Ever looked at a person in a position of power and wondered how they got there? Or questioned how someone got to be the president of millions of people?
One thing we know for sure: they understood the fundamentals of political science.
In this article, we will discuss what is political science, its career opportunities, and the significance of political science in today’s world.
What Is Political Science?
Political science is a social science discipline that focuses on the study of political systems, political behavior, and government. It encompasses a wide range of topics including comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public administration, and public policy.
Political science aims to understand the processes, structures, and behaviors that shape politics and governance at local, national, and international levels. It also examines the impact of policies, political ideologies, and institutions on societies.
What Can You Do With a Political Science Degree?
Politics affects just about every area of our lives. So, if you’re someone who has a cause to fight for, better believe you can do so through politics.
Studying political science can give students a deeper understanding of how political systems and institutions work. It can help students develop critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as an appreciation for the complexities of global and domestic politics.
Studying political science can empower students to actively participate in shaping the future of their communities and the world.
What Do You Study in a Political Science Program?
Like social science, political science requires extensive knowledge and skills that can consequently be applied to numerous different areas. While it depends on the university and the programs they offer, typically, political sciences comprise five different subfields:
1. Political Theory
Otherwise known as political philosophy, it is a subfield of political sciences that studies political ideas/ theories. This subfield is concerned with the theory of social values linked to the government, like justice, power, freedom, etc.
Political philosophy theorizes about possible, better scenarios of our society that can be reached through changing and improving policies.
2. Comparative Politics
A subfield of political science, comparative politics is the study of different political systems in the world by comparing them- governance in a comparative perspective. By studying the similarities and differences between these systems all over the world, comparative politics draws conclusions on how said political systems affect the citizens of a country.
Comparative politics nowadays is more concerned with empirical study, as opposed to political theory, which is more theory-oriented.
3. International Relations
Otherwise known as international affairs or international studies, this subfield is the study of the relations and interactions between sovereign countries all over the world.
The international affairs that concern this subfield are conflict/ war, security, economics (trade and finances), development, etc. This subfield also studies the mechanisms of international organizations like the United Nations (UN).
4. American Government and Politics
This subfield is the organized study of the special nature of the political system in the United States. American Government and Politics as a subfield is concerned with the local and national government, presidency, congress, courts, constitutional law, etc.
5. Political Methodology
One of the newer subfields of political science, political methodology, combines political theory and comparative politics. Thus, the main concern of political methodology is studying and analyzing the various methods that are applied to study politics in general.
Political Science Career Path
Now that you understand what is political science, you may wonder what would your career options be? There are several different career paths that students of political science can consider after they obtain their degree. Here are some of your options:
Government
When people think of political science, the first thing that comes to their mind is the government because that is kind of a given. With a degree in political science, you gain qualifications to work for your government, be that local, state, or federal. As for the title of your job- you can go for a position as a legislative aide, policy analyst, etc.
Law
A degree in political science can be applied to law-related careers as well. Depending on the type of degree, you can be qualified to work as a paralegal or a legal assistant. A political science degree can also be a stepping stone for those who want to further their education and apply to law school.
Education
And if you loved studying political science, imagine what fun it would be to teach it. A degree in political science also gives you the option of becoming a teacher/professor and imparting your knowledge on the field to future generations.
Business
Obtaining a political science degree and becoming a political scientist generates the opportunity for a business-related career as well. As a lobbyist, you get to be an advocate for certain groups of people or even your own clients and have an impact on the creation and/or amendments of the laws of your country.
Journalism
A degree in political science paired with a passion for media can lead to a successful career in journalism. Your knowledge of politics and exceptional writing skills can be what gives you the edge to write informative and perceptive articles that serve to inform the public.
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Is a Political Science Degree Worth It?
Now that we have established some important facts about political science, the question that remains is: is a degree in this field worth it? While there is no definite answer as to whether getting into politics is the best fit for you, a degree in this field certainly has its perks.
Firstly, political science is a fairly versatile field in terms of careers. Secondly, obtaining a degree, be that an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in political science equips you with a set of skills that are applicable in different sectors outside of political science. And last but not least, political science jobs lead to high salaries.
Simply obtaining a bachelor’s degree in this field makes you qualified for an array of entry-level positions with a focus on administration or communication.
The Bottom Line
Political science is a diverse and dynamic field that seeks to understand and analyze political behavior, systems, and institutions. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and public policy.
By studying political science, we can gain valuable insights into the workings of government and society, and develop a deeper understanding of the forces that shape our world.
If you have made up your mind about pursuing a degree in political science, join our Political Science & International Relations undergraduate program!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main subfields of political science?
The main subfields include:
- Comparative Politics: Examines different political systems and their functioning.
- International Relations: Studies interactions between countries and global issues.
- Political Theory: Explores political ideas, philosophies, and ideologies.
- Public Administration: Focuses on the implementation of government policies and public service.
- Public Policy: Analyzes policy-making processes and outcomes.
Why is political science important?
Political science helps us understand how governments operate, the impact of policies, and the behavior of political entities. It equips individuals with critical thinking skills and insights into civic engagement, fostering informed citizenship.
What methods do political scientists use?
Political scientists use a variety of methods, including qualitative and quantitative research, case studies, surveys, interviews, and statistical analysis to study political phenomena and test hypotheses.
How does political science relate to other fields?
Political science intersects with economics, sociology, history, law, and psychology. It draws on concepts and methods from these disciplines to analyze complex political issues and trends.
What careers can one pursue with a degree in political science?
Graduates can pursue careers in government, law, international organizations, non-profits, journalism, academia, and public policy analysis, among others.
What skills do political science students develop?
Students develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, research skills, effective communication, and an understanding of complex systems, which are valuable in various professional contexts.