The programs offered by the Political Science Department at the University of Utah are designed to equip students with analytical tools necessary to evaluate human behavior in political settings. Students of political science analyze political values, both positive and negative, in order to understand the complex political issues and relationships of the contemporary era, to think critically of political institutions and processes and about the consequences of public policies. Political science is a broad area of study that provides excellent preparation for work in a variety of careers: |
Undergraduate Degrees and Programs |
Graduate Degrees and Programs |
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Affiliated Graduate Programs |
LAW
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Career Resources - Law
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GovernmentAfter law, one of the most frequently selected careers has been governmental service--both appointed and elected---at the local, state, and national levels. While all majors receive the same education about government, they have taken many different routes to their positions in government. Some have used the extensive internship program as a springboard to launch their careers. Others have established contacts by being been active in electoral campaigns. Still others have used their subsequent masters degrees in public administration or public policy analysis to qualify for positions such as city manager. For any selection process, from the patronage system of Congress to civil service appointment in the executive branch, you can make yourself a more attractive prospective junior employee by acquiring or improving desirable skills. While management skills may serve you in the longer term, initial entry will be enhanced by a strong background in quantitative analysis techniques. Of course, this is in addition to strong analysis and communication skills. International and National OrganizationsThe 20th century has seen an explosion in the number of international organizations, both public and private. This has accompanied a similar increase, especially after 1960, in the number of domestic interest groups. Whether it is an environmental group lobbying the US Congress or the United Nations Environmental Program, all of these organizations need individuals for management, research, and interaction with other public and private entities. While the major in political science is excellent preparation, students can further enhance their job prospects. If you are interested in working for an international organization, foreign language skills may be a fundamental requirement. You may also want to develop some substantive expertise in a particular area. If you are concerned with and want to work for one of the environmental groups, then courses in environmental science would be particularly useful.
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Career Resources - GovernmentPublic Service and Public Policy
International
Federal
State and Local
Campaigns and Polling
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Business and non-profit organizationsMany are surprised to learn that a large number of political science majors, about 1/3 are employed in business. Majors have found employment in a variety of fields, including marketing, personnel, advertising, public relations, banking and finance. Exact positions attained are varied, but include positions in management, research, and governmental liaison. Social science majors are attractive to business because their liberal arts education and skills in analysis and communication mean they can not only initially perform several functions, but also adapt to future changes. However, political science majors seeking a career in business can enhance their prospects by at a minimum having a sound background in statistical analysis and in basic business concepts. Beyond this you should consider additional majors or minors in fields such as economics and business administration. Until Watergate, the most popular second major of political science majors was economics. |
Careers Resources - Business and non-profit organizations
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CommunicationPolitical science majors have long found employment in some aspect of communications, but this trend accelerated after Watergate. Newspapers, and to a lessor extent the electronic news, have always needed individuals capable of understanding and communicating the significance of political events. With the post-Watergate increased emphasis on adversarial journalism there were even more opportunities for those who understood politics, could research problems or events, and then write clear coherent stories. Students considering such a career would be well advised to consider a joint major. Political science/journalism or political science/radio and TV would be particularly appropriate. Also, it would be a wise strategy to take advantage of the numerous local opportunities for hands-on experience. Local newspapers, radio stations, and television stations all provide opportunities for internships or paid positions. |
Careers Resources - Journalism/Communications |
Political ScienceMost of the job opportunities in political science itself require an advanced degree. Approximately 75% of political scientists are employed by educational institutions, where a PhD is a prerequisite for employment. Opportunities outside of academic---public affairs organizations, research organizations, consulting firms, Congressional staffs, etc.---are less likely to require a PhD, but you may be at a competitive disadvantage without it or a specialized degree such as Masters in Public Policy Analysis. The employment outlook for political science PhDs in higher education is not clear. Political science is not currently experiencing a glut of PhDs as are other disciplines (e.g., mathematics, history), and so there are opportunities, but a predicted growth in demand has yet to materialize. The predict growth in demand for political science PhDs was based on two observations. First, after years of decline, the traditional college age population is again growing. Second, there was a large influx of people into the profession in the 1960s. This group is now approaching retirement age. The brand new 27 year old PhD of 1960 is now pushing 60 and rapidly approaching retirement. |
Careers Resources - political science and teaching
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