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
- Activist, Advocate/Organizer
- Budget Examiner or Analyst
- Campaign Operative
- Congressional Office/Committee Staffer
- Coordinator of Federal or State Aid
- Corporation Legislative Issues Manager
- Customs Officer
- Federal Government Analyst
- Foreign Service Officer
- Foundation President
- Immigration Officer
- Intelligence Officer
- Labor Relations Specialist
- Legislative Analyst / Coordinator
- Lobbyist
- Mediator
- Political Commentator
- Pollster
- Public Opinion/Survey Analyst
- Research Analyst
- Speech writer
- State Legislator
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
Job and Internship Search 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; Washington, D.C.; and other locations
- 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