Political
Science Major
What is Political Science?
Political Science is the study of government
and public policy and of the political behavior of individuals
and groups. It uses both humanistic and scientific perspectives
and skills to examine political systems in the United
States, all countries and regions of the world, and international
relations. Political science students understand the dynamic
and changing political world in which we live and its
ramifications for our lives. The understanding of how
politics work, motivating factors behind public policy,
and the use of public strength to advantage as well as
many other topics are critical to political science. In
the process students also acquire improved analytic, speaking,
and writing skills necessary for succeeding in a challenging
socio-political and work environment. The political science
major is designed to expose students to the philosophical
and practical problems of political organization, action,
and governance and to encourage critical thinking about
the nature of citizenship, rights, and duties in the modern
world. The undergraduate political science curriculum
is divided into areas such as American politics, theoretical
politics and foreign politics.
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What are Some Specializations
Within this Broad Major?
MyMajors.com cannot pinpoint your interests
beyond recommending this general major. Various specializations
related to this major may be offered by colleges and universities.
These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest
to you. A few of the specializations related to this field
include, but are not limited to:
American Government
and Politics |
Demography or Population Studies |
International Politics |
Political Science |
Political Science and Government |
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What Kinds of Students Major
in Political Science?
Individuals who are interested in the
workings of both national and international government
systems and how they interact with each other are usually
found in a major like this one. They usually take an active
part in such things like school or community programs
or political movements. They might have or be interested
in holding an office either in the school where they attend
or they have goals to be elected into office one day as
well. Students completing the political science major
are expected todevelop the ability to read and listen
critically; to reason analytically and engage in thoughtful
moral judgment; and to write and speak clearly and forcefully.
The major emphasizes the enhancement of key intellectual
skills and qualities of mind-the habits of questioning,
debating, challenging, and shaping coherent and persuasive
arguments.
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What Courses Do Political Science
Majors Take?
The required and elective courses you
would take for majors vary considerably among institutions.
Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth
of topics you are likely to experience were you to major
in this field.
American National
Government |
World Politics |
American Foreign Policy |
Parties and Elections in the
United States |
Presidential Politics |
Gender Politics |
Political Research and Analysis |
Latin American Politics |
American Political Thought |
Contemporary Political Ideologies |
Politics and Society in the
Middle East |
Politics and Society in Developing
Areas |
Dynamics of State and Community
Politics |
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What Types of Positions do
Political Science Majors Take After College?
These professions and professional organizations
illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for
if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly
related to employment than others, however. You should
consider the likelihood of employment after graduation
carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work
in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work
in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you
should determine what the prospects are for this or any
major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by
the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment
in second major or in a minor.
Political Advisor |
Elected Public Official |
Public Administration |
Urban and Regional Planning |
Government Service |
Congress Aide |
Public Policy Analysis |
Law |
Business |
Lobbyist |
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Are you interested in detailed information
about the forecasted demand for a particular profession?
Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions
are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you
to search on a particular job, whether listed here or
not, to give you this information.
Bureau
of Labor Statistics
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Related Links
If you are interested in learning more
about what professionals in this field do and what kinds
of activities they engage in, you might want to begin
with the following web sites. Also check the departmental
web sites of colleges and universities, which offer this
major.
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University Departments to Consider
The following institutions are the
featured institutions on MyMajors because they support
MyMajors and you in your search for the best major available.
They offer excellent curriculums in well-rounded programs
for you to consider.
Other fine institutions offering this
major offer excellent programs to consider.
For information on options available
to campuses wishing to see their majors listed
on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Two-Year College Curriculums
to Consider
Suggest to your two-year college
advisor that their institution's majors be included
to show you their course requirements and unique
resources. Two-year college representatives
should contact admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Want
More Information? Look at major descriptions
prepared by university academic advisement staffs.
