Introduction
Political science is the study of that activity whereby public policy is made and implemented. Political scientists are concerned with all those ideas, institutions, processes, and policies which constitute that activity, such as equality, legislation, political socialization, and welfare.
Political scientists study a wide range of subjects, including Russian-American relations, the beliefs and institutional policies of nations in Asia and Africa, the politics of a New England town or major metropolis, and the decisions of the Supreme Court. Studying topics such as public opinion, political decision making, and ideology, they analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as informal political entities. Depending on the topic under study, a political scientist might conduct a public opinion survey, analyze public documents, or analyze election results.
Most political scientists work in colleges and universities but, in addition to their teaching and administrative work, they also act as consultants and researchers for non-academic organizations. Political scientists are research oriented and systematically analyze data collected from public opinion surveys, election results, and comparisons of economic proposals. Research results are used by public officials, political parties, government administration, legislative committees, citizen groups, and business firms.
Careers
Employment opportunities for graduates with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science can be found in a wide range of fields and industries in both the public and private sectors. UNC Political Science graduates have found employment with the following organizations or in the following capacities:
- Immigration and Naturalization Service
- Colorado Department of Health
- Metro Denver Public Defender's Office
- Staffer for the Colorado Board of Regents
- Legislative staffer in the state legislature
- Lobbyist for the Colorado Association for Commerce and Industry
- Congressional Aide
- Staffer in Colorado Governor's office
- City Auditor of Denver
- State Farm Insurance
- Greeley-Weld County Economic Development Action
- Partnership
- Executive position with United Cable
This does not represent an exhaustive account of the total range of employment opportunities. For more information see Careers and the Study of Political Science, A Guide for Undergraduates made available through the American Political Science Association, 1527 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036; and Career Choices for Students of Political Science and Government, available in the library.
Lists of current openings in the federal government, state and local government, and many business firms are maintained by the Career Services Office at the University Center.
Examples of Other Careers in Political Science
- Program Evaluator
- Public Affairs Research Analyst
- Plans and Review Officer, USIA
- Policy Analyst, Governor's Office
- International Research Specialist
- Research Director for an Advertising Firm
- City Housing Manager
- Advisor to Chair, State Energy Commission
- Attorney
- Business Advisor for Government Relations
- Librarian for Large Corporation
- Federal Commission Policy Analyst
- State Department Officer
- Campaign Finance Analyst
- City Project Coordinator
- Lobbyist
- County Clerk
- Administration and Policy Development
- Assistant Budget Examiner
- Management Analyst
- FAA Personnel Officer
- City Office, Planning/Community Development
- Credit Research Manager
- Traffic Courts Coordinator
- State Legislative Issues Manager
- Member of State Assembly
- Foundation President
- Specialist, Library of Congress
- City or State Personnel Officer
- Superintendent, State Deptartment of Education
- County Council member
- Deputy Manager, Political Risk Insurance Division
- Television Network, Director of Surveys
- Information Manager, Corporate Planning Department
- State Department of Human Services
- Corporate Public Affairs Advisor
- U.S. Consulate
- County Bureau of Labor Training
- Criminologist
- HUD, Legislative Specialist
- CIA, Office of Research and Development
- Environmental/ Regulatory Affairs Employee Relations Analyst
- Labor Relations Specialist
- Financial Consultant
- Survey Research
- U.S. Army, Strategic Planning Specialist
- City Housing Administrator
- Publisher
- Legislative Coordinator, Mayor's Office
- U.S. Supreme Court, Judicial Fellow
- Senior Advisor, Department of Treasury
- Investigator, OPM
- Vice President, Market Research
- Director, Public Affairs
- Staff Member, U.S. House of Representatives
- Legislative Director, U.S. Senate
- Director, County Economic Development Office
- Principal Program Evaluator
- Political Commentator, TV/Newspaper
- Director of Regulatory Compliance
- Journalist
- Research Consulting Firm
- USIA, Special Advisor to Administrator
- Governor's Office, Director of State Operations
- Staff Assistant, U.S. Congress
- Director of State Archives and History
- Bank Vice President, International Division
- Senior Public Opinion Analyst
- City's Coordinator of Federal/State Aid
- Assistant District Attorney
- Newspaper Reporter, Local Politics
- Transportation Specialist
- Statistician for Governmental Agency
- Police Officer
- Juvenile Justice Specialist
- Public Information Manager
- Issue Analyst, Corp. Social Policy Division
- Marketing Research Supervisor
- Publishing Company Executive
Experience acquired through cooperative education or internships can prove valuable in obtaining professional positions. The Ph.D or equivalent degree is usually a minimum requirement for most positions in colleges and universities and is important for advancement to many top-level, non-academic research and administrative posts. Many Political Science majors go on to law school. It is an excellent major for those interested in careers in legal fields.
Desirable personal qualities:
- Training in statistics and mathematics
- Computer knowledge for research
- Logical, analytical, methodical thinking
- Open-mindedness
- Systematic/organized work habits
- Intellectual curiosity and creativity
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Tact and diplomacy
- Interest in solving problems
- Patience and persistence
