Political Science
Major Information
Political Science is the study of government and focuses on its structure and function and the necessity for human social order. Political Science study attempts to provide the student with a better understanding of political parties, interest groups, international relationships, justice, and power. Political Science trains students to be observers of political behavior in their home country and around the world. The Political Science major affords students the opportunity to gain expertise in five areas of specialization: American Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, and Pre-Law.
General Information
Degree(s) Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts: Political Science
- Concentration in Law and Politics
- Concentration in Global Security Studies
- Paralegal Certificate
- Master of Arts: Social Science
Sample Occupations
- Administrator (Community, Development, Contract, health services, Higher Education, Policy)
- Ambassador
- Arbitrator
- Archivist
- Budget Officer/ Analyst
- Campaign Assistant
- City Clerk
- Customs Worker: Agent, Inspector, Staff Assistant
- Demographer
- District Program Manager
- Environmental Occupations
- Executive Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Manager
- Foreign Service Officer
- Government Affairs Director
- Intelligence Specialist
- Job Analyst
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Legislative Analyst
- Lobbyist
- Management Analyst
- Military Officer
- Newspaper Writer/ Journalist
- Personnel & Labor Relations Manager
- Policy Analyst
- Political Consultant
- Intelligence Specialist
- Job Analyst
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Legislative Analyst
- Lobbyist
- Management Analyst
- Military Officer
- Newspaper Writer/ Journalist
- Personnel & Labor Relations Manager
- Policy Analyst
- Political Consultant
Sample Work Settings
- Archives
- CIA
- Chambers of Commerce
- Children & Family Services
- Civic & Taxpayers’ Associations
- Consumer Affairs Office
- Correctional Institutions
- Court System
- Defense Department
- Department of Commerce
- Drug Enforcement Agency
- Economic Development Agencies
- Educational Institutions
- Employment Offices
- Environmental Protection Agency
- FBI
- Federal Labor Relations Board
- Grassroots Orgs.
- Health & Human Services Depts.
- Healthcare Agencies
- Historical Societies
- Housing & Urban Development
- Law Firms
- Libraries
- Magazines/News
- Market-Research
- Media Companies
- Non-Profit Agencies
- Political Action Committees
- Political Party Headquarters
- Public Relations Firms
- School Boards
- Social Service Agencies
Sample Employers
- The Borgen Project
- CASA
- City of Savannah
- Clary Political Consulting
- Community Action for Improvement
- Consumer Technology Association
- Office of the State Attorney
- Georgia Department of Community Affairs
- Georgia House of Representatives
- Georgia Chamber of Commerce
- Georgia Southern University
- Governor’s Office
- League of Arab States
- Ogeechee Judicial Circuit
- The Pew Charitable Trusts
- Perkins & Associates Political Consulting
- Social Security Administration
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission
- U.S. Department of Defense
- U.S. Senate
Connecting Majors, Skills, and Occupations
- View learning outcomes associated with your major in the Georgia Southern Academic Catalog:
Georgia Southern Academic Catalog
- Explore the connection between occupations and skills in O*Net:
- Use Handshake to upload your résumé and explore internships and jobs. For more information:
Internet Resources
To explore values, interests, and skills:
FOCUS 2 bit.ly/focuscareer
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) – $18
http://students.georgiasouthern.edu/career/s tudents/assessments/
To explore occupational outlooks and salaries:
National Compensation Survey
Salary.com
Professional Organizations
American Foreign Service Association
International Political Science Association
Georgia Southern Student Organizations
Political Science Club
Student Alliance of International Affairs
Professional Tips
- Complete an internship relevant to your area of interest.
- Gain various volunteer experiences.
- Consider partnering with a faculty member for additional research experience.
- Join student organizations and obtain leadership positions. SGA would especially be beneficial.
- Consider a study abroad opportunity.
Résumé Tips
- Bachelor of Science: Political Science OR Law and Society.
- Include relevant experience, including internships.
- Include volunteer experiences, including any campaign experience.
Last updated: 7/1/2013