A Brief History of the Political Science Major
The systematic study of governments, public policies and political behavior is known as political science. Experts in this field often analyze the impact of politics in society. How does politics affect daily life? How do those in power use their influence? What are the challenges facing politics and authority? These are some of the questions political scientists have been asking for centuries. This discipline is primarily concerned with the study of power and politics, the structure and operations of political institutions (such as the United Nations and the U.S. Congress). For students interested in the world around them, political science will provide the skills necessary to understand the effect of the past on the present. Political science also attempts to predict the future with theoretical explanations and practical theories on global events. As globalization shrinks the world and connects more people, nations will inevitably have more of an impact on one another. Also, the expansion of trade eliminates the barriers that once hindered interaction. What does this mean for political science majors? For starters, a strong understanding of the world of politics will go a long way in preparing future leaders with the knowledge to communicate global events and guide future decisions.
Delving Into the Political Science Major
The goal of the political science curriculum is to help students think critically about global events in the political arena. This discipline seeks to provide students with a strong, comprehensive background in the field through several subfields and subtopics. Political science majors will be required to take a variety of practical and theoretical classes which will help enhance their understanding of historical political events. Students will analyze current political affairs and predict future occurrences. While coursework will vary from institution to institution, general courses in this field include political theory, international relations, international law, American government, international political economy, constitutional law, economics, philosophy and public policy. For example, the degree plan for students of Sul Ross State University covers many of those topics. Students can also expect to take courses in comparative politics and political theory, among other related topics. Aside from the many employment benefits, a degree in political science also opens the doors for a number of advanced degrees including doctoral programs in political science, law, and public policy as well as masters programs which look at the politics of specific countries or regions, international trade and international development. Students are encouraged to take classes which focus on the use of statistical analysis to study political phenomena and to use computer programs to carry out political research.
Degree Levels:
Associate
The Associate of Arts in Political Science degree begins with a strong grounding in liberal arts coursework, including classes in arts, humanities, history, and government. The purpose of this degree level is to give students a basic overview of the field. Students will take introductory classes on politics. They may be required to write reports analyzing the United States political system and the structures by which public policies are designed and implemented. The focus at this level is on liberal arts education, American national government, such as Congress, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court, and other forms of political activity. Attention is also given to evaluation of selected public policies and contemporary issues, and questions of political change. Associate degree holders may take classes that are transferable to four-year colleges and universities.
Bachelor’s
Students who decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree in political science will learn about the fundamentals of the American political system. Coursework at this level may include the nature of legal process, reasoning and advocacy, political philosophy, international relations, empirical political analysis, and comparative politics. They may also learn about the role and limits of governments and agents of social change. Students are trained to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world problems or ideas. They hone an ability to think analytically and communicate persuasively. The bachelor’s curriculum arms students with the critical skills and knowledge to lead in a democratic system. Graduates at this level may go on to gain employment in politics, journalism, law, and public service. Many senators and representatives are degree holders in political science.
Master’s
A master’s degree in political science immediately sets you apart in a competitive field. This degree level deals with theories of the relationship between politics and other aspects of society, culture, and the state. Central concerns include the link between capitalism and culture, tendencies toward war, and the impact of political power on democracy. Students also analyze ideology, resistance, class consciousness, and fiscal crisis, among other topics. Master’s degree students may examine the nature and function of the Constitution and explore theories about how the document should be utilized and interpreted. They focus on different dimensions of political studies.
Doctorate
The Department of Politics ranks fifth in the nation in the publication of books. The doctoral degree curriculum prepares students for careers in academia and research. This degree level is distinguished by its emphasis on comparative case analysis and qualitative methods, rather than formal or statistical analysis. Expertise in the latter approach may also be required. Still, the substantive emphasis of the doctorate program is on the theory, politics, and policies of democratic and democratizing regimes. In addition, the graduate curriculum stresses connections among patterns of political development in America and the patterns of political development in other developed and developing civilizations. The curriculum also emphasizes the advanced industrial democracies of Western Europe and the international political, economic and security relations among these nations.
Supplementing Your Political Science Major
Political science students acquire a versatile set of skills that can be usefule in a wide range of careers. Political science majors have opportunities to obtain a general degree or focus on one of many areas of concentration. Concentration requirement will vary from institution to institution. Generally, the four basic subfields of study are: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and public policy. Each category deals with very specific elements of politics and public policies. Students who choose to focus on American politics will emerge with a robust knowledge of the U.S. system of governance, political institutions, and the broad dynamics of public representation. Comparative politics specialists learn to examine and juxtapose political structures. Those who concentrate on international relations will develop a strong understanding of issues that extend beyond national borders. Public policy majors focus on the actions and processes that drive policymaking. Each of these areas of concentration will prepare students to contribute positively in the workforce. For example, political science majors who specialize in international relations have a leg up on their counterparts in the international business arena. If your interest lies in American politics, you may also pair your political science major with a minor in journalism. Political scientists are trained to use both humanistic and scientific perspectives and tools and several methodological techniques to examine the process, systems, and political dynamics of all countries and regions of the world. These tools and skills make political science largely desirable in relevant work fields.
Learn More About the Political Science Major
- Best Political Science Programs
- Law and Society
- Fundamentals of Public Policy
- The American Political Science Association Journals
The Political Science Major in the Job Market
A strong background in political knowledge fosters a broad educational foundation. With projected job growth in political science, degree holders develop the critical thinking and analytical skills to gain employment in many exciting careers. Those leaning towards research and academia are encouraged to pursue a masters or doctoral degree. Advanced degrees enable political scientists to work independently as teachers, researchers or political analysts. In addition to working in local and national politics, political scientists often go to work with international businesses to help them assimilate into the areas in which they locate. Political scientists’ broad range of skills will provide them for work from the strategizing on the campaign trail to writing as a journalist. Some political science majors make their mark as campaign managers, political lobbyists, political analysts and reporters. Others delve into precollegiate education, electoral politics, non-profit organizations, local governments, and campaign research and polling, among other exciting careers. Starting salaries for political science degree holders are in the $40,000 range with graduate degrees leading to much higher salaries for lawyers, politicians and government workers, according to Payscale.
Careers I Can Get with This Degree:
