Overview of Political Science and Government

Political Science and Government is an interdisciplinary field of study encompassing the study of political institutions, individuals, ideas, institutions, and outcomes. It focuses on how power is distributed and how different individuals and groups interact to form policies and laws. This area also examines how people and organizations develop and maintain political power through different methods such as voting, negotiation, and diplomacy. Political Science and Government studies also analyze the effects of governmental policies so that policy-makers can effectively manage resources and create effective policies for the public good.

Career Opportunities Associated With Political Science and Government

Political Science and Government graduates enter a range of occupations in public and private sectors. Careers in the field include roles in nonprofit and non-governmental organizations, law firms, political consulting, corporate lobbies, campaigns, government policy-making and foreign service. Common jobs titles for this field include political analyst, lobbyist, political consultant, government affairs director, campaign manager, and foreign service officer.

Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to Political Science and Government

There are many opportunities available to students to gain experience in the field of Political Science and Government through internships, co-ops, and volunteer positions. Internships provide students with the opportunity to apply the skills they’ve acquired in the classroom to the real world while gaining exposure to new ideas and perspectives. Internships are available in legislative offices, research centers, organizations, city halls, and more. Many organizations offer internships specifically targeted at political science and government majors.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations Within Political Science and Government

Some universities and colleges offer specialized tracks or concentrations within Political Science and Government. These usually provide an in-depth focus in one particular area of the field, such as public policy or international relations. Typically, the degree program or concentration will require students to complete a certain number of credit hours of coursework related to their chosen area of concentration.

How Political Science and Government Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education

Political Science and Government provides an understanding of the public policy making process and a familiarity with government structures, procedures, and constitutional principles. This knowledge bases acquired from this field are applicable to a variety of law and government-related career paths and can better prepare students for graduate studies. A degree in Political Science and Government also offers students the opportunity to gain research, communication, and analytical skills that are invaluable for success in graduate school.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Political Science and Government

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent in Political Science and Government, and it is having a profound impact on the field. By equipping machines with intelligence, AI promises to improve many aspects of public sector decision-making processes like policy making, resource allocation, predictive analytics, and data-driven decision-making. AI can help governments make better decisions, make the process for decision-making faster, and uncover patterns and connections in large datasets that would otherwise be unidentifiable.

The Career Outlook for Political Science and Government

Political Science and Government remains an in-demand field due to its relevance to current events and important political issues. Those with knowledge and expertise in the field can find employment in a range of sectors, from civil service and public policy to international affairs and nonprofit management. In the near future, it is anticipated that the demand for Political Science and Government graduates will continue to rise due to its value to many industries.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Political Science and Government:

Harvard University, Salary: $58,808

Trinity College, Salary: $57,856

Yale University, Salary: $57,333

Dartmouth College, Salary: $57,095

DePauw University, Salary: $53,214

University of Maryland Global Campus, Salary: $52,749

Santa Clara University, Salary: $52,109

Columbia University in the City of New York, Salary: $52,096

Johns Hopkins University, Salary: $52,083

Bowdoin College, Salary: $51,934

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government.