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Political Science
“Politics is the practice of the conceivable.”
| Political science is the second largest major in the social sciences and the fifth largest major in the College of Arts and Sciences. | Political science focuses on the theory and practice of government and politics at the local, state, national, and international levels. | Political science majors train students to think critically and consider different facets of world politics, including power dynamics, government, public law, public policy, and politics in different countries. | A degree in political science prepares students for careers in research, managerial roles in government or politics, and journalism, offering a versatile skill set for various professional pathways. |
About Political Science
Political science is the systematic study of politics, government, and political behavior. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including the analysis of political systems, the behavior of political actors, the development of public policy, and the study of international relations. Political scientists seek to understand how political systems function, the impact of government policies on society, and the behavior of individuals and groups within the political context.
Why Study Political Science Abroad?
Studying political science abroad offers numerous advantages. It provides a global perspective on political issues, access to diverse political systems and cultures, and the opportunity to learn from renowned scholars in the field. Here are some compelling reasons to consider studying political science abroad:
- Global Perspective: Political science is a subject that transcends national borders. By studying abroad, you gain insights into different political systems, ideologies, and international relations. This broadens your understanding and equips you to analyze political issues from a global perspective.
- Cultural Exposure: Living and studying in a foreign country exposes you to new cultures and perspectives. This cultural diversity can enrich your academic experience and help you develop a more inclusive and open-minded approach to politics.
- Networking: Studying abroad allows you to build a global network of peers and professionals. This network can be invaluable in your future career, as it opens doors to international job opportunities and collaborations.
- Language Skills: Depending on your choice of destination, you may have the opportunity to learn or improve your proficiency in a foreign language. Being bilingual or multilingual can be a significant asset in the field of political science, especially in diplomacy and international relations.
- Research Opportunities: Some countries offer unique research opportunities in political science due to their political landscapes or specific policy issues. Studying abroad may provide you with access to data and resources not readily available in your home country.
Courses in Political Science
Political science programs typically offer a wide range of courses that cover various subfields within this discipline. These courses can vary by institution, but common topics include:
- Introduction to Political Science: An overview of the field, including the study of government, political behaviour, and the major subfields of political science.
- Comparative Politics: The study of different political systems, their structures, functions, and performance. This may include analyzing democracies, authoritarian regimes, and other forms of government.
- International Relations: Examination of the interactions between countries, including diplomacy, conflict resolution, international organizations, and global issues like climate change and human rights.
- Political Theory: The exploration of political ideologies, philosophies, and the writings of political thinkers like Plato, Machiavelli, Marx, and Rawls.
- Public Policy: Analysis of the policy-making process, policy evaluation, and the role of government in addressing societal challenges.
- Political Economy: Study of the relationship between politics and economics, including topics like globalization, trade, and economic development.
- Political Research Methods: Training in research techniques, data analysis, and statistics to conduct empirical research in political science.
- Specialized Electives: Depending on your interests and the program, you can choose from a variety of specialized courses in areas like environmental politics, human rights, security studies, and more.
Top Universities in the World for Political Science
Here is a list of some prestigious universities known for their political science programs. Please note that rankings can change over time, so it’s essential to research current rankings when considering your options. Some universities known for their strong political science departments include:
- Harvard University (USA)
- Stanford University (USA)
- University of Oxford (UK)
- University of Cambridge (UK)
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) (UK)
- Princeton University (USA)
- Yale University (USA)
- University of California, Berkeley (USA)
- University of Chicago (USA)
- University of Toronto (Canada)
These universities often offer a diverse range of courses and research opportunities in political science.
Qualifications and Skills for Political Science
To succeed in political science, you should possess certain qualifications and skills, including:
- Analytical Thinking: Political scientists must critically analyze complex political issues, policies, and data. Strong analytical skills are crucial for understanding and solving political problems.
- Research Skills: The ability to conduct thorough research, gather data, and analyze information is essential. Proficiency in research methods and tools is highly valuable.
- Communication Skills: Effective writing and oral communication skills are vital for conveying ideas, writing research papers, and engaging in debates and discussions.
- Critical Thinking: Political scientists should be able to evaluate different arguments and viewpoints objectively, considering evidence and logical reasoning.
- Global Awareness: A deep understanding of global politics, international relations, and cultural sensitivity is essential for analyzing and working in diverse political contexts.
- Adaptability: Political science professionals often need to adapt to changing political landscapes and policies. Flexibility and the ability to work under pressure are crucial.
- Ethical and Moral Awareness: Given the ethical dilemmas often faced in politics, having a strong sense of ethics and moral principles is important for ethical decision-making.
Is Political Science a Good Choice for You?
Whether political science is a good choice for you depends on your interests, career goals, and values. Suppose you are passionate about understanding and shaping political systems, policies, and international relations. In that case, political science can be an excellent choice. It offers opportunities to work in various fields, including government, diplomacy, academia, research, advocacy, and more. However, it’s essential to consider your long-term career goals and whether political science aligns with them. Additionally, be prepared for a commitment to ongoing learning and staying informed about current political developments.
Study Options
You can pursue political science through various study options, including:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Start with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Political Science. This is the foundational degree that provides a broad understanding of the field.
- Master’s Degree: Consider pursuing a Master’s in Political Science or a related field for more specialized knowledge and research opportunities.
- Ph. D. Program: If you aspire to become a political science researcher or professor, a Ph. D. program is the path to take. It involves in-depth research and dissertation writing.
- Study Abroad Programs: As previously mentioned, studying political science abroad can provide a global perspective and unique experiences.
- Online Courses: Many universities offer online political science courses and degree programs, allowing for flexibility in your studies.
Career Pathways
A degree in political science can lead to diverse career pathways, including:
- Government and Public Service: Work in government agencies at various levels (local, state, or national) as policymakers, civil servants, or advisors.
- Diplomacy and International Relations: Pursue a career in foreign service, diplomacy, or international organizations such as the United Nations or the European Union.
- Research and Academia: Become a political science researcher or professor, conducting in-depth studies and contributing to academic scholarship.
- Law and Legal Services: Many political science graduates go on to law school and become lawyers or legal professionals.
- Advocacy and Nonprofits: Work with advocacy groups, NGOs, or nonprofit organizations to promote social and political causes.
- Political Consulting: Provide strategic advice to political campaigns, candidates, or parties.
- Journalism and Media: Become a political journalist, analyst, or commentator, reporting on political events and developments.
Average Pay
- Political Scientist: Median salary is around $125 000 per year.
- Government Affairs Manager/Director: Median salary between $80 000 and $140 000 per year.
- Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer: Starting salaries vary but can range from $ 50,000 to $70 000 or more.
- Lawyer: Median salary for lawyers is around $126 000 per year.
- Journalist: Median salary for journalists is approximately $46 000 per year.
