Political Science Major

• What is Political Science?
• What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?
• What Kinds of Students Major in Political Science?
• What Courses Do Political Science Majors Take?
• List of Political Science Jobs
• What is the Median Salary Range for Political Science Careers?
• College and University Departments to Consider

What is Political Science?

Political Science is the study of government and public policy and of the political behavior of individuals and groups. It uses both humanistic and scientific perspectives and skills to examine political systems in the United States, all countries and regions of the world, and international relations. Political science students understand the dynamic and changing political world in which we live and its ramifications for our lives. The understanding of how politics work, motivating factors behind public policy, and the use of public strength to advantage as well as many other topics are critical to political science. In the process students also acquire improved analytic, speaking, and writing skills necessary for succeeding in a challenging socio-political and work environment. The political science major is designed to expose students to the philosophical and practical problems of political organization, action, and governance and to encourage critical thinking about the nature of citizenship, rights, and duties in the modern world. The undergraduate political science curriculum is divided into areas such as American politics, theoretical politics and foreign politics.

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What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?

Various specializations related to a major in Political Science may be offered by colleges and universities. These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest to you. A few of these specializations related to this field include, but are not limited to:

American Government and Politics	Demography or Population Studies
International Politics	Political Science
Political Science and Government

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What Kinds of Students Major in Political Science?

Individuals who are interested in the workings of both national and international government systems and how they interact with each other are usually found in a major like this one. They usually take an active part in such things like school or community programs or political movements. They might have or be interested in holding an office either in the school where they attend or they have goals to be elected into office one day as well. Students completing the political science major are expected to develop the ability to read and listen critically; to reason analytically and engage in thoughtful moral judgment; and to write and speak clearly and forcefully. The major emphasizes the enhancement of key intellectual skills and qualities of mind-the habits of questioning, debating, challenging, and shaping coherent and persuasive arguments.

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What Courses Do Political Science Majors Take?

The required and elective courses you would take for Political Science majors vary considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were you to major in this field.

American Foreign Policy	American National Government
American Political Thought	Contemporary Political Ideologies
Dynamics of State and Community Politics	Gender Politics
Latin American Politics	Parties and Elections in the United States
Political Research and Analysis	Politics and Society in Developing Areas
Politics and Society in the Middle East	Presidential Politics
World Politics

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List of Potential Jobs in Political Science

These professions and professional organizations illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly related to employment than others, however. You should consider the likelihood of employment after graduation carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you should determine what the prospects are for this or any major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment in second major or in a minor.

Business	Congress Aide
Elected Public Official	Government Service
Law	Lobbyist
Political Advisor	Public Administration
Public Policy Analysis	Urban and Regional Planning

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What is the Median Salary Range for Political Science Careers?

U.S. Median Salary(starting):$41,300

U.S. Median Salary(mid-career):$77,300

Note: These numbers are national averages so you could make more or less than these amounts. Actual expected salaries will vary depending on your chosen career path, experience, and even your geographic location. Are you interested in detailed information about the forecasted demand for a particular profession? Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you to search on a particular job, whether listed here or not, to give you this information.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Colleges and Universities offering majors in Political Science

MyMajors complete list has 1,155 schools in the USA with a major in Political Science.
-View the national listing!

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For information on options available to campuses wishing to see their programs listed on MyMajors, contact for details.