What Can I Do With a Major In Political Science?

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.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW EMPLOYERS/POSITION TITLES and GRADUATE SCHOOLS/PROGRAMS REPORTED FOR THIS MAJOR

Class of 2021 Career Outcomes for Political Science*

** Includes Self-Employed

Campus Resources

To find additonal clubs and organizations, visit the Center for Student Organizations.

And connect with your Career Consultant!

Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations/Considerations

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.

Supplemental Career Research Dashboard

Additional Career Research Resources

Employment Websites

General:

Government

Law

Professional Associations/Resources

Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2021 Political Science majors

The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2021 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)
4.0 Constructions Director of Land Development
AlphaSights Client Services Associate
Atlanta Journal-Constitution News Intern
Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C. Legal Assistant
Brian Kemp For Governor Regional Political Director
Bryan Miller for Lt. Governor Deputy Finance Director
Carl Vinson Institute of Government Clerkical Worker
Carl Vinson Institute of Government Clerkical Worker
Carl Vinson Institute of Government Clerkical Worker
Carl Vinson Institute of Government Clerkical Worker
Carl Vinson Institute of Government Clerkical Worker
Chi Alpha Campus Ministries, U.S.A. Staff Member
Chick-fil-A Executive director
Chick-fil-A Leadership Development Program
Chick-fil-A Leadership Development Program
Chick-fil-A Leadership Development Program
City of Atlanta - Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs Community Outreach Specialist
CNN The Row Researcher
CNN News Associate
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director's Financial Analyst
Convercent by OneTrust Business Development Representative
Country Financial Financial Representative
Deloitte Analyst
Democratic Party of Georgia Deputy Finance Director
Dentons Senior Public Policy Analyst
Department of Commerce Analyst
Direct Packaging LLC Sales Representative
Double D Plumbing Office Manager
Double D Plumbing Office Manager
Edelman Assistant Account Executive
Envision Communications Account Coordinator
Federal Defender Program Assistant Paralegal
Georgia General Assembly Legislative Assistant
Georgia Republican Party Field Organizer
Georgia Veverage Association Legislative Assistant
Gwinnett County Paraprofessional
Gwinnett County Government Purchasing Associate
Hall Booth Smith, P.C. Paralegal
Hawkins Parnell & Young, LLP Legal Intern
International Rescue Committee NDMVA Workforce Development Coordinator
Island Gyals, LLC Chief Executive Officer
K&L Gates Government Affairs Fellow
Ken Law Law Firm Legal Assistant
KLINGSPOR Abrasives USA Factory Sales Representative
Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant
McKenney's, Inc. Project Manager
Media Analytics Analyst Inspire Brands
Middleton Public Affairs Government Affairs Manager
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough Project Assistant
Nova 401(k) Associates 401(k) Plan Specialist
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp Special Assistant to the Governor
Push Digital Junior Accountant
PYA Consulting Intern
RaceTrac, Inc. Financial Analyst
Ras Crane and Partners Title Processor
Schneider Hammers LLC Litigation Legal Assistant
Scott A. Prior, Attorney at Law Legal Assistant
Signature Craft Gallery Marketing Manager
Sloane & Co. Public Relations Associate
State Charter Schools Commission Program Coordinator
The State Newspaper South Carolina Gamecocks Reporter
Ultimate Gutter Guard by Southern Marketing Lead
United States House of Representatives Staff Assistant
United States Senate Communications Intern
USCA Management Analyst GS7
Vayman & Teitelbaum, P.C. Legal Assistant
War Room Strategies Bodyman for Jody Hice
War Room Strategies Intern
Warnock for Georgia Operations Assistant
* 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 2021 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 2021 Political Science majors

The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2020 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)
Athens Technical College Not Specified
Campbell University Law, JD
Charleston School of Law Law, JD
Duke University Law, JD
Emory University Law, JD
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Law, JD
George Mason University Law, JD
Georgia Institute of Technology Public Policy, MS
Georgia State University Law, JD
Georgia State University Law, JD
Georgia State University Law, JD
Howard University Law, JD
Johns Hopkins University Hospital Adminstration, MHA
Mercer University Law, JD
Northeastern University Criminology and Criminal Justice, Master's
Notre Dame Law, JD
Penn State University Public Administration, MPA
Saint Petersburg State University Russian Language as a Foreign language, Non-dregree/ Language Certificate
Samford University Law, JD
Tulane University Law, JD
Tulane University Law, JD
Tulane University Law, JD
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Sports Management, MS
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Law, JD
University of Georgia College Student Affairs Administration, M.Ed
University of Georgia Public Administration, MA
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia Business Analytics, MSBA
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia Urban Planning and Design, MUPD
University of Georgia Public Administration, MA
University of Georgia Social Work, MSW
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia Arts and Teaching and Social Studies, Master's
University of Georgia Public Administration, MA
University of Georgia Public Adminstration, MPA
University of Georgia Law, MSL
University of Georgia Public Administration, MA
University of Georgia Public Administration/ Law, MPA/JD
University of Georgia Environmental Economics, MS
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia Public Administration, MA
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 Law, JD
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia Public Administration, MPA
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georgia International Policy, MIP
University of Georgia Law, JD
University of Georiga Public Administration, MPA
University of Miami Law, JD
University of Miami Law, JD
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Urban Planning, MA
Valdosta State University Undeclared, BA
* denotes no responses received.

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