Summer 2025: KU Moving to Handshake

The University of Kansas is now partnering with Handshake, your new career management platform, to help you discover new career paths and find amazing jobs and internships.

Political Science


The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers a BA and BGS, as well as a MA and a PhD in Political Science. The Political Science program's course offerings are grouped according to subfields which represent the discipline: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Public Policy, and Political Theory.

Political Science Department website

Sample of Related Skills

  • Demonstrate analytical skills necessary to think critically about political life  
  • Show literacy in the discipline of political science   
  • Apply concepts and theories in the subfields of political science  
  • Apply political knowledge to work in internships and community service learning projects  
  • Develop academic proficiency in the subfields of American government and politics, comparative government, international relations, public administration, political theory, and public law  
  • Demonstrate skills in conducting as well as presenting research in political science  

Popular Career Paths

Non-Profit Management: Can include administrative responsibilities, fundraising, event planning, and more.

Public Policy: Includes advocating, lobbying, and influencing to change policies.

Public Service: Includes jobs within local, state, and federal government.

Law: Involves advocating in court, researching and studying laws and judicial decisions, and advising clients and/or organizations.  

Jobs to Consider

Places to Seek Employment

  • Campaign Offices
  • Chambers of Commerce
  • Charities
  • City Governments
  • County Governments
  • Educational Institutions
  • Environmental Agencies
  • Federal Government Agencies
  • Foundations
  • Health Departments
  • Historical Sites
  • Interest Groups
  • Law Firms
  • Museums
  • National Parks
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • Professional Associations
  • Regional Planning Agencies
  • State Governments
  • Think Tanks
  • U.S. Consulates
  • U.S. Diplomatic Missions 
  • U.S. Embassies 

Explore More Career Resources

American Association for Public Opinion Research - list of organizations and job openings for public opinion and survey research professionals 

American Political Science Association - list of job titles, as well as job and internship resources for those interested in political science 

Government & Non-Profit Resources - more from career.ku.edu 

Internship Resources posted by KU's Political Science Department - list of internships and credit options for opportunities in Topeka and Washington, D.C.

National Conference of State Legislatures Job Clearinghouse - listing of jobs in state legislatures and public policy 

National Governor's Association - up-to-date articles and news; job, internship, and fellowship listings; and best practices within state government 

Public Service Careers - career advice, resources, and job and internship listings for careers in public service   

U.S. Department of State's List of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions - list of organizations with vacancies