What Can You Do With Your Political Science Degree? | College & Careers | The Princeton Review

Summary

Rob Franek from The Princeton Review explores the versatility of a political science major, highlighting its relevance in diverse careers like law, politics, and nonprofit sectors. With nearly 42,000 degrees awarded in 2019, the major equips graduates with research, communication, and data analysis skills. Entry-level jobs include Public Relations Coordinator and Legislative Assistant, while advanced degrees open paths in academia, law, and executive roles. The video encourages political science enthusiasts to share their interests in the field.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Political science is a popular major, with nearly 42,000 undergraduate degrees awarded in 2019.
• 🌍 This major provides a strong foundation in research, communication, and data analysis skills, applicable to both private and public sectors.
• 📈 The field is growing, with political science graduates joining a workforce of 3.8 million professionals in social sciences.
• 👩‍💼 Graduates can pursue careers in law, politics, government, nonprofit, media, consulting, financial services, business, and education.
• 📰 Entry-level jobs include Public Relations Coordinator, Social Media Manager, Nonprofit Program Coordinator, and Legislative Assistant.
• 💡 A political science degree is versatile, opening doors to various roles in advocacy, research, and policy-making.
• 🏛️ Law school is a common path for political science majors, leading to careers as lobbyists, corporate lawyers, or legal advocates.
• 🎓 Pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) can lead to management roles in public and private sectors, such as City Manager or Charity Director.
• 📚 Doctoral programs in political science prepare graduates for academic and research-oriented careers, including professorships and think tank roles.
• 🌟 The video encourages political science majors to share their interests in the field and subscribe for more college and career insights.

Q & A

What is the focus of a political science major?

A political science major focuses on learning about systems of government, political behavior, and how to apply political theories to current events, with an emphasis on global affairs, public policy, and current events.

How popular is a political science degree in terms of undergraduate degrees awarded?

Political science is a popular major, with nearly 42,000 total undergraduate degrees awarded in 2019.

What are some of the skills that a political science degree equips students with?

A political science degree equips students with strong research, communication, and data analysis skills applicable to careers in both the private and public sectors.

What types of careers can political science graduates pursue?

Political science graduates can pursue careers in law, politics, government, the nonprofit sector, media, consulting, financial services, business, and education.

What is the role of a Public Relations Coordinator in the context of political science?

As a Public Relations Coordinator, political science graduates use their writing skills to write and edit press releases, manage media contact lists, and monitor press coverage, shaping public opinion through media.

How does a Social Media Manager's role differ from a Public Relations Coordinator?

A Social Media Manager focuses on monitoring and shaping public opinion through digital platforms, developing social media campaigns and strategies, as opposed to traditional media-focused roles like a Public Relations Coordinator.

What responsibilities does a Nonprofit Program Coordinator have?

A Nonprofit Program Coordinator helps further the mission of a nonprofit by coordinating events, writing outreach materials, organizing program agendas, and assisting with project management.

What does a Legislative Assistant do in relation to legislation?

A Legislative Assistant takes on responsibilities related to legislation, including writing, editing, and tracking legislation, serving as a point of contact for constituents, and drafting speeches and talking points.

Why do many political science majors choose to pursue advanced degrees?

Many political science majors pursue advanced degrees to prepare for roles in academia, law, and executive leadership, enhancing their career options and professional qualifications.

What career opportunities does a law degree offer to political science majors?

A law degree offers political science majors a variety of career paths, including developing legislation as a lobbyist, working as a corporate lawyer, or as a legal advocate for at-risk populations or issue-based organizations within the nonprofit sector.

What is the significance of a Master of Public Administration (MPA) for political science majors?

An MPA allows political science majors to specialize in areas like Nonprofit Management, Public Policy Analysis, Urban Development, and International Relations, leading to meaningful work as managers in both public and private sectors.

What opportunities does a PhD in political science provide?

A PhD in political science prepares individuals for careers in academia as researchers, professors, and scholars at universities, think tanks, consulting firms, and government institutions.