UMass Boston

A bachelor's degree in political science can lead to exciting careers in federal, state and local governments; law; business; international organizations; nonprofit associations and organizations; campaign management and polling; journalism; pre-collegiate education; electoral politics; research and university and college teaching. Political science majors gain analytical skills, administrative competence and communication abilities that are valued in a wide spectrum of potential career areas.

What Resources Are Available at the Department?

Political science majors should consult their faculty advisors about career options. Your advisor can help you evaluate your choices in a variety of fields, from graduate study, to government/civil service, to the business world. Please ask for our APSA Career Booklet.

In addition, each Spring the department holds an alumni career information session, when UMass Boston graduates come to campus to give advice to current students on thinking through their career possibilities and on maximizing their chances for admission to law school or graduate school or for entering the job market immediately following graduation from the university.

You should also check with the UMass Boston Career Services Office for additional resources.

Why is a political science major valuable?

Political science majors gain a good background in knowledge of politics and current affairs, as well as critical, logical, and analytical skills that help them evaluate constraints and opportunities in many situations.

Political science is not a static discipline; political circumstances are often in flux around the world. Political science majors are well-prepared to write and communicate well, while understanding the pressures of change.

What are potential careers for political science majors?

For the reasons noted above, a degree in political science is valued in many fields. It can lead to exciting careers in government, law, policymaking, research, consulting, business, nonprofit administration, academia, and more.

The following sample of careers comes the American Political Science Association (APSA). APSA has prepared helpful career guides, which we encourage you to read.

Examples of Careers for Political Scientists:

Activist, Advocate/Organizer
Administration, Corporate, Government, Nonprofit, etc.
Archivist, Online Political Data
Budget Examiner or Analyst
Attorney
Banking Analyst or Executive
Campaign Operative
Career Counselor
CIA Analyst or Agent
City Planner
City Housing Administrator
Congressional Office/Committee Staffer
Coordinator of Federal or State Aid
Communications Director
Corporate Analyst
Corporate Public Affairs Advisor
Corporate Economist
Corporate Manager
Corporate Information Analyst
Corporate Adviser for Government. Relations
Corporate Executive
Corporation Legislative Issues Manager
Customs Officer
Editor, Online Political Journal
Entrepreneur
Federal Government Analyst
Financial Consultant
Foreign Service Officer
Foundation President
Free-lance writer
High School Government Teacher
Immigration Officer
Information Manager
Intelligence Officer
International Agency Officer
International Research Specialist
Issues Analyst, Corporate Social Policy Div.
Journalist
Juvenile Justice Specialist
Labor Relations Specialist
Legislative Analyst / Coordinator
Lobbyist
Management Analyst
Mediator
Plans and Review Officer, USIA
Policy Analyst
Political Commentator
Pollster
Public Affairs Research Analyst
Public Opinion Analyst
Publisher
Research Analyst
State Legislator
Survey Analyst
Systems Analyst
Teacher
University Administrator
University Professor
Urban Policy Planner
Web Content Editor