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Political Science Major: Attracting Passionate & Goal-Driven Individuals

Do you love to debate current events? Live for the delivery of the morning paper? Find yourself fascinated by the world’s governments and how they operate? If so, then you may be an excellent candidate for a political science major. Politics affects almost every aspect of our lives, even though we do not always realize it. Politics can dictate our attendance at school, the vaccinations we receive, taxes we pay, and the speed limits we drive on the highways.

If that sounds interesting, so are the possible careers that a political science major might pursue. Many graduates from such programs go on to careers as:

• City managers
• Campaign workers
• Research assistants
• Lawyers
• Judges
• Lobbyists
• News reporters
• Diplomats
• Political Consultants
• FBI or CIA agents
• Editors
• Teachers
• Politicians
• Government workers

This liberal arts major provides a wonderful introduction to complex systems and theories. Most political science students share an ability to rapidly adapt to changing situations and to develop an in-depth understanding of social structures. As might be suggested by the above list of possible careers, political science students should have good judgment, and be able to make sound decisions. They should be willing to accept a great deal of responsibility and possess above average communication and computational skills. It is helpful for such students to be analytical thinkers as they will often need to collect and analyze data. They should also be comfortable using typical technologies like computers and cell phones.

Political science major students will encounter a complex mix of subjects during their education. Among the courses they are likely to take are:

• International Relations
• Political Science Research Methods
• Comparative Politics
• Political Thought
• American Politics
• Argumentation and Debate
• Practical Reasoning
• Principals of Macroeconomics
• Logic
• Advanced Writing Skills
• Introduction to Computer Science

Students in a political science program should be prepared to write a number of papers dealing with current events. They may be asked to study and report on subjects like homeland security and the government’s proposed budget. Such students should also be interested in history, as they are likely to go as far back as Plato as they learn about the history of diverse governments and cultures from around the world. As part of their educational experience, students are often encouraged to volunteer for a local political campaign. This can prove to be a valuable opportunity to make professional contacts and gain experience in a real world setting.

Students in this discipline should also be prepared to write an extended senior thesis on a topic of their choice. Most often, the thesis will focus on current political events around the world, although some students choose to focus on past governments and how they influence the present. This is a fascinating field for people who are curious, imaginative, and committed to making a difference in the world.

People who choose a political science major should be prepared for lively class discussions and debate. Many of the topics covered in class will be controversial, and emotions are likely to run high. Part of the student’s education will relate to their ability to remain calm in the face of opposition, and to be able to compose a thoughtful, meaningful rebuttal.

In short, students who choose political science are often passionate, intelligent individuals who are anxious to understand the world around them and, if necessary, change it for the better. A political science major is an ideal choice for such people, and it leads to many fascinating career possibilities.