Careers in Political Science
Students have a variety of paths they may choose to follow upon completion of a bachelor’s degree in political science. Students develop a multitude of skills that are beneficial in a variety of fields: written and oral communication, research, and critical and analytical thinking.
Although there are a variety of options you could decide to pursue in graduate school or government service, a political science degree is also the perfect foundation for someone who plans to enter the workforce after graduation.
- Business
- Community Relations
- Corporate Law
- Foreign Services
- Government service
- International Affairs
- Journalism
- Labor relations
- Law
- Political advising/consulting
- Political campaigning
- Public service
- Research analysis with a “think tank” or research institution
- Teaching, at high school or collegiate level
One of the best ways to find a job in government is by volunteering on a political campaign or obtaining an internship that may lead to a paid position. Carthage faculty and The Aspire Center assist students in finding internships.
For jobs requiring additional education, an employer may provide that education. For example, individuals interested in teaching at the pre-collegiate level have several options for obtaining certification, depending on demand in various areas. Similarly, many companies have programs that assist individuals in completing the required business courses, compared to completing a degree through a business school. Students interested in one of these fields can receive direction from an advisor in the Political Science Department.
Graduate School
For those students who plan to continue their education, the political science degree provides a basis for several options. Students interested in specialized fields may pursue a master’s degree. Other students choose to attend law school. Students who want to teach at the college level work toward a Ph.D. in political science. In addition, there are jobs in research analysis with “think tanks” and research institutions and positions with the government.
A political science degree offers a significant amount of flexibility for students who care about social issues and politics.
Carthage graduates have gone on to top graduate programs in law, political science, and other disciplines. They ultimately hold positions with law firms and other employers such as:
- Ronald McDonald House Charities
- Xcel Energy
- Board of Veterans’ Appeals
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
- U.S. Senate
- Cargill
- Citizen Action of Wisconsin
- Farm Bureau Financial Services
- Chicago-Kent College of Law
- John Marshall School of Law
- Marquette University
- Michigan State University
- Northeastern University
- Northern Illinois University
- Northwestern University
- Notre Dame
- Princeton University
- Syracuse University
- University of Chicago
- University of Colorado
- University of Delaware
- University of Iowa
- University of Minnesota
- University of Texas
- University of Toronto
- University of Wisconsin - Madison
- University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
- Valparaiso University
- Western Illinois University
Visit The Aspire Center for more information on careers after Carthage