The study of political science develops not only reasoning and analytical
skills, but also communication skills, both oral and written. Furthermore,
Bradley political science majors acquire skills in data analysis and computer
usage. Thus, the study of political science prepares a student to pursue
many different careers. The following highlights some of the frequently
chosen careers for which political science has been most useful. In
addition, you can browse some of the career web
links gathered by the American Political Science Association.
Law
Law has been a very popular choice of political science majors. While political
science is not required for admission to law school, almost all Bradley
political science majors who apply to law school are admitted. For decades,
Bradley political science majors have enrolled and graduated from a wide
variety of law schools. For example, it is an unusual year that the top
political science majors are not admitted to one of the top five law schools
in the country. The careers paths after law school have been extremely
varied with some entering other professions, but most find positions within
the legal profession. The latter include private practice, serving as legal
counsel of private organizations or public agencies, and service on the
bench. For example, currently four Bradley political science graduates
are either circuit or supreme court justices in the state of Illinois.
Government
After law, one of the most frequently selected careers has been governmental
service--both appointed and elected---at the local, state, and national
levels. While all majors receive the same education about government, they
have taken many different routes to their positions in government. Some
have used the extensive internship program as a springboard to launch their
careers. Others have established contacts by being been active in electoral
campaigns. Still others have used their subsequent masters degrees in public
administration or public policy analysis to qualify for positions such
as city manager. For any selection process, from the patronage system of
Congress to civil service appointment in the executive branch, you can
make yourself a more attractive prospective junior employee by acquiring
or improving desirable skills. While management skills may serve you in
the longer term, initial entry will be enhanced by a strong background
in quantitative analysis techniques. Of course, this is in addition to
strong analysis and communication skills.
Business
Many are surprised to learn that a large number of political science majors,
about 1/3 are employed in business. Majors have found employment in a variety
of fields, including marketing, personnel, advertising, public relations,
banking and finance. Exact positions attained are varied, but include positions
in management, research, and governmental liaison. Social science majors
are attractive to business because their liberal arts education and skills
in analysis and communication mean they can not only initially perform
several functions, but also adapt to future changes. However, political
science majors seeking a career in business can enhance their prospects
by at a minimum having a sound background in statistical analysis and in
basic business concepts. Beyond this you should consider additional majors
or minors in fields such as economics and business administration. Until
Watergate, the most popular second major of political science majors was
economics.
International and National Organizations
The 20th century has seen an explosion in the number of international organizations,
both public and private. This has accompanied a similar increase, especially
after 1960, in the number of domestic interest groups. Whether it is an
environmental group lobbying the US Congress or the United Nations Environmental
Program, all of these organizations need individuals for management, research,
and interaction with other public and private entities. While the major
in political science is excellent preparation, students can further enhance
their job prospects. If you are interested in working for an international
organization, foreign language skills may be a fundamental requirement.
You may also want to develop some substantive expertise in a particular
area. If you are concerned with and want to work for one of the environmental
groups, then courses in environmental science would be particularly useful.
Communication
Political science majors have long found employment in some aspect of communications,
but this trend accelerated after Watergate. Newspapers, and to a lessor
extent the electronic news, have always needed individuals capable of understanding
and communicating the significance of political events. With the post-Watergate
increased emphasis on adversarial journalism there were even more opportunities
for those who understood politics, could research problems or events, and
then write clear coherent stories. Students considering such a career would
be well advised to consider a joint major. Political science/journalism
or political science/radio and TV would be particularly appropriate. Also,
it would be a wise strategy to take advantage of the numerous local opportunities
for hands-on experience. Local newspapers, radio stations, and television
stations all provide opportunities for internships or paid positions.
Political Science
Most of the job opportunities in political science itself require an advanced
degree. Approximately 75% of political scientists are employed by educational
institutions, where a Ph.D. is a prerequisite for employment. Opportunities
outside of academic---public affairs organizations, research organizations,
consulting firms, Congressional staffs, etc.---are less likely to require
a Ph.D., but you may be at a competitive disadvantage without it or a specialized
degree such as Masters in Public Policy Analysis. The employment outlook
for political science Ph.D.s in higher education is not clear. Political
science is not currently experiencing a glut of Ph.D.s as are other disciplines
(e.g., mathematics, history), and so there are opportunities, but a predicted
growth in demand has yet to materialize. The predict growth in demand for
political science Ph.D.s was based on two observations. First, after years
of decline, the traditional college age population is again growing. Second,
there was a large influx of people into the profession in the 1960s. This
group is now approaching retirement age. The brand new 27 year old Ph.D.
of 1960 is now pushing 60 and rapidly approaching retirement.
Department
of Political Science
gathered by the American Political Science Association.
