What Can You Do With a Political Science Degree?

If you feel passionately about politics and systems of power, then you might have considered a degree in political science. Before you decide on a college degree, however, it's always wise to explore some of the potential career paths that you can pursue with your degree.

The good news is that there's plenty you can do with a political science degree. Whether you're interested in getting into politics yourself or see yourself working in an adjacent field, there are many possibilities when it comes to political science degree jobs. By taking the time to read about some common jobs with political science degrees, you can determine whether this path may be right for you.

Exploring Career Paths for Political Science Graduates

The overall demand for political scientists continues to increase across the country, with the latest data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting a 7% increase in political science jobs between 2022 and 2032 alone. That's faster than the average for all occupations nationwide.

Understanding the Versatility of a Political Science Degree

One of the biggest advantages of studying political science is the flexibility and versatility of this type of degree. In fact, as you'll see as you explore political science degree jobs below, graduates can explore careers in a vast range of fields, including:

• Government
• Public policy
• Law
• Education
• Journalism and public relations
• Business

Key Skills Gained from Studying Political Science

In addition, political science graduates gain various valuable skills that can be applicable to a number of career paths. For example, political science students must develop strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as comprehensive analytical and decision-making skills. Political science students also tend to develop public speaking and presentation skills during their studies. All of these competencies can be useful across a broad range of political science degree jobs and industries, making this a highly versatile degree.

In-Demand Careers in the Political Sphere

When you think about studying political science, one of the first career paths that probably comes to mind is that of politics and campaigning.

Political Analysts: Shaping Policy and Opinion

Political analysts play a central role in studying and understanding different political systems and how they operate. They may work for governments and third-party organizations as a means of better understanding political ideas, policies, and trends. This type of work can be especially appealing to those who enjoy studying politics and its impact on populations. The work of political analysts can also shape public policy, which can be very impactful for those with the right knowledge and skills.

Campaign Managers: Driving Political Campaigns to Success

If you dream of someday working on a political campaign, studying political science can help you gain the skills you need to explore jobs with a political science degree in campaign management. Specifically, campaign managers are responsible for directing political campaigns—often representing one candidate and working to improve their public image. Campaign managers may also be responsible for raising donations, scheduling appearances or speeches, and hosting other special events.

Leveraging Your Degree in the Legal Field

It is common for those with political science degrees to end up working in the legal field, either as legal assistants or even full-fledged attorneys.

The Role of Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Having a solid understanding of politics and government systems can be considerably useful and applicable to the field of law. Political science graduates, then, can use their knowledge and experience here to move into work as paralegals and legal assistants.

These professionals generally serve as assistants to lawyers, taking on such responsibilities as conducting legal research and maintaining important files for cases and clients.

Pathways to Becoming a Civil Rights Attorney

For those who want to advance their careers in law after getting a political science degree, it is also possible to pursue additional education and become an attorney. Typically, working as an attorney requires a doctoral degree, but holding a political science degree can provide the foundational skills and knowledge needed to pursue an advanced legal degree.

Oftentimes, those who have studied political science end up going into civil rights law with the goal of making a difference by protecting and advocating for clients' personal rights.

Opportunities in International Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Graduates with a background in political science may go on to work for international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), too, which are nonprofit organizations that operate independently of a government while aiming to address key social and political issues.

Working in International Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Even though NGOs do operate outside of the realm of the government, working for an international NGO requires an extensive understanding of politics, public policy, and related topics that can be acquired as part of a political science degree program.

Political science graduates who work for NGOs often find themselves in consultancy and program analyst roles, but the possibilities are limitless.

Careers at the United Nations and Other International Bodies

Those with relevant backgrounds may also qualify for jobs with political science degrees within other international bodies, such as the United Nations. No matter if you are interested in working on a specific campaign or advocating for new policies, the United Nations regularly posts vacancies on its website for such roles as:

• Consultants
• Interns
• Administrators
• Peace and humanitarian specialists

Engaging With the Public Sector

With a background in political science, you might also consider entering the public sector for yourself—either as a government official or a policy advisor.

Local Government Officials: Serving the Community

Local government officials are usually elected positions that are focused on serving the community. Examples of local government roles may include mayor or city council member. However, inspector generals and budget analysts may also work for local governments and may be appointed rather than elected. Regardless, working in the public sector as a government official can be a fulfilling way to serve your local community while putting your political science knowledge to use.

Policy Advisors: Crafting Solutions for Public Issues

Additionally, policy advisors tend to have a background in political science, as this type of work requires professionals to have a deep understanding of how public policy is created and how it can impact populations.

As a policy advisor, you are responsible for conducting research to draft and develop public policies that may eventually be implemented or signed into law. This work can be an ideal way to make a direct and positive impact without having to campaign or run for formal office.

The Intersection of Politics and Media

Many students who study political science also go on to work in the media, whether it be as political journalists or in public relations roles on larger political campaigns. At the end of the day, the fields of politics and media are undoubtedly intertwined as media coverage of political events becomes more widespread.

Political Journalism: Reporting on the Political Landscape

For those interested in covering pressing and emerging topics related to politics, a career in political journalism could be a good fit. As a political journalist, you might work for a local newspaper or even a larger publication—writing stories and editorials that inform public opinion. You may even be responsible for interviewing political figures and taking other measures to keep the public informed about political developments and other news.

Public Relations Roles in Political Campaigns

Political campaigns also hire public relations specialists as a means of helping control and enhance the image of their campaigns and candidates. Public relations specialists in a political campaign may be responsible for a number of tasks, ranging from setting up community events to writing and publishing press releases.

Public relations specialists often need to have a background in political science in order to understand the nuances of working on a campaign and the importance of maintaining a positive public image. Working in public relations on a political campaign can be a challenging yet rewarding experience, especially for those who enjoy working with the public.

Education and Advocacy: Teaching the Next Generation

There is an ongoing need for political science professionals to prepare future generations, so you might consider becoming a high school teacher or even a community organizer with your political science degree.

High School Teachers: Inspiring Interest in Political Science

High school students are usually required to take basic courses in government, politics, and related subjects. With this in mind, schools need experienced and knowledgeable teachers to handle these classes and inspire interest in political science in future populations. If this sounds like an area in which you might thrive, then you could explore a degree in political science in conjunction with an elementary education degree. If you like the idea of working with students and inspiring future generations, this type of work may be ideal for you.

Community Organizers: Mobilizing for Change

Political science graduates develop a strong understanding of how populations can inspire (and have inspired) political change through petitioning, organizing, and advocating for change. As a political science degree holder, you can use your knowledge and expertise to become a community organizer.

In this type of role, you can coordinate and supervise programs and even entire organizations that aim to support populations and spearhead change through public policy and law.

Transitioning Into the Business World

Studying political science also helps build upon skills that can be applicable in the business world. If you have interest in going into business with a political science background, you can apply your analytical, research, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills to numerous potential career paths.

Corporate Government Affairs Specialists

Many larger companies and corporations hire government affairs specialists as a means of communicating more effectively between their businesses and government agencies or officials. In this type of job with a political science degree, you essentially act as a liaison between your company and other government entities, taking on such tasks as attending meetings, giving presentations, and handling other communications.

Political Risk Analysts: Navigating Uncertainties for Businesses

Another business-related role that may be applicable to political science graduates is that of a political risk analyst. In these particular kinds of political science degree jobs, you are responsible for analyzing risks related to politics, economics, and social factors that could have an impact on a company's bottom line. This work requires solid data analysis skills along with the ability to think critically and communicate effectively. Political risk analysts play a key role in helping businesses make informed decisions based on potential risks.

Explore a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science

Political science degrees are highly versatile; therefore, political science graduates can explore careers across a wide variety of industries. From government and public policy to education, business, and law, the possibilities are limited only by your own motivation.

Of course, completing your political science degree from a reputable program with a comprehensive political science curriculum can make all the difference as well. At University of the Cumberlands, we're proud to offer a bachelor's degree in political science that can help you better understand political processes while sharpening your critical thinking skills and awareness of politics in human affairs.

Want to learn more about our political science degree program? Get in touch to request additional information, or get started with your online application for enrollment today.