Science Associations also publish journals, such as the Canadian Journal of Political Science, which publishes research on Canadian politics, as well as Politics and Religion, which publishes research on the relationship between religion and politics.
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Conclusion
Political Science is the study of politics, political institutions and processes, as well as the social impact of political activities. The field focuses on how different societies respond to challenges and stresses brought about by globalization, technological change, the rise of non-state actors, an increasingly interconnected world, and other transformative forces.
Political Science students are trained to think critically about the world around them to address some of society’s biggest challenges. This article explores what political science is, career opportunities in political science, schools that offer a degree in political science as well as additional resources to help you advance your career in this field.