Department of Political Science

 

Political science is the study of political values, institutions, processes, and policies. The study of political science prepares one for life as an informed citizen, ready to participate in political activities within interest groups or political parties; related to community organization and political advocacy; or even service as an elected or appointed official.

 

Political science is the study of people and societies struggling with great and enduring issues such as war and peace, order and freedom, and justice and equality. Understanding how and why those issues are resolved, or fail to be resolved, is at the heart of education in political science.

 

 

Teaching, research and publishing are typical occupations for the political scientist. Studying political science can also lead to careers in the government, in law, business, international organizations, non-governmental organizations or not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, in campaign management and polling, journalism, and electoral politics. Although a career in politics could be considered a typical opportunity for a political scientist, it is not a must.

 

Campaigns and elections are one of the more obvious career choices. Traditional campaign jobs are generally found through individuals and local parties. Volunteering for a campaign or a local party will help you to get a paid position later. Careers in campaign management are cyclical as they come and go with election schedules, but there are on-going opportunities with consulting firms or a political action committee of an interest group. Political science a very useful base for a career in social work, human rights, social or political research and urban planning.

 

Politics affects virtually every aspect of our lives, including the availability of education, jobs, housing and healthcare. Whether countries are at war or at peace depends both on what governments do and who supports them. The demand for political science research is growing because of increasing interest in politics, foreign affairs, and public policy, including social and environmental policy issues, healthcare, and immigration.