Can you study politics in college

Although the course requirements for every university differ, most political science departments require that students select courses from three or more distinct fields. At most schools, those fields of study, designed to introduce students to the core concepts of domestic and global political systems, are pre-set and required of all political science majors.

For example, at the University of Southern California , international students must take courses in all four of the following fields: American Politics, Comparative Politics, Law and Public Policy, and Political Thought.

In addition to the required fields of study for the major, at many universities, students studying political science in the US can customize their concentration based on individual interest. Whichever route international students decide to take, following a preset course curriculum or crafting a more individualized course of study, the vast variety of class offerings at most universities allows plenty of room for students to customize their study within political science.

Because of its broad subject matter and the skill set it emphasizes, political science proves beneficial for a variety of careers, including but not limited to:. Sometimes in order to change the world, policies have to be made. International students who study environmental policy will have the opportunity to decide which policies will reduce the impact on the earth and how those policies will be implemented.

Without these students, the ability to protect the planet from various risks and issues would be more difficult and less apparent. International affairs gives students the opportunity to be global-minded with diverse perspectives on politics and business while helping make the world a better place to live for communities across the world.

Whether you pursue a career in politics and policy or translate your analytical and communicative skills to the private sphere, the degree's potential return on investment can be quite high.

As with other majors, salaries and career possibilities for political science degree-holders can be enhanced with advanced education. However, career prospects will vary depending on whether you pursue political science as a career or as a launchpad for other job opportunities.

A successful career in politics and policy takes a lot of networking, perhaps more than any other career track. Building a web of scholars and professionals in the field starts with your education.

Professors can offer valuable industry connections, and peers may become coworkers and competitors. Completing an internship after graduating college is generally essential to securing a political science job.

This is especially true in political hubs like Washington, D. Internships also allow you to experience working in specific areas of interest, such as state governance, international relations, and immigration policy. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Internships, particularly paid internships, often lead to full-time jobs. Political interns can find a career foothold in many industries, such as education and technology.

While political scientists perform vital work at many agencies and organizations, most work for the federal government. The organizations that employ political scientists tend to promise secure, well-compensated careers, but the reality is that the number of qualified candidates is projected to exceed the number of available positions.

Demand for political scientists in federal government, political organizations, lobbying firms, and labor unions will generally keep pace, but political scientists can expect to face fierce competition for jobs in the coming years. Political science is unique in that it combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to research and information. While a bachelor's degree in political science prepares students for entry-level jobs in business and administration, it also imparts skills that can be leveraged to enter a host of other fields, such as media or marketing.

If you're passionate about working as a political scientist, you should consider graduate school, which can prepare you to do research in an academic or public policy setting.

Political science graduate students study advanced political theory, conduct original research, and work to enter the broader political conversation by publishing their findings.

A master's degree in political science can prepare you to earn a Ph. The communication skills gained in a political science program can help professionals in this field. Administrative coordinators provide support to different departments and employees. They organize, supervise, and oversee the company's workflow and employee relations. Administrative coordinators may also write briefings, draft correspondence, and create financial reports.

Bachelor's degree programs prepare graduates for entry-level political science jobs , including in the business sector, local and state government, and federal government. During a bachelor's program , students gain analytical and writing skills that prepare them for careers in many fields.

Entry-level careers for political science majors also include administrative assistant positions, where graduates gain valuable business experience. With a bachelor's in political science, graduates can also work in education as a high school teacher, specializing in social sciences, civics, or U. Prospective students may research the best online political science bachelor's programs.

Government affairs directors help companies adapt to new regulations, government initiatives, and laws. They also create projections and forecasts for managing government changes. Government affairs directors may lobby the government about proposed regulations. A background in political science can help professionals manage the relationship between a business and the government.

Management consultants identify problems in a business and create solutions to address them. They research and analyze data to measure their organization's performance, writing and presenting reports to managers. Legislative aides help members of Congress and other government officials review draft legislation, respond to constituent concerns, and prepare for campaigns.

They often work in state and federal government. Recruiters help employers find qualified candidates for job openings. They also work with job seekers to hone their resumes, find job opportunities, and complete the interview process. Recruiters use their communications skills to help the workplace function smoothly.

High school teachers specialize in a subject area. Political science graduates can teach social sciences, American government, or civics. High school teachers design lesson plans, assess student learning, and build fundamental skills for college readiness. Public school teachers must earn a state-issued license. Those with a master's degree earn higher salaries. Earning a master's degree in political science prepares graduates for several career paths, including political scientist, business analyst, and program coordinator.

Graduates can pursue opportunities in government agencies, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Prospective graduate students can research the top online master's in political science programs to learn more. Political scientists analyze data, develop policy positions, and track developments in politics. Many political scientists provide their expert opinions through writing or commentary.

They may work for politicians or political parties, for government bodies, or in the media. Senior business analysts examine data and design recommendations or plans based on their analysis. They identify weaknesses within their organization and create solutions to address any problems. Senior business analysts with a political science background draw on their analytical and writing skills to complete complex projects.

They may also analyze how various laws and government agencies impact business activities. Nonprofit program managers oversee divisions within their organization.

Political science graduates can work for social service nonprofits, charities, and foundations that advance political goals or rely on government funding. Because nonprofits specialize in many areas, program managers can often find a subfield that matches their personal goals and beliefs.

Diplomats represent the United States abroad. Depending on their specialization, they may process visas, engage with foreign politics, conduct cultural outreach activities, or work on economic issues. Diplomats primarily work for the U.

Department of State. Business consultants use problem-solving skills to advance a company's interests. They work for startups and established organizations. Business consultants with a political science background may specialize in companies that work with the government or play a role in politics.

During doctoral programs in political science, graduate students take specialized coursework, pass comprehensive exams, and complete a dissertation. The dissertation requires original research, an extensive written report of the doctoral student's findings, and a dissertation defense before a committee of professors. After earning their doctorate, graduates can pursue careers as professors, higher education administrators, and academic researchers.

They can also take jobs in government or the private sector. Directors of communications work for government agencies, nonprofits, and private businesses, where they design and implement communications strategies.

They act as spokespeople for companies, coordinate with journalists, and give press conferences. Communication directors also create employee communication policies. Policy analysts research and implement public policies, often working directly for government agencies or for closely related organizations.

The position requires a political education and an understanding of politics. Analysts must also possess exceptional analytical, writing, and research skills, which they can gain during a political science doctoral program.

Business intelligence managers analyze data and create plans based on their analysis. They use quantitative analysis and statistics to assess business strategies, making the position a good fit for political scientists. Business intelligence managers also conduct performance reviews, and they may play a part in training. Research analysts examine data and draw conclusions from their analysis. They may also verify data, test theories using that data, and create plans to apply their research.

Political scientists may work as research analysts in the public sector, applying their knowledge of government and politics to their research. Postsecondary instructors, also known as professors, teach college courses and conduct research in their field.

They may work in tenured or adjunct positions at a community college, four-year college, or university. Tenured positions typically require a doctorate. Political science majors do not just pursue careers in government or politics, nor do they all become educators or analysts. Political science majors can pursue any career that draws on the skills gained in a political science program. These careers include public relations, media, and communications.

Many go on to careers in business, finance and human resources. Others work in think tanks, pressure groups and charities. As one might imagine, many world leaders past and present studied politics, including former US presidents Barack Obama and Gerald Ford, former chancellor of Germany Helmut Kohl and prime minister of India Narendra Modi. But a range of people who became famous in other fields also studied politics at university, from broadcaster Jerry Springer and fashion designer Miuccia Prada to singers Will Young and Pete Burns and comedians Miranda Hart and Harry Enfield.

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