WHAT CAN I DO WITH A
MAJOR IN...
POLITICAL SCIENCE OR
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
www.sc.edu/career
po⋅lit⋅i⋅cal sci⋅ence
The study of the processes, principles, and
structure of government and of political
institutions; politics.*
*"political Science." The American Heritage®
Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth
Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 27
Jul. 2009. <Dictionary.com
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/political
Science>.
in·ter·na·tion·al stu·dies
The study of the relations of states with each
other and with international organizations and
certain sub national entities (e.g.,
bureaucracies, political parties, and interest
groups). It is related to a number of other
academic disciplines, including political
science, geography, history, economics, law,
sociology, psychology, and philosophy.*
* "The American Heritage Dictionary." Encyclopedia Britannica. 2009.
Encyclopedia Britannica Online. 27 Jul. 2009
<http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/19759/The-AmericanHeritage-Dictionary>.
Political Science At
The University Of South
Carolina
• The Department of Political Science
offers majors in both political science
and international studies.
• Faculty and students frequently refer to
these two majors as PS/IS.
Political Science
• Political science is the study of political power;
who has it, how it is developed and used, and
how it can be controlled to protect individual
rights.
• Political science describes and explains such
phenomena as the rise and fall of governments,
political parties, mass movements, social
conflicts, revolutions, and ideologies.
• Political scientists analyze the mechanisms of
organizing, influencing, and governing at the
local, state, national, and international level.
International Studies
• International studies examines
international history, government,
politics, and power.
• International studies investigates the
rise and fall of foreign policy,
governments, conflicts,
Political Science And
International Studies Majors
Study
• Mechanics of government and
international relations
• Negotiation and conflict resolution
• Economic planning and resource
allocation
• Policy development and implementation
• Clear and concise communication skills
• Constituent needs related to multiple
issues
...and more
Political Science At The
University Of South Carolina
Undergraduate Options
Degrees: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Majors: Political Science,
International Studies
Minors: Political Science,
International Studies
Political Science At The
University Of South Carolina
• Graduate Degrees
–
–
–
–
Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science
Master of Arts (MA) in International Studies
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Master of Public Administration/Master of
Social Work (Joint Degree)
– Master of Public Administration/JD (Joint
Degree)
– Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Political
Science
– Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in International
Studies
Political Science And
International Studies Majors
Develop Skills In
• Interpreting public
policy
• Explaining the
mechanics of
government
• Inter-governmental
relations
• Using politics to
promote public causes
• Organizing public action
• Collection, budgeting,
and use of public funds
• Analyzing bureaucratic
budgets
• Interpretation of policymaking processes
Political Science And
International Studies Majors
Develop Skills In
• Dealing effectively with
individuals and groups
in many cultures
• Using mathematical
methods to analyze
statistics and budget
• Organizing projects
using the talents of
diverse people
• Communicating clearly
and concise in both
speech and writing
• Predicting the impact of
political changes
• Using historical
perspective to predict
future political events
• Teaching, explaining,
and consulting
Specializations
Most undergraduate programs offer only a general course of study. However,
many specializations can be pursued with additional study. The American
Political Science Association’s membership identifies 90 specialized
subfields in political science. These include (but are not limited to):
African American Politics
American Government & Politics
Comparative Politics (including area specialties
such as Latin American politics)
Electoral Behavior & Public Opinion
International Organizations & Law
International Political Economy
International Relations & World Politics
International Security & Arms Control
Legislative Politics
Specializations
Methodology
Political Communication
Political Parties & Interest Groups
Political Philosophy
Political Psychology & Socialization
Political Theory
Politics and History
Presidential & Executive Politics
Public Administration
Public Law & Judicial Politics
Public Policy (such as Health Care or Science &
Technology)
Urban & Ethnic Politics
Women & Politics
Employment Settings
Students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in
international studies or political science largely work
in the following areas:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Business & Commerce
Communication & Journalism
Consulting
Education
Government & Politics
Law
Social Services & Non-Profit
Employment Settings
• Business & Commerce:
Occupations in this setting are
associated with the management,
manufacturing, distribution, sale, or
maintenance of information, goods,
services, and/or resources. This is the
broadest area of employment and job
opportunities vary depending on
one’s specific training, skills, and
interests.
Sample Occupational Titles
Associated With Business &
Commerce
• Account Executive
• Buyer
• Chamber of Commerce
Director
• Economic Developer
• Government Relations
Specialist
• International Banker
• International Trade
Specialist
• Labor Relations
Specialist
• Management Trainee
• Market Research
Analyst
• Personnel Interviewer
• Real Estate Broker
• Researcher
• Sales Manager
• Translator
• Travel Agent
• Underwriter
Employment Settings
• Communication & Journalism:
Includes print, television, radio, and
Internet media. Encompasses
everything from business planning
and capital development to producing
and writing original news or
entertainment material.
Sample Occupational Titles
Associated With
Communication & Journalism
• Advertising Director
• Copywriter
• Cultural
Communications
Specialist
• Editor
• Foreign Correspondent
• Media Buyer
• Media Planner
• News Anchor
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Political Commentator
Press Director
Producer
Public Relations
Specialist
Publications Director
Publisher
Reporter
Speech Writer
Technical Writer
Employment Settings
• Consulting:
Includes historical and ethnographic
research; political surveying,
social/cultural assessments,
designing bilingual and bicultural
curricula; assessing services, and
more.
Sample Occupational Titles
Associated With Consulting
• Agency
Communications
Consultant
• Bicultural Curricula
Developer
• Business Consultant
• Community Planner
• Economic Development
Specialist
• Employee Relations
Specialist
• Marketing Strategist
• Mediator
• Management
Consultant
• Policy Analyst
• Political Survey Analyst
• Public Health Advisor
• Public Relations
Consultant
• Training Specialist
Employment Settings
• Education:
Includes classroom instruction, curricula
development, research, writing,
administration, program management,
and lecturing.
Teaching and research positions at
colleges and universities require an
advanced degree. Most other teaching
positions require proper certification.
Sample Occupational Titles
Associated With Education
•
•
•
•
Administrator
Admissions Evaluator
Author/Writer
College or University
Professor
• Guidance Counselor
• International Student
Advisor
• Judicial Affairs Director
• Primary School Teacher
• Research Institute
Director
• Residence Hall Director
• Secondary School
Teacher
• Student Government
Advisor
• Text Writer
Employment Settings
• Government & Politics:
This area of employment involves
people working with the development
and implementation of public,
domestic, and international policy on
the local, state, national, or
international levels.
Sample Occupational Titles
Associated With
Government &Politics
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Archivist
Campaign Manager
City Manager
Community Relations
Coordinator
Congressional Aide
Consumer Advocate
Elected Official
Election Assistant
Environmental Policy
Analyst
Event Coordinator
• Federal Program
Specialist
• Foreign Service Officer
• Intelligence Agent
• Foreign Service Officer
• Legislative Analyst
• Lobbyist
• Political Pollster
• Protocol Officer
• Urban/Regional Planner
Employment Settings
• Law:
May include the practice of law, as
well as legal research and writing,
consulting, mediation, or training in a
variety of settings.
Sample Occupational Titles
Associated With Law
• Affirmative Action
Director
• Attorney
• City or County Council
Legal Advisor
• Contract Negotiator
• Dispute Resolution
Trainer
• Ethics Officer
• Land Use Examiner
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mediator
Ombudsman
Paralegal
Purchasing Agent
Policy Writer
Risk Management
Advisor
• Union Representative
• Victim’s Advocate
Employment Settings
• Social Services & Non-Profit:
Includes among others counseling,
social work, program management,
public service, non-profit work,
ministry, and positions in correctional
facilities.
Sample Occupational Titles
Associated With Social Service
& Non-profit
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Advocate
Association Manager
Author/Writer
Community Relations
Coordinator
Development Officer
Event Coordinator
Grant Writer
Historic Site Interpreter
• Non-Profit Agency
Director
• Peace Corps Worker
• Police Officer
• Private Foundation
Program Director
• Probation Officer
• Social Service
Administrator
• Social Worker
Strategies For Developing
Skills To Get The Job You
Want
• Acquire foreign
language competence
• Intern or co-op with a
government agency
• Become involved in
student government
• Participate it crossculture groups or
organizations
• Develop a network of
personal contacts
• Write for campus
publications dealing
with national or
international affairs
• Develop strong math
and statistics skills
• Become familiar with
hiring practices in
government agencies
• Study abroad
Strategies For Developing Skills
To Get The Job You Want
• Utilize the office of preprofessional advising if
you’re interested in law
school
• Intern or work part-time
in a law office
• Take courses in public
policy, speech, and
debate
• Volunteer with a political
campaign
• Obtain a business
minor
• Earn leadership roles in
organizations
• Develop strong verbal
and written
communication skills
• Become involved in
political organizations
Books and Web
Resources




Books
Great jobs for political science majors - by
Mark Rowh
Careers in international affairs – by Maria
Pinto. Carland
Web Resources
The American Political Science Association Online
http://www.apsanet.org/
International Affairs Resources http://www.etown.edu/vl/
Resources for more
Information
USC’s Department of Political Science
http://www.cas.sc.edu/poli/
http://www.cas.sc.edu/poli/Undergraduate/UGindex2.html
Career Center library
http://www.sc.edu/career/Library/library.html
Related Websites
http://www.sc.edu/career/la/poli.html
College of Arts and Sciences Career Development Program
www.sc.edu/career/cascdp/
Career Center Contact
Information
University of South Carolina Career Center
6th Floor, H. William Close Building (BA Building)
Columbia, SC 29208
Phone: 803-777-7280
On-call counseling without an appointment:
M - F, 1:00 am - 4:00 pm
(Summer and holiday hours may differ, please check the website at
www.sc/edu/career)