You Will Have More Career Opportunities than with any other liberal arts major--Political Science will open the world to you!
Are you interested in American politics? International affairs? Critical issues like health care, the environment, civil rights, the deficit? Do you want to study these subjects and pursue a career based on your interest? If so, you should consider political science as a major.
Political science is an excellent liberal arts major for students interested in learning how groups of people govern themselves, how policies are made, and how we can improve our government policies at the local, state, national, and international levels. A political science major prepares students for jobs in almost any field, from business to law to research. And studying the major at Lee will certainly give you a Christian perspective. Adam Cava, a sophomore here at Lee explains: "Studying politics in a Christian setting gives the student a heightened awareness of how to relate biblical views into the democratic decision-making process."
The American Political Science Association provides the following description of the political science major: "Political science majors acquire skills in writing, communications, and analysis that are critical to a liberal arts education. A liberal arts education prepares students to think independently, with tolerance for others and concern for current affairs. Today, students can reasonably expect to change jobs and even to have more than one career. An undergraduate education in the liberal arts and sciences is excellent preparation for flexibility in employment.
Political science majors qualify for many different careers in private and public sector organizations, including careers in business, the law, state, local and federal government, journalism, international organizations and finance, political campaigns, interest groups and associations, and pre-college and college teaching. Political science training also provides valuable preparation for participating in community organizations, electoral politics, movements on behalf of specific policies, or even seeking elected or appointed positions in government."
Careers in Political Science
The Political Science Program has successfully placed their majors in a wide variety of jobs. Some examples include the following:
Education:
Many students choose to further their education through graduate school. By earning an M.A. or Ph.D., these students obtain jobs teaching at community colleges or universities, or jobs in research.
Government Employment:
Many majors obtain jobs working for local, state, or federal government. Examples include Congressional aids and campaign managers, state representatives, state legislative staff members, state executive office staff members, and county/city officials. Besides government work, political science graduates can obtain jobs working for government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, State Board of Education, Social Security Office, Department of Public Aid, and numerous other agencies.
Legal Careers:
Law is a common route for many political science majors. Political science is one of the best undergraduate majors for students who want to go law school because of its emphasis on conceptual thinking and public affairs. Examples of law school placements include Washington and Lee University, Vanderbilt University, College of William and Mary, Mercer University, and Yale University. Contact Dr. Lee Cheek , the Campus Pre-Law Liaison for more information about law school and legal studies.
Business and Private Agencies:
The study of political science can help develop an awareness of political, social, and economic trends and attitudes affecting the business community. Also, many public goods and services, like health care, senior citizen programs, and economic development are being provided by private agencies and businesses. Many political science majors gain employment in these fields, given their policy expertise. Examples of such employment include insurance agencies, agricultural businesses, financial institutes, and consulting firms.
Communications and Journalism:
With its emphasis on public affairs, public attitudes and government, political science is one of the best preparations for a career in journalism.
International Trade and Organizations:
The United Nations, international businesses, and various international relief and aid groups look for people who understand the problems of our increasing economic and political interdependence with the rest of the world. Political science focuses on this interdependence. Former majors possess jobs in economic development, foreign affairs, and other international organizations.
http://faculty.leeu.edu/~politicalscience/why_study_political_science.htm
http://faculty.leeu.edu/~politicalscience/why_study_political_science.htm
