Many undergraduate political science majors continue to law school. Most colleges and universities have a pre-law advisor to assist students who are considering applying to law school. Further sources for information on legal careers and law schools include the American Bar Association, Law School Admission Council, and the National Association for Law Placement.

If you are interested in continuing your political science studies and would like to focus on a particular policy or issue area, consider pursuing a master’s degree. Master’s programs include broad professional degrees in public administration, public policy, and international or foreign affairs. There are also master’s programs which focus on specific policy issues such as security studies, political economy, international development, environmental policy, health policy, human rights, or urban planning. If you are interested in further in-depth study on a particular cultural or geographical region, consider a master’s degree in an area study such as Middle East studies, Asian studies, Latin American studies, or European studies.

To learn about these programs, consult with your advisor and political science faculty, especially faculty who specialize in the field or policy area(s) that interest you.

If you are interested in becoming a political scientist, then think about pursuing a doctoral degree. A PhD qualifies you to teach at the college and university level and certifies you as an expert in your area of specialty.

To successfully complete a PhD you will need to take coursework, pass comprehensive examinations, and write a dissertation on some aspect of original research. Some PhD students also serve as teaching or research assistants during their time in graduate school. Many individuals who purse a PhD in political science are interested in becoming university or college professors, though others use their PhD for careers in government, research, and non-profit sectors.

To learn about pursuing a PhD,

• Discuss your interest with your academic advisor and political science professors. Ask for guidance about graduate study and about the work of political scientists.
• Consider what area of specialty you would like to pursue. Research departments for information on graduate faculty and courses. If you decide to apply to PhD programs, your essays should ideally reference specific professors with whom you would like to study. You can find websites for most departments here.
• You do not need a master’s degree to enter a PhD program, but you will need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
• APSA publications provide further information about pursuing a doctoral degree.
• When researching graduate programs, inquire about funding for PhD students, including fellowships and assistantships.

Undergraduate political science training offers a good preparation for careers or graduate programs in business. Undergraduate courses in political economy and development can be useful preparation for working in business development, financial consulting, or public finance. Students who have focused on area studies and international relations may find opportunities in international business or trade.  

If you are interested in attending business school, review the appropriate guides and catalogues to identify graduate business programs. Contact the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business for more information. If you have a business school at your own institution,  speak with the admissions director about the program of study.

Public Administration & International Affairs
Undergraduate studies in any area of political science can be useful for a career in public administration. Knowledge of the political process, strong writing skills, and familiarity with research methods are all useful preparation for these careers. While many careers in public service require only a bachelor’s degree, graduate programs in public administration, public policy, and international affairs provide specialized training for positions in a variety of government and public service careers.

The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration and the American Society for Public Administration provide more information on graduate study in public administration. If you have a particular interest in international affairs, the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs may be of interest.  If you have a public administration or public policy degree at your own institution, speak with the admissions director about the program of study. Student Training & Education in Public Service also provides information on a variety of careers with a political science degree.

If you are thinking about a career in public service, consider non-profits, foundations, or non-governmental organizations. These organizations operate at the local, national, and international policy level, working on virtually all issue areas all over the globe. The missions of these organizations range from local neighborhood housing to state environmental policy to global human rights. Non-profits, foundations, and non-governmental organizations offer opportunities for political science graduates at all degree levels.  

If you are interested in a career in journalism or media, political science training can give you the substantive and analytical background you need. Typically political science courses place heavy emphasis on developing fluid and clear writing and speaking skills, which are beneficial for positions in print or broadcast journalism, publishing, social media, communications, and public relations.  

Many people enter these positions with a bachelor’s degree or after completing a graduate program in journalism, communications, or media studies. The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications or the Broadcast Education Association have more information on pursuing a graduate degree in media and journalism.  

With a PhD in political science, you will have gained key methodological skills that will prepare you for a career as a college or university professor conducting cutting-edge research in a variety of political science subfields, including American politics, comparative politics, political theory, and international relations.  

Political science research appears in a variety of journals, textbooks, and academic books. Research conducted by political scientists throughout the discipline—including race and ethnic studies, bioethics, electoral reform, environmental policy, political economy, gender studies, conflict resolution, and disability studies—contributes to wider public discussions and policy development. Political scientists often present their research findings at academic conferences like the American Political Science Association Annual Meeting and a variety of other meetings in the profession . 

Political science PhDs who work at colleges and universities often split their time between research, teaching, and service-orientated duties such as committee or advising responsibilities. For an up-to-date listing of academic positions available in the political science discipline, visit the APSA eJobs portal.

Some political science PhDs use their skills in careers outside of academia. They work in government, research organizations, non-profits, university administration, business, and technology companies. The research and analytical skills of political science PhDs are valuable in a variety of fields.