What it is
Political science is the study of government, politics, public policy, and political behavior — how power is organized and exercised, how laws and institutions work, and how people and nations make collective decisions. It's one of the most popular pre-law and public-service majors.
Context on careers: the specific "scientist" occupation for this field is small and usually requires a master's or PhD. But the bachelor's is broadly valuable — its graduates fan out into law, government, policy, business, nonprofits, research, and communications. Think of it as strong analytical and writing preparation, not a single job title.
What you'll study
Coursework spans the subfields of the discipline:
- CoreAmerican government, comparative politics, international relations, political theory
- MethodsResearch methods, statistics, and data analysis
- ElectivesPublic policy, law, political economy, specific regions or issues
- CapstoneA research thesis or seminar
Expect heavy reading, writing, and argument, plus growing emphasis on data.
Concentrations & focus areas
- American PoliticsU.S. government & institutions
- International RelationsGlobal politics
- Comparative PoliticsSystems across countries
- Political TheoryIdeas & philosophy
- Public PolicyAnalyzing & making policy
- Pre-LawLaw-school preparation
Skills you'll build
- Analytical writingClear, persuasive argument
- Research & analysisEvaluating evidence and data
- Critical thinkingWeighing complex issues
- CommunicationDebate and presentation
- Civic & global literacyUnderstanding institutions
Careers & job titles
- Lawyer / attorneyVia law school (very common)
- Government / public administrationAgencies and legislatures
- Policy analystThink tanks, nonprofits, government
- Political scientist / researcherWith a master's/PhD
- Campaign / political staffPolitics and advocacy
- Business, comms, or nonprofit rolesBroad bachelor's paths
Job outlook & demand
The specific political scientist occupation is tiny (a few hundred openings a year, master's-level) and projected to decline slightly. But the degree is a leading path to law school and to careers in government, policy, advocacy, journalism, and business — where demand is broad.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025), political scientists had a median of $142,080 (a small, credentialed occupation). More typical for graduates: policy analysts, government roles, and lawyers — with lawyer pay (median ~$150,000+) among the highest outcomes for poli-sci grads who attend law school.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
A bachelor's is broadly useful and a top pre-law major; the political scientist title and academic roles require a master's or PhD.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you follow politics and public affairs, love reading, writing, and debate, and want a flexible degree for law, government, or policy.
Be strategic: the degree's value often comes from what you pair it with — law school, a policy master's, data skills, internships, or a second field. On its own, target government, policy, advocacy, and communications roles.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- StudiesGovernment, politics, policy, political behavior
- Popular forPre-law and public service
- CareersLawyer, policy analyst, government, researcher (grad)
- OutlookSmall occ.; broadly valuable degree (BLS)
- Pay$142,080 (political scientists, BLS); law pays more
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: