What Political Science Majors Learn
Political theory, American government, comparative politics, international relations, and public policy are common branches. Some departments ask you to take courses across several of them before you specialize. If you want policy work, pay close attention to research, writing, and internship requirements.
From Opinion to Analysis
A methods course asks you to test a claim, not simply argue for a position. You may work with public records, surveys, or comparative cases and explain why a political outcome occurred. That practice is useful in analytical roles when you can show the work you did.
Separate the Major From the Job Title
A bachelor’s degree may support entry applications in government, campaigns, advocacy, or research support. BLS lists a master’s as typical for the occupation political scientist. Law school and many senior policy positions have separate education or experience requirements.
Government and Campaigns
Entry positions may value policy writing, constituent work, or campaign experience alongside the major.
Nonprofit and Advocacy Work
Public issues and institutional analysis can be relevant in organizations that research or advocate for change.
Graduate or Legal Study
Political science can be an undergraduate route toward advanced research or law, with separate admissions and credentials.
Explore Related Careers
Read about the work, pay, and entry requirements for each occupation.
Political Science and Government Degree Requirements
The two programs below cover overlapping subjects under different degree names. Their official catalogs show where each school puts its research and tools requirements; neither appears here as a ranked choice.
Government BA
The degree spans American government, political theory, public law and policy, comparative politics, and international relations, with a tools and research requirement.
Compare University of Texas at Austin’s Government BAPolitical Science BA
The major offers American and comparative politics, political theory, international relations, and empirical or formal methods.
Compare University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Political Science BAFederal program data include 1,460 records in the Political Science and Government, General category (CIP 45.1001), including 999 bachelor’s records. These are institution, field, and award-level records; related specializations may have separate categories. See how we count programs.
Browse the Curriculum LibraryQuestions About Political Science Degrees
What Can You Do With a Political Science Degree?
Possible directions include entry roles in government, campaigns, nonprofits, and research support. Your coursework, internships, and the specific employer’s requirements determine the next step.
Do Political Science Majors Have to Go to Law School?
No. Law school is one possible path and requires a separate professional degree. Political science students also pursue public service, research, and other work.
Is Political Science a Good Major for Policy Work?
It can provide a foundation in government and policy analysis. Compare the program’s research methods and experiential opportunities against the actual roles you want.
Sources and Further Reading
- NCES Classification of Instructional Programs for CIP boundaries.
- Our Program Data and Editorial Methodology for count and metric definitions.
- BLS Political Scientists Career Profile.
- APSA Career Sectors.
- University of Texas at Austin Government BA: Program Details and Sources.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Political Science BA: Program Details and Sources.