Political Science and Government

Overview

Political science is the study of government and politics in the US and other countries.

Students learn how governments are run and how political parties influence policy-making. They also learn how voters and the public play a role in the political process.

Political science and government programs include topics such as:

Political theory
American politics
International politics
Public policy
Social research methods
Business
Philosophy
Economics

Students also take courses about their specific interests, such as education reform, health care, campaign finance, poverty, and environmental problems. Often learning a second language is required.

Schools

Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in political science and government. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Most colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in political science and government. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Many universities offer graduate degrees in political science and government. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

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Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Advanced English Composition courses
Advanced U.S. History courses
Advanced World History courses
Economics
Probability and Statistics
School Governance

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
Letters of recommendation
Writing sample
Bachelor's degree or significant course work in history, political science, economics, or related fields

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

American Political Systems
American Public Policy
History of Political Thought
International Politics
Public Administration
State and Local Politics

In addition, students choose elective political science courses to fulfill the major requirements. Courses may include:

Constitutional Law
Criminal Justice
Environmental Policy
Governments of Latin America
Governments of Asia
Governments Western Europe
International Affairs
The First Amendment
The Politics of War
Urban Government
Voting and Elections

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate programs that lead to a master's or doctoral degree typically include:

Required courses
Thesis (master's degree)
Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

Many schools have internship or employment programs. These are with private organizations or government agencies, either locally or in Washington, DC. Many employers look favorably on internship experience, especially for people who do not have a graduate degree in political science.

Graduates from political science programs can work as city administrators, policy analysts, journalists, and researchers. Many work for state and local governments, nonprofit groups, or for politicians. Many people pursue a graduate degree in political science, public policy, or law.