[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A political science degree can lead to opportunities in government, business, and academia, preparing grads for positions like legislator, arbitrator, and survey researcher.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many political science graduates go on to earn a law degree and pursue advanced roles within the legal system, including lawyer or judge.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The listening, problem-solving, and persuasive writing skills developed in a political science program also prepare graduates to advocate for individuals and groups who cannot advocate for themselves.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-flex] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Political science is the study of politics, government, and public policy. It’s a purposeful and rewarding field that can equip you to help make the world a better place.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-political-science/”]political science degree program[/hen-ui-link], you’ll study local, national, and international issues, such as social justice and climate change, and how these topics relate to past, current, and developing political systems and processes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a poli sci degree, you can thrive in business, government, and public service settings. Keep reading to find out how a political science degree can work for you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Political Science Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A political science degree program blends lectures, seminars, group projects, and hands-on experiences like internships to teach you about the inner workings of political systems, the role of political behaviors, and actions to bring about political and social change. You can then apply these fundamental concepts and ideas to real-world scenarios.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Poli sci degrees often require a significant amount of reading and assignments that are designed to develop your critical thinking skills. You’ll develop soft skills like communication and public speaking, as well as hard skills such as research and data analysis.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You need to be motivated and assertive to thrive in a political science program. These qualities are also necessary for the professional world.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Types of Political Science Concentrations and Focus Areas[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Political science programs typically offer several concentrations to match your interests and career goals. Whether you’re drawn to U.S. politics, global affairs, or social justice, each area gives you specialized knowledge and key skills. Here are six popular political science concentrations:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]American politics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]International relations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Comparative politics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Political theory[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Environmental politics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minority and race politics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base uppercase” tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Reality Check: Do Colleges Still Have Political Science Degrees?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, colleges and universities continue to offer political science degrees. This popular major helps you understand government systems, public policy, and global affairs. Political science remains relevant for careers such as law, public service, journalism, and international relations. Many programs also include flexible online or hybrid formats.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Political Science Degrees: From Associate to Doctorate[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you want to explore political science at an introductory level, you can earn an associate degree in about two years, which is ideal if you’re looking for entry-level positions in public service, government work, or business.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree offers more in-depth coursework to prepare you for more advanced careers and also sets you up to continue on to graduate school, where you can further specialize your political science career path.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Associate Degree in Political Science[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length[/hen-ui-text]: 2 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Jobs[/hen-ui-text]: Research assistant, legislative aide, and public relations specialist[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree in political science includes two years of coursework. Associate-level coursework prepares you for entry-level careers in government, nonprofit organizations, and business. In an associate program, you can expect to study government systems, world politics, and political ideologies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additional classes in public speaking, composition, and research develop the skills needed to work as a market researcher, political campaign staffer, or legal assistant. You can also continue onto a bachelor’s degree in political science or a related discipline.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length[/hen-ui-text]: 4 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Jobs[/hen-ui-text]: Legislative assistant, market research analyst, journalist[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-political-science/”]Bachelor’s degrees in political science[/hen-ui-link] typically last four years. Introductory coursework in political theory, government, and international relations precedes advanced classes in topics like global political economy, comparative politics and government, law, politics and justice, and politics of development.With a bachelor’s in political science, you can work as a community organizer, foreign service officer, and public policy analyst. A political science program can also prepare you for positions in journalism and media, law, and teaching.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Master’s Degree in Political Science[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length[/hen-ui-text]: 2 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Jobs[/hen-ui-text]: Campaign manager, director of public relations, environmental planner[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree in political science typically requires two years of coursework to complete. Curricula at the graduate level integrate lecture classes with research and writing requirements. You often complete a thesis or project based on original research.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In a master’s in political science, you may have opportunities to specialize in a subset of the field. Concentration areas include American politics, international relations, and political theory.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professional roles you can pursue include political campaign manager, lobbyist, international business manager, and foreign service worker. A master’s degree also prepares you for a doctorate in political science or a related field.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Doctorate in Political Science[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length[/hen-ui-text]: 4-7 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Jobs[/hen-ui-text]: Professor, researcher, policy analyst[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The length of a political science doctoral program varies depending on how long it takes you to complete your dissertation. Some poli sci doctoral candidates earn a degree in as few as four years, while others need eight or more.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Coursework in a political science doctoral program emphasizes theory and research in general fields like American, comparative, and international politics. Alongside successful completion of comprehensive exams, you choose an area of emphasis and develop a dissertation proposal.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Specializations include political economy, environmental politics, or minority and race politics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a doctorate in political science, you can teach at colleges and universities, work as a research specialist, or undertake a political career of your own. A doctoral degree can also lead to an advanced role in public administration, government service, or international relations.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Consider Before Applying to a Political Science Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before applying to a political science program, consider accreditation, available concentrations, and learning format (online or on-campus). Also, research faculty expertise, internship options, and how well the program aligns with your career goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accreditation for Political Science Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When researching prospective political science programs, you should always check their [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]accreditation status[/hen-ui-link]. Institutions should hold regional or national accreditation. This ensures your political science degree meets the required quality standard and will be recognized by employers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While no specific programmatic accreditation exists for political science programs, some degrees may hold accreditation from bodies such as the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.naspaa.org/” target=”_blank”]Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Ensure Your Political Science Concentration Area Is Offered[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Check that your prospective program has your preferred concentration, such as American politics, international relations, or political theory. This is especially important at the graduate level as master’s programs typically offer a more specialized education within a specific area of political science.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Not every program will have your desired focus area, but there may be alternatives that help you gain similar knowledge in your preferred area. Reviewing course offerings and faculty research can also help you make an informed choice.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission requirements for political science programs vary. Undergraduates typically need transcripts, test scores, and sometimes a personal statement.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduate programs usually require a related bachelor’s degree in a closely related field, a 3.0 GPA or higher, and may ask for GRE scores or relevant work experience. They may also require a resume or CV highlighting relevant experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With a Political Science Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A political science degree can open doors to multiple industries, including [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/degrees/business-degrees/”]jobs in business[/hen-ui-link], government, and education. You’ll also have a strong foundation to pursue various [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/politics/”]careers in politics[/hen-ui-link], public relations, and foreign service.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Given the global relevance of a political degree, you can apply your skills to work anywhere in the world, an exciting prospect if you’re eager to travel and experience new cultures.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re drawn to law, a political science degree can serve as a solid step toward law school. Alternatively, if you’re more interested in data and analysis, you can pursue roles as a researcher or policy analyst.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Political Science Career Paths and Job Outlooks[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]8 Political Science Major Careers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (2024)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2023-33)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Minimum Degree Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm” target=”_blank”]Paralegal or Legal Assistant[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 Political Science Major Careers”]$61,010[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]1%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Associate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes111031.htm” target=”_blank”]Legislator[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 Political Science Major Careers”]$47,290[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/reporters-correspondents-and-broadcast-news-analysts.htm” target=”_blank”]Reporter, Correspondent, or Broadcast News Analyst[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 Political Science Major Careers”]$60,280[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]-3%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/arbitrators-mediators-and-conciliators.htm” target=”_blank”]Arbitrator, Mediator, or Conciliator[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 Political Science Major Careers”]$67,710[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]6%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/survey-researchers.htm” target=”_blank”]Survey Researcher[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 Political Science Major Careers”]$63,380[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]0%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/political-scientists.htm” target=”_blank”]Political Scientist[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 Political Science Major Careers”]$139,380[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]3%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/judges-and-hearing-officers.htm” target=”_blank”]Judge or Hearing Officer[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 Political Science Major Careers”]$135,160[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]3%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Professional doctorate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm” target=”_blank”]Lawyer[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”8 Political Science Major Careers”]$151,160[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]5%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Professional doctorate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Political Science Degree Salary[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salaries for political science majors vary by degree, experience, and industry. Top-earning positions for political science majors typically require advanced degrees in the field or additional education in another area.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Lawyers and judges earn the highest median annual salary for political science careers. Both of these roles require a Juris Doctor (JD). Other high-earning political science roles you can obtain with an advanced degree, like a master’s or doctorate, include political scientists ($139,380) and working as an arbitrator or mediator in the education industry ($118,350), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Does a Political Science Degree Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition and fees for a bachelor’s degree in political science varies by delivery method. Online programs cost an average of $18,822 per year, while on-campus programs average $22,153 per year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although the NCES does not provide specific data for graduate political science programs, the average annual tuition and fees for full-time graduate students at public institutions in 2023-2024 was $11,827, while the cost of tuition and fees at private institutions was $20,515.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Political Science Degree[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Degree Level[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Online Political Science Programs[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Traditional, On-Campus Political Science Programs[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Associate[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Level”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Online Political Science Programs”]$2,174[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Level”]$18,822[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Online Political Science Programs”]$22,153[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Political Science Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a political science degree a BA or BS?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schools may offer a bachelor of arts (BA) or a bachelor of science (BS) in political science. Much of the coursework in BA and BS programs overlaps, but the former often includes a foreign language requirement and includes more humanities courses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BS emphasizes the more quantitative aspects of political science, like mathematic and statistics. Careers with a BA in political science include education, public relations, and political campaign work, while a BS degree can lead to a career in political economics, policy analysis, and public administration.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is political science a hard major​?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While political science isn’t necessarily considered one of the hardest majors, it can still be a challenging degree given the complexity of the field. You’ll do a lot of reading, writing, and critical thinking, and spend time analyzing political systems and current events. You may find it a good fit if you enjoy research, debate, and discussing big ideas.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is political science a good major?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Political science can be a good major if you’re interested in government, law, advocacy, and public service. It helps you understand how political systems work, both in the U.S. and globally, and builds valuable research, communication, and critical thinking skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You might enjoy a political science career if you:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Want to change existing systems and processes for the better.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advocate for under-represented populations and social justice.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Participate in efforts to mitigate climate change.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Value justice and have a strong sense of right and wrong.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What jobs can you get with a political science bachelor’s degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A political science degree can lead to a career in government, law, journalism, or the nonprofit world. Graduates often work as legislative assistants, policy analysts, public affairs specialists, or paralegals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a graduate degree in law, public administration or international relations can expand your options to more specialized or higher-paying roles.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is political science a good major for law?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, a political science undergraduate degree can help you along your way to becoming a lawyer. These degrees build strong skills in critical thinking, argumentation, and understanding legal systems, all valuable skills for law school and a legal career. On its own, a degree in political science is not enough to be a lawyer. Lawyers need to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) in order to practice.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1328,1448″][/hen-ui-article-row]