CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR
POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJORS
SKILLS & ABILITIES OF THE POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJOR
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Verbal communica on
Wri en communica on
Research skills
Self‐confident
Analy cal
Leadership
Detail oriented
Public speaking
Ability to develop rapport
Problem‐solving
Natural curiosity
Work well under pressure
Sense of fairness
Ability to work independently
Self‐mo vated
Willingness to work hard
Well‐organized
Proofreading
Commitment to public service
Ambi ous and outgoing
Desire to influence others
Public appeal
Ability to interpret social/poli cal data
Ability to handle cri cism/opposing views
effec vely
 Sound judgment
 Persistence
 Dedica on
POTENTIAL CAREERS
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Civil Preparedness Officer
Claims Adjudicator
Commissioner, conserva on of resources
County Agent
Cultural Affairs Officer
Customs Inspector
Diploma c Officer
Economic Development Coordinator
Intelligence Specialist
Legisla ve Aide or Assistant
Manager of city, county, or town
Manager for health, safety, and environmental
programs
 Municipal Services Supervisor
 Occupa onal Safety and Health Compliance
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Officer
Prosecu ng A orney
Public Affairs Officer
Public Works Commissioner
Secretary of State
Urban Planner
Welfare Director
Teacher/Professor
Lawyer
Judge
Nonprofit Administra on
TYPES OF EMPLOYERS
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Agency for Interna onal
Development
City Governments
County Governments
Environmental Protec on
Agency
Federal Trade Commission
Military
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NASA
Na onal Science Founda on
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Regional Planning Agencies
State Governments
U.S. Informa on Agency
U.S. Postal Service
Schools
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Colleges and Universi es
Banks
Insurance Companies
Private Law Firms
Nonprofit Organiza ons
Federal Government
(Department of Agriculture,
Commerce, Defense, Jus ce,
TOP 10 OCCUPATIONS EMPLOYING PERSONS WITH A BACHELORS IN
POLITICAL SCIENCE
Top and mid‐level managers, execu ves, administrators
Insurance, securi es, real estate, business services
Sales occupa ons, including retail
Other management‐related occupa ons
Accountants, auditors, other financial specialists
Personnel, training, and labor rela ons specialists
Ar sts, broadcasters, writers, editors, public rela ons specialists
Other administra ve (record clerks)
Other marke ng and sales occupa ons
Protec ve‐service occupa ons
21.1%
8.5%
8.4%
7.0%
4.9%
4.4%
4.0%
3.7%
3.1%
3.0%
POST GRADUATION ACTIVITIES
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About 25% of master’s degrees are earned in business administra on and management.
About 16% are earned in an aspect of poli cal science.
About 12% are earned in public administra on.
*Taken from The College Majors Handbook (Fogg, Harrington, & Harrington) 2004 RELATED BOOKS IN THE CAREER RESOURCE LIBRARY (CLC 530)
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The Internship Series: The Congressional Internship Book 2009‐2011 Careers and the Study of Poli cal Science Great Jobs for Poli cal Science Majors What to Do with Your History or Poli cal Science Degree The Insider’s Guide to Poli cal Internships: What to do once you’re in the door The Student’s Federal Career Guide Resumes for Law Careers The Internship Series: Washington Internships in Law & Policy