Do you follow current events rather closely? Is the TV always set to CNN or MSNBC 24 hours a day? Are you fascinated by the machinations of domestic and international politics? Then you may just be a political science major. But you don’t necessarily need to have ambitions for public office or a job in government, a political science degree will serve you well in many other fields and industries beyond the nation’s capital. There are some very good reasons to get your degree in political science, particularly if politics and government interest you. If you’re more keen to do your part on the local level, a political science degree can give you the tools to help your community any number of ways. Whether you’re attending George Washington University or San Diego State University, you’ll find many doors open for you in the public and private sector with this kind of degree under your arm. Here are five of the best reasons for deciding to major in political science.
- Diverse Skill Set
Pursuing your degree in political science puts an emphasis on improving your writing, helps you hone your communication skills, gives you valuable insight into analytics and it will even provide you with a foundation for building your computer skills. Obtaining this diverse skill set will prepare you for a career in a wide range of professions so even if you’re not sure where your passions lie just yet, you will still have plenty of possibilities to select from once you graduate.
- Think Global, Act Local
A political science degree can prepare you to be an active participant in your community as you can enter local government, become a community organizer, or an activist for a cause or a candidate that you consider vital to the well being of your friends and neighbors. If you’re looking to serve your community in any capacity, this degree will give you the tools you need to help.
- Uphold the Law
Perhaps you have a passion for the law. Having a political science degree can prepare you for a career in the legal system. Once you’ve obtained your degree, you’ll be ready for law school where you can pursue your legal degree with the dream of being a district attorney some day or skip the post-graduate semesters and get a job as a paralegal or legal assistant.
- Educate
Many students who choose political science as their major do so with the intention of becoming teachers themselves at some point. Choosing a career as an educator in this subject will give you the opportunity to help introduce young minds to the world of politics and government. You can also influence them to understand the importance of the electoral process in this country.
- Run for Office
Whether you decide you want to be elected to public office as a candidate at the local, state, or federal level or help another candidate reach that goal as a consultant, campaign manager, or even a press secretary, a degree in political science can be a crucial prerequisite. If you choose to be a legislator then your degree will serve you well in this capacity and any student with dreams of making policy should already know this is the major they want to select once they get to college.