Careers & Internships

What can you do with a major in political science?

Students have a variety of paths they may choose to follow upon completion of a bachelor's degree in political science. Students develop a multitude of skills that are beneficial in a variety of fields: written and oral communication, research, and critical and analytical thinking.

Although there are a variety of options you could decide to pursue in graduate school or government service, a political science degree is also the perfect foundation for someone who plans to enter the workforce after graduation.

Possible areas of employment for students who graduate with a bachelor's degree in political science include:

• Business
• Community Relations
• Corporate Law
• Foreign Services
• Government service
• International Affairs
  
• Journalism
• Labor relations
• Law
• Political advising/consulting
• Political campaigning
• Public service
• Research analysis with a "think tank" or research institution
• Teaching, at high school or collegiate level

Indeed.com is a good place to begin your job search.

Getting Hired

Internships

One of the best ways to find a job in government is by volunteering on a political campaign or obtaining an internship that may lead to a paid position. Carthage faculty and the Carthage Career Center assist students in finding internships.
See a list of internship resources.
Visit the Carthage Career Center.

Further Education

For jobs that require additional education, that education may be provided by an employer. For example, for individuals interested in teaching at the pre-collegiate level, there are several options for obtaining certification, depending on demand in various areas. Similarly, many companies have programs that assist individuals in completing the required business courses, as compared to completing a degree through a business school. Students interested in one of these fields can receive direction from an advisor in the Political Science Department.

Graduate School

For those students who plan to continue their education, the political science degree provides a basis for a number of options. Students interested in specialized fields may choose to continue toward a master's degree in that field. Other students choose to attend law school. Students who want to teach at the college level work toward a Ph.D. in political science. In addition there are jobs in research analysis with "think tanks" and research institutions, as well as positions with the government. See additional graduate and law school information.

Clearly, a political science degree offers a significant amount of flexibility for students who care about societal issues and politics as a whole.

For more information on careers in Political Science, visit the Carthage Career Center

Academics at Carthage

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Prospective Students

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J-Term Travel

The Political Science Department offers regular study tours during J-Term, giving students the opportunity to explore the politics, economics and culture of Argentina, Cuba, Russia and more. Read more.

Carthage Model United Nations

Students travel to New York to discuss global issues at National Model United Nations conference. Read more ...

Student Voices

"Political science is a major that is so rich and so multifaceted. It is evolving and changing all the time, and it has an incredible impact on how we go about our everyday lives."

— Cailin Kolk, '12, Sugar Grove, Ill.

Hear what students have to say about studying political science at Carthage.