What Can I do With a Degree in Political Science?

Career Center Library Resources
The Career Center Library has a variety of resources to help students explore potential career fields. These resources include information about typical responsibilities, qualifications, career paths, job outlook, salary, and related careers.

Career-Related Books for Political Science Majors

  • The Government Job Finder
  • Great Careers
  • Capitol Jobs
  • Careers and the Study of Political Science
  • Opportunities in Federal Government Careers
  • The Complete Guide to Public Employment
  • 100 Jobs in Social Change
  • Careers for Legal Eagles and Other Law and Order Types
  • The Best Jobs for the 21st Century
  • Making a Living While Making a Difference
  • Careers in Focus: Government

Vocational Biographies
Vocational Biographies (http://www.vocbiosonline.com/login.php) describes the career success stories of 1001 real people. Search by career title, keyword, topic, and career cluster. Username: portland su and pass code: 3w9n

  • Legislative Chief of Staff
  • Congressional Aide
  • FBI Special Agent
  • Association Director
  • U.S. Senator
  • Lobbyist

Professional Associations

Internet Sites with Career-Related Information for Political Science Majors

  • What Can I do with a Major in...Political Science — Lists related career titles for political science majors. From the Career Services Office at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, North Carolina.
  • Political Science — Lists potential job titles, places of employment, and skills for political science majors. From the University Career and Employment Services at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas.
  • College Majors and Career Opportunities: History & Political Science — Lists related occupations and types of employers. From Career Services, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
  • What Can I do with a Major in...Government? — "This is a list of job titles and job descriptions of entry-level positions for which graduates with a B.A. in government might be hired." From the Career Exploration Center at the University of Texas, Austin, Texas.
  • Major: Political Science — Lists potential job titles and answers frequently asked questions about a major in political science. From the Academic Advising and Career Development Center, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia.
  • Political Science: What Can I Do With This Major? — Outlines common career areas, identifies typical employers, and suggests general strategies to enhance employability. From Career Services at the University of Tennessee.

Places of Employment

Students who major in political science develop skills that are valued by employers. These skills include: research, analysis, writing, oral presentation, critical thinking, synthesis, and problem solving. Students and alumni may find employment in business, government, nonprofits, social services, and educational institutions depending on their skills and experience. Internships or relevant part-time jobs may be a prerequisite to finding employment.

The following list of employers and job titles was derived from the Career Center's jobs database where the employer specifically requested political science majors. This list does not reflect all potential places of employment or kinds of jobs for political science majors. This list does not reflect current openings.

Miscellaneous

Division of Political Science — Portland State University