Political Science Graduates Have Many Options
More people voted in the 2008 presidential election than ever before. More than 44,000 ideas were submitted online as part of a citizen’s briefing book for President Barack Obama – supporting his goal to create the most open and accessible administration in U.S. history. Many — maybe even you — now want to put political ideas into action, earning a job with the new administration or closer to home. A political science degree may be a good way to start, for a variety of career directions.
“Our political science students graduate with an understanding of the political process at the various levels of government as well as develop policy analysis, financial management, and communication skills,†says Dr. Gwen Hall, dean of the school of security and global studies at American Public University System (APUS).
“Employers from all areas – government, business, non-profit organizations, the legal sector and many others – need professionals with these skills,†she says.
Career Options
Hall says enrollment in APUS’s political science program has grown this past year due to a renewed interest in public service and possibly the election.
APUS is a distance learning institution offering more than 70 online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. It serves more than 40,000 students worldwide. Hall says the political science program has always been popular among students.
“Different kinds of students are interested in the topics we cover in the bachelor’s and master’s programs, such as law, economics, history, and public policy,†she says.
The career options are just as diverse. The American Political Science Association offers a glimpse:
- Federal government
- State and local government
- Nonprofit organizations
- Law
- Business
- International careers
- Journalism
- CampaignsÂ
- Education
What are the challenges political science graduates face in these positions? They range from finding ways to expand local services while facing shrinking budgets, to improving communication between citizens and their leaders, to helping implement disaster plans.Â
“If your career goal is to make a difference in your community, a political science degree may help you do just that,†says Hall.
Job outlook
 The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment for political scientists to increase about 3 to 6 percent through 2016. It says those with better educational qualifications have the best chance for success. BLS expects demand to grow for political science researchers, due to complicated international issues, such as environmental policy and immigration.
Go to these sites to view positions available today with the U.S. government – and for our new president:
- USAJOBS – This is the official job site for federal civil service positions.
- The Plum Book – This resource is issued every four years, after the presidential election. It lists presidentially appointed positions.
One APUS political science student, Robert Garrison, has this career plan:
 “I want to do some consulting work first and then I hope to build up enough finances to hopefully mount my own campaign for office someday,†he says. “My dream job would be to serve in the U.S. Senate and maybe make a run for president. Who knows? The possibilities are endless in politics.â€
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