What Can You Do With a Degree in Political Science?

[chisnpeke]

I am currently in college for Secondary Education (Freshman) for Social Studies. However, jobs in that field are very hard to come by so I am wondering what you can do with a degree in political science. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[JimB.]

Fly jets in the Navy. At least, that's what I did with mine............

 

[ilisao]

I have a minor in Political Science and an M.A. in it as well. I spent 10 years in the government relations field lobbying Congress. You can work as a lobbyist, as a legislative aide, as an analyst, etc. I live in the Washington, DC area where those jobs are a dime a dozen. Outside the area, you are more limited. Your job opportunities on the state level would be near the legislature. If you get such a degree, are you willing to move?

Oh, BTW, with that degree, I am now a travel agent.

 

[wardfamily1]

There was a comedian on T.V doing stand-up 10+ years ago that had a degree in Poli-Sci. I remember him saying "You know what people do that get Political Science degrees? They teach political science."

 

[PlainJane]

Fly jets in the Navy. At least, that's what I did with mine............

That's what my cousin's SO did, after that he became meteorologist.

 

[chisnpeke]

There was a comedian on T.V doing stand-up 10+ years ago that had a degree in Poli-Sci. I remember him saying "You know what people do that get Political Science degrees? They teach political science."

I was thinking maybe I could teach political science at the college level. I really just don't want to have the pressures put on me in public education.

 

[chisnpeke]

I have a minor in Political Science and an M.A. in it as well. I spent 10 years in the government relations field lobbying Congress. You can work as a lobbyist, as a legislative aide, as an analyst, etc. I live in the Washington, DC area where those jobs are a dime a dozen. Outside the area, you are more limited. Your job opportunities on the state level would be near the legislature. If you get such a degree, are you willing to move?

Oh, BTW, with that degree, I am now a travel agent.

That is the problem. I am not really willing to move. I like where I live.

I may just stay in education but work at a daycare or something. Decisions can be so hard.

 

[emma'smom]

Get a job at the Political Science Factory.....(right next door to the "Sociologists R Us" and across the street from "Philosophy Inc.")

 

[lindalinda]

That is the problem. I am not really willing to move. I like where I live.

I may just stay in education but work at a daycare or something. Decisions can be so hard.

I hope you arent serious. Why not stay in education but refocus on a different area? Don't waste your college degree on a minimum wage job.


Unless of course, you are independently wealthy.

 

[KyraS]

My son loves Politics (I hate them). Anyway he is looking into language and political science. One of the things he is interested in is being a translator in D.C.

Of course he's also looking at Structural and Technical Engineering to work at Disney building and designing new rides.

Two very different jobs, LOL!

 

[ColoradoBuffaloMom]

My degree is in Political Science. When I first decided to major in Poli Sci I planned to go to Law School. By the time I was almost done with college (in the early 80's) I decided I didn't want to go to Law School. I got a Masters in Education with an emphasis in College Student Personnel. I worked with Residence Halls for many years. Now I work with Gifted kids at an Elementary School.

Did I need a Poli Sci degree for this? Probably not but I did need a college degree. I love politics and government so have never regretted my Poli Sci degree and I tease folks that I can write a lot and not really say a whole lot so I must have learned something

 

[okeydokey]

You could work in a number of state or federal government agencies or a non-profit agency.

 

[momof3littlelilos]

I had planned to go to law school once I finished my degree...but now I use my vast knowledge and skills to negotiate peace treaties between my toddler and preschooler.

 

[momof3littlelilos]

Get a job at the Political Science Factory.....(right next door to the "Sociologists R Us" and across the street from "Philosophy Inc.")

I read somewhere that a large number of Barnes & Noble employees have doctorates. If you're talking a grad school degree they might have a place for you stocking non-fiction?

I'm sorry. That wasn't at all helpful, was it?

 

[emma'smom]

I read somewhere that a large number of Barnes & Noble employees have doctorates. If you're talking a grad school degree they might have a place for you stocking non-fiction?

I'm sorry. That wasn't at all helpful, was it?

There are also a surprising number of cab drivers who also have PhD's....

 

[Mr Man]

I think the question needs to be "framed" differently.

IMO, I think the question that should be asked is, what do you want to do with a Poly-sci degree?

Selecting a major is not the same as selecting a career. Most people pursue careers that have nothing to do with their degree (this coming from a BA History who works in Business Development - mergers & aquisitions....hehe)

It may be that your career path has nothing to do with your major. My best advice: pick something that interests you.

Regards,

 

[scooter15]

I have my BA in Poli Sci and my Master of Public Administration. I worked in gov't at the county level as an planner/analyst for 5 years and then as a business mgr at one of the top universities. I am looking for a change now and looking into teaching, possibly at the two possible extremes...junior college level or elementary school.

But here's a list of jobs that many of my fellow poli sci majors at my college hold:

Community Affairs Mgr for a MLB team
Business Mgr both in public/private sector
City Planner
City Manager
Police Officer
Foreign Service Officer
High School Government Teacher
GIS analyst
Political strategist

I do have to say that many of my friends have those jobs because they interned at many of the places they work at.

 

[cccm]

Major in Political Science, minors in Sociology and Criminal Justice.

I work as a supervisor at a medical software company. You never know where life will bring you.

 

[corndog]

Sales.

 

[Cindy B]

Well at least it's not English (ala Avenue Q)

As for Poli Sci, it is fairly limiting if you don't want to relocate. Social Studies jobs are a bit difficult to come by, but definetely not impossible. For example, there were four retirements alone just in my district this past year. I am qualified to teach Social Studies (middle school) and I just need to pass the Praxis.

My DH is toying around with the idea of either Economics or Poli Sci degree. His coursework leans towards both majors. The thing is he already has a job and will mostly likely not leave that company. Either one of the majors sets him up for a different position within the company.