Career outlook
What can I do with a political degree?
Majoring in political science can qualify you for many different careers in private, for-profit, and non-profit organizations, as well as the public sector. Graduates can pursue careers in:
- Law
- State, local, and federal government
- Elected office and campaign management
- Journalism, media, and communications
- Community service
- Advocacy
- Non-governmental and non-profit organizations
- Teaching
- Consulting
- Research
- Business and finance
Transferable skills
A political science degree develops the following skills in:
- Library and field research
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Written and verbal communication
- Appreciation of multiple perspectives
Career goals
The field of political science is of special importance to students whose career goals include:
- Professions likely to involve participation in public affairs, including law, engineering, criminal justice, public health, social welfare and education
- Administrative or executive positions in government at the local, state or federal levels
- Teaching of political and social science at the secondary, junior college and university levels
- Positions in the diplomatic service and in foreign and overseas programs of the U.S. government and of other organizations doing business abroad
- Leadership, research, and staff roles in citizen organizations, political parties, campaign organizations, economic and social interest groups, municipal research bureaus, and nonprofit organizations
- Positions associated with mass communications, such as radio, television and newspapers, where basic understanding of public affairs and governmental policies and organization is required for accurate reporting and analysis
- Positions in private enterprise where knowledge of governmental processes is essential, such as in industrial relations, legislative liaison and public relations
Some careers in political science
Career | Median salary | Market growth |
---|---|---|
Social Science Research Assistant | $42,480 | 5 – 8% |
Secondary Teacher | $57,200 | 5 – 8% |
Public Relations Specialist | $56,770 | 5 – 8% |
Social and Community Service Manager | $63,530 | 9 – 13% |
Reporters and Correspondents | $36,360 | -2% |
Source: O*NET Online, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration
Who hires political scientists?
- Federal, state and local agencies and offices
- Universities and secondary schools
- Business
- Nonprofit agencies
- Research institutes
Recent graduates
Wayne State graduates have secured employment as a(n):
- Attorney
- Wayne County Commissioner
- Detroit school teacher
- Program analyst for Michigan House of Representatives
- Michigan Supreme Court Justice
- V.P. for Ford Motor Company
- Dearborn police officer
- Program evaluator for GAO
- Health services provider
- V.P. Easter Seals
- Director of U.S. Food Stamp Program
- Professor
- Director of personnel services, Farmington Schools
- Mayor of Ferndale
- Director of fiscal services: Kansas Juvenile Justice System
- Adviser: World Trade Organization
- Assistant to Mayor Dennis Archer
- Director, SEMCOG
Graduate study
This degree also provides a solid foundation for graduate study in:
- Political science
- Public administration and public policy
- Law
The bachelor of arts and bachelor of public affairs degrees provide preparation for:
- Entry level positions in various governmental and nonprofit agencies
- Graduate school for advanced degrees in political science or public administration
- Law School
- Secondary school teacher (as a co-major)
Notable people with a political science major
- Barack Obama (former president of the United States of America)
- Paul Ryan (former U.S. House of Representatives speaker of the house)
- Condoleeza Rice (former secretary of state and current professor at Stanford)
- Anderson Cooper (broadcast journalist)