UGA Specific Information for Political Science

Political Science studies governments around the world by concentrating on how a government’s structure and function affect social order. Students who major in political science gain a solid awareness in the diversity of government around the globe and the various political theories, parties, and interest groups that correspond with these systems. In addition, students develop an understanding of international relations, public laws, public administration, personal rights and freedoms, justice, and political authority. Like all good liberal arts majors, political science helps students develop their analytical and problem-solving abilities, as well as improve their written and oral communication skills. It provides excellent preparation for graduate education in law and public administration, as well as doctoral programs in political science. Political Science is also a good foundation for careers in public service, campaign work, and various management positions in the private sector.



Class of 2023 Career Outcomes for Political Science*

** Includes Self-Employed


Campus Resources


Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations

SKILLS

The study of government allows for the development of a core set of skills sought after by employers in a wide range of occupational settings. A sample of representative skills and abilities follows.

Critical Thinking

  • Synthesizing themes from diverse source
  • Ability to interpret social and political data
  • Integrating of theory and practice

Communication

  • Public speaking
  • Presenting written information clearly and concisely
  • Ability to express multiple viewpoints

Research

  • Research design, implementation and evaluation
  • Examination of theory
  • Ability to utilize various online research resources

SAMPLE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

  • Communications/Media (e.g., Public Strategies Inc.)
  • Congressional Offices (e.g., Local and national offices of U.S. Senators or Congressmen/women)
  • Education (Curatorial, Research, Historical, Public Affairs, Naval Historical Center)
  • Government Consulting Firm (e.g., KPMG, Deloitte and Touche)
  • Nonprofit/NGO (e.g., Pathways for Mutual Respect, Oregon Bus Project, Partners for Livable Communities)
  • Lobbying Firms (e.g., Downey McGrath Group, Inc., Carmen Group, Cassidy and Associates)
  • State/Local Government (e.g., State congressmen or senators/ local councilmen)
  • Political Action Committee (e.g., American Israel Public Affairs Committee)
  • Think Tanks (e.g., American Enterprise Institute, Center for Strategic and International Studies)

TIPS

  • An undergraduate degree in political science is good preparation for graduate or professional study in areas such as political science, public administration, foreign policy, law, business, and more. Carefully research programs in order to choose specializations or concentrations of interest.
  • Maintain a high grade point average to ensure admission into a graduate or law program and/or a position within the government.
  • Expect keen competition for federal positions. Prepare yourself with a strong academic background and good experience. Many government jobs have strict guidelines and want to carefully match candidates’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to the job description. Research this first and seek the classes and experiences that will best prepare you.
  • Explore application to Administrative Careers with America (ACWA) and the Outstanding Scholar Program for federal positions.
  • Develop strong leadership skills; run for office in clubs and organizations in school or community. Volunteer to organize or lead an event or project.
  • Join related social and/or professional organizations.
  • Build a strong personal network through informal contacts.
  • Consider military experience and training as an entryway into government jobs and public service. The Peace Corps is also a good way to enter a career in government.
  • Join LinkedIn groups that are related to your career interest. To search, select “groups” under the “interests” tab. Also, review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined and consider joining them as well.

Interested in graduate school? Find current information on getting into graduate school at UGA’s Career Center webpage.


Additional Career Research Resources

  • O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.  
  • My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.  
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.  
  • Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.  
  • Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.  
  • UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.  
  • Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance. 
  • Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.  
  • Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you.


Employment Websites

General:

  • Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)  
  • LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!) 
  • Idealist (non-profit jobs) 
  • USAJobs (federal jobs) 

Government

Law


Professional Associations/Resources


Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2023 Political Science majors

The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Employer Position Title(s)
AIG Claims Analyst
Alcorn Ranch Cabin Crew
Aldridge Pite, LLP Law Clerk
Ankura Contract Assistant
Atlanta Police Foundation Criminal Intelligence Analyst and Communications Intern
Augusta University Assistant Director of State Government Relations
Beret Properties Property Manager
Bet365 Trading Assistant
Bet365 Trading Assistant
Center for America Process Intern
Clarke County School District 7th Grade Life Sciences Teacher
Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office Intern
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Research Assistant
Dominion Energy Customer Billing Representative
Economic Innovation Group Communications Intern
Employer Not Specified Anchor and Reporter
Empower Project Organizer
Executive Office for Immigration Review Legal Assistant
Facilitron Marketing Specialist
Freddie Mac Software Developer Analyst
Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP Legal Intake Specialist
Georgia Center for Continuing Education and Hotel Event Coordinator
Georgia Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Intern
GeorgiaLink Public Affairs Group Government Affairs Intern
GLG Client Solutions Associate
Goldman Sachs Analyst
Grassroots Analytics Mobile Fundraising Associate
Groton School Communications Fellow
Hawkins Parnell & Young, LLP Legal Clerk
Hawkins Parnell & Young, LLP Legal File Clerk
Henningsen Injury Attorneys Legal Assistant
Hodgins & Kiber, LLC Legal Assistant
Hood Law Firm, LLC Project Assistant
I Have The Right To Communications and Programming Coordinator
IMG Academy Assistant Residential Mentor and Football Liaison
Insight Global Technical Recruiter
Jackson County School District 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Jackson County School District 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Jackson Spalding Associate
Keybridge Research Assistant
Kuck Baxter LLC Client Relations Associate
Lamar County School District History Teacher
Law Office of Michelle R. Clark Paralegal
Manning, Morris, and Martin Legal Administrative Assistant
Mathews & Maxwell, Inc. Legislative Aide
Mintz Project Analyst
Molten and Harden Project Manager
Morris Manning and Martin Executive Assistant
Network TwentyOne International Digital Media Coordinator
Office of U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock Position Not Specified
Ogletree Deakins Paralegal I
Optomi Technical Recruiter
Penta Group Associate
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Paralegal
Reformed University Fellowship Associate
SBDigital Digital Fellow
Secretary of State's Office Paralegal
Seyfarth Shaw LLP Case Assistant
SK Battery America Government Affairs Specialist
State of Georgia Office of the Attorney General Legislative Affairs and Public Policy Extern
The Advance Group Communications Intern
The Coca-Cola Company Reservationist
The Daily Caller News Foundation Reporter
The Daily Caller News Foundation Reporter
The Nichols Company Real Estate Broker Associate
The Peace Place Inc. Legal and Outreach Advocate
Thorn Run Partners Legislative Assistant
Thrift McLemore Legal Administrator
Troutman Pepper Intern
Troutman Pepper Legal Support Intern
United States House of Representatives Staff Assistant
United States House of Representatives Legislative Correspondent
United States House of Representatives Staff Assistant and Special Assistant
United States House of Representatives Press and Staff Assistant
United States House of Representatives Staff Assistant
United States House of Representatives Staff Assistant
United States House of Representatives Press and Staff Assistant
United States House of Representatives Staff Assistant
United States Senate Staff Assistant
United States Senate Staff Assistant, Office of U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock
Vayman & Teitelbaum, P.C. Legal Assistant
WTOC-TV Weekday Morning Producer
* denotes no responses received.

*Source: Areas above marked with an Asterisk (*) have been created utilizing data taken from the UGA Career Outcomes Survey. The "Employers Hiring...," "Job Titles of...," "Career Outcomes for...," and "Graduate/Professional Schools and Programs..." information listed above represent UGA Class of 2023 Graduates. The lists are not exhaustive and therefore do not represent all potential career options. Click here for more detailed Career Outcomes information regarding this major.

Graduate/Professional Schools attended by Class of 2023 Political Science majors

The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Graduate School Program(s)
American University Terrorism and Homeland Security Policy, MS
American University Unspecified Master's Program, MS
Baylor University Law, JD
Charleston School Of Law Professional Degree
Charleston School Of Law Law, JD
East Tennessee State University Criminal Justice and Criminology, Master's
Emory University Law, JD
Emory University Law, JD
Emory University Law, JD
Florida International University Law, JD
George Washington University Strategic Public Relations, MA
George Washington University Law, JD
Georgetown University Law, Degree Not Specified
Georgetown University Security Studies, Master’s
Georgetown University English Language and Literature, MA
Georgetown University Law, JD
Georgia State University Public Administration, Degree Not Specified
Georgia State University Law, JD
Georgia State University Law, JD
Georgia State University Law, JD
Georgia State University Law, JD
Georgia State University Law, JD
Georgia State University Law, JD
Georgia State University Law, JD
Georgia State University Law, JD
Georgia State University Law, JD
Georgia State University Law, JD
Georgia State University Communication, Digital Media Concentration, Master's
Howard University Law, Degree Not Specified
Indiana University Bloomington Law, JD
Kennesaw State University Business Administration, Degree Not Specified
Medical Sales College Program and Degree Not Specified
Mercer University Law, JD
Mercer University Law, JD
Mercer University Law, JD
Mercer University Law, JD
Mercer University Law, JD
Mercer University Law, JD
Mercer University Program and Degree Not Specified
Mercer University Unspecified Professional Program
Mercer University Unspecified Professional Program
Mercer University Unspecified Professional Program
New York University Law, JD
North Carolina Central University Law, JD
Not Specified College Law, JD
Samford University Law, JD
Seattle University Law, JD
Texas Tech University Law, JD
The Catholic University of America Program and Degree Not Specified
The Ohio State University Law, JD
Tulane University Law, JD
University of Georgia Political Science, Degree Not Specified
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia Public Administration, MPA
University of Georgia Public Administration, MPA
University of Georgia Public Administration, MPA
University of Georgia Public Administration, MPA
University of Georgia Public Administration, MPA
University of Georgia Public Administration, MPA
University of Georgia Public Administration, MPA
University of Georgia Public Administration, MPA
University of Georgia Public Administration, MPA
University of Georgia Public Administration, MPA
University of Georgia Integrative Conservation and Sustainability, Degree Not Specified
University of Georgia International Affairs and Political Science, Degree Not Specified
University of Georgia Unspecified Master's Program
University of Georgia International Affairs and Political Science, Degree Not Specified
University of Georgia International Policy, Master's
University of Georgia Public Relations, MA
University of Georgia Educational Administration and Policy, Master's
University of Georgia Paralegal Certificate
University of Georgia Law, Degree Not Specified
University of Georgia Law, Degree Not Specified
University of Georgia Law, Degree Not Specified
University of Georgia Law, Degree Not Specified
University of Georgia Social Studies Education, MEd
University of Georgia Socials Studies Education, MS
University of Georgia Speech-Language Pathology, Degree Not Specified
University of Illinois at Chicago Law, JD
University of Kentucky Law, JD
University of Maryland, Baltimore Law, JD
University of Mississippi Law, JD
University of New Hampshire Law, JD
University of Pennsylvania Computer Science, MCIT
University of Pennsylvania Public Administration, MPA
University of San Diego Law, Degree Not Specified
University of Texas at Austin Public Affairs, MPAff
Washington and Lee University Law, JD
Washington and Lee University Law, JD
Washington and Lee University Law, JD
Washington University Law, JD
William & Mary Law School Law, JD
William & Mary Law School Law, JD
* denotes no responses received.