If you have decided to pursue a college degree but you are still not set on a major, we suggest majoring in political science. Now, chances are you might have already checked it off the list because it has the word ‘politics’ on it, but through this article, you will come to know a degree in political science is applicable to various fields outside of politics.
What Is Political Science?
Categorized under the branch of social sciences, political science is the study of politics and all things related. More specifically, political science is concerned with governance, political systems, and constitutional law and the correlation between them and society.
What Jobs Can You Get as a Political Science Major?
What distinguishes a degree is the type of knowledge and the special skill set you end up with when you graduate. Political science as a major is recognized as one of the most versatile majors in terms of job prospects after graduation.
Apart from the thorough theoretical part of the studies, in a political science program, students are endowed with an array of hard and soft skills that are essential in professions across many fields. These skills include data analysis, verbal and written communication skills, critical thinking, etc. Such a skillset makes political scientists qualified for various jobs, making it easier to get into politics and even lays the foundation for a possible career change.
Depending on the type of degree (associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate) you obtain, you might qualify for the following positions:
Policy analyst
Given the fact that political science majors study public policy, how the proposal came to be, and its effect on society-becoming a policy analyst is one of the obvious career paths for political science majors. Through thorough analytical skills, they develop during their studies, policy analysts are able to research proposals for public policy and work out strong and convincing arguments that are pro or against said policy. Still using skills that came with their political science major, they then have to persuade different parties to support their mission.
Policy analyst salary
According to data collected from PayScale, a policy analyst has a median annual salary of roughly $64,136 in 2024.
Public relations specialist
A career as a public relations specialist can be very diverse in terms of the clients you work with, meaning it does not have to be related to politics per se. As a public relations specialist, one helps maintain their client’s public image. They are concerned with how to present their client before the public in the best way possible, by researching the public’s opinion, organizing their client’s public appearances, press releases, etc.
Public relations specialist salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), public relations specialists make an average of $67,440 annually.
Social media manager
Because we live in the age of social media, perhaps the quickest way to influence public opinion is through social media sites. A social media manager’s position is similar to that of a public relations specialist in the sense that they help maintain their client’s public image through their knowledge and use of social media.
Social media manager salary
As of 2021, the median salary for social media managers is $57,230, according to PayScale.
Political consultant
And perhaps the most politics-related career a political science major can pursue is that of a political consultant. As per the job’s title, a political consultant is a great asset to a political candidate when running for office. Through their knowledge of politics and public opinion as well as strategies they learned in their studies, political consultants are able to influence the people’s opinion in favor of their clients.
Political consultant salary
According to Glassdoor, a political consultant’s average salary is $74,087 annually as of October 2023.
Is Political Science an Easy Major?
What people consider easy and difficult may vary depending on the person, so there is really no way of giving an absolute answer to this question. But there are some factors we can analyze that might help you come to a conclusion on your own. In regards to college education, some people consider a program that is longer than four years to be difficult. Others may focus on the coursework required to obtain the degree. A two-part and perhaps too simplistic answer to this question might be:
- Yes, it is easy if we consider the number of people that have obtained a degree in this field; and
- No, it isn’t easy because it is part of higher education which naturally means thorough studying of the field.
However, taking into consideration the career prospects of a political science degree, we might conclude that however difficult one might find it, it is still worth it.
Is Political Science a Good-Paying Major?
As we have mentioned above, a political science degree can lead to many career paths. These career paths differ not only according to qualification requirements but pay as well. Just like with any other major, job prospects after graduation vary according to the level of education and experience. Naturally, a higher degree like a master’s or a Ph.D. pays better than just a bachelor’s- which can only grant you entry-level types of jobs. Another factor In terms of numbers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a political scientist in 2020 was $125,350, with an estimated job outlook growth of 9%.
Why Get a Political Science Degree at BAU?
If you think you have been convinced to pursue a degree in political science, BAU offers a great Political Science & International Relations undergraduate program.
What makes our program better than others?
Firstly, our university strongly believes in affordable, high-quality education. This is made possible through our reasonably-priced tuition and the scholarships we offer our students. A college degree’s worth lies as much on the knowledge you acquire while studying as does on the skills you gain and the connections you make. These qualities usually go hand-in-hand at the BAU. Last but not least, where better to study politics than right here in Washington D.C.?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a political science degree only useful for careers in politics?
No, a political science degree is versatile and applicable to various fields beyond politics. It equips students with skills such as critical thinking, data analysis, and communication, which are valuable in many industries.
What skills do I develop as a political science major applicable to various fields?
Political science majors develop skills in research, analysis, writing, critical thinking, and communication. These skills are transferable to careers in policy analysis, public relations, social media management, and many others.
Can I pursue a public relations career with a political science degree?
Yes, a degree in political science provides a strong foundation for careers in public relations. The analytical and communication skills gained through political science studies are highly relevant in such fields.
Are political science majors typically well-paid, and what factors influence salary potential?
Salary potential for political science majors varies depending on factors such as level of education, experience, and chosen career path. While entry-level positions may have lower salaries, opportunities for advancement and higher salaries exist with additional education and experience.