Political Science is a field of studies focused on the theory and practice of government and politics at different levels, including local, state, national and international. There are many different types of programs in Political Science. Let’s consider the most popular of them.
The fields of Political Science
Political theory is centered around the foundations of political community and institutions. Its main goal is to deepen political thinking and stimulate citizens to responsible political action. Another field to study is Comparative politics, which aims to compare political systems in order to define which one best provides particular values, like order, equality, freedom, economic security or well-being, for their citizens. However, some people suggest that the main purpose of this field of studies is to find out how and why societies build different kinds of political institutions.
International Relations is also a branch of Political Science. It studies why multinational corporations as well as state and non-state international organizations interact as they do. In particular, International Relations is focused on international conflicts. This field tries to reveal why wars start, who is supposed to win and why, and most importantly, how to prevent wars.
These are just a few areas to study for those who are interested in Political Science. However, what to do if you are not sure whether it’s a good choice or not? Keep reading the article to understand the reasons for studying Political Science.
Why study Political Science?
Obtaining a major in Political Science carries a lot of benefits. First of all, it provides you with great career opportunities. According to the statistics, almost 100% of graduates with a degree in this field get employed after finishing school. They can work in both public service and private companies, which provides a wide range of options to choose from.
What’s more, Political Science students have a chance to hone important professional and life skills. They can improve their critical thinking, analytic writing as well as become better at research and presentation. Besides, programs in Political Science teach youths to participate in debates. By the way, you can practice doing it on your own, just check argumentative topics on political science at Samplius, pick the most contradictory ones and discuss them with your peers. If you surf that website, you’ll see a big number of free essay examples in different subjects, maybe they will be helpful for you.
Additionally, a degree in Political Science is considered prestigious nowadays. Thanks to popular shows like “House of Cards”, people have much respect for those who are knowledgeable about politics. So by finishing a program in Political Science, you can outshine your peers and get admiration from family, isn’t it what most young people seek?
What can you do with a degree in Political Science ?
A degree in Political Science opens many doors for you. You can choose from a large number of jobs, some of which are mentioned below.
Policy Analysts
Policy Analysts are responsible for assessing existing public policies, regulations, and laws as well as offering new ones. They can work in both government agencies and non-profit organizations. Sometimes, businesses also employ those specialists to understand how regulations affect them and to learn what can be changed in existing legislation.
Political Entrepreneurs and Community Advocacy
Many graduates from Political Science programs work in fields outside the government. For example, they may work for agencies advocating for immigrant rights, environmental protection or individual liberties. Across the United States and in other countries, you can find millions of communities and political advocacy groups to join.
Government Jobs
There is a big variety of government positions for individuals with a degree in Political Science. They include city council representatives, city planners, communications directors, staffers to elected representatives and many others. The good thing about all of them is that they have decent payment rates and an excellent package of benefits.
Lobbyists
Lobbyists work on behalf of private businesses and some other organizations. Their job is basically to persuade legislators to pass some laws that could benefit their group. In most cases, lobbyists begin work as staffers for elected officials and after some time they move into private careers.
Final thoughts
If you decide to study Political Science, you will know not only about the foundations of some political theories but also about the interplay between citizens and their governments. In general, students enrolled in Political Science programs start understanding why the world operates the way it does. They also become able to critically assess policies and events happening around them. Hopefully, all the benefits discussed in this article have inspired you at least to take a course in Political Science.
Author’s BIO
Michael Turner is an Associate Professor of Political Science at one of the leading US universities. He enjoys his teaching experience and always does his best to provide students with deep knowledge on the subject. Michael believes that studying politics is a must for everybody as it helps us make responsible choices in elections and build a thriving community.
