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

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)