What job can I get if I graduate with a political science major?

I would push back against the idea that it is not a good major unless you go into law. Plenty of liberal arts degrees - including political science - can land you all kinds of jobs. You could do many kinds of jobs with a political science degree. You could be a journalist, a doctor (if you were also pre-med), a teacher, a salesperson, a civil servant working for a government office, a consultant, and many other things. Study what interests you. That's the whole point of liberal arts. If that's politics, study political science. I agree with Kim that having a degree is more important than what the degree is in.

It's not a particularly great major if you don't go into law. It is viewed as a 'soft' or 'social' science, and there are many people who pick it as their major who don't have a clear idea what to do with it or how to make back their investment in college.

Here's a couple options:

-get great grades from a top tier university and get your PhD. This will qualify you for a position in academia - such as college professor. This is extremely hard to do but it is possible.
-get your MBA. Understanding how politics works will help you in the business world
-work for a think tank or private nonprofit institute. There is a certain demand for political analysts
-get your security clearance and work for a government agency that requires one. There are all sorts of positions involving international politics these days.
-If you are good with languages, take the Foreign Services exam and work in a diplomatic capacity for the State Department
-Intern for a congressman or Senator (or other political organization) and pursue a career in politics

A friend of mine received her degree in this subject and got a job as a lobbyist after graduating from college. Her responsibility was representing her client to government agencies, such as the Federal Communications Commission and Congress. She enjoyed the work for the three years before moving on to work as an analyst for another firm. You may also have some opportunities with Law firms who specialize with international trade.

Hi Angel,

A lot of people with Political Science degrees go into government jobs. You can sometimes have a minor, in which case, look at Public Administration, Urban Planning, International Relations, or something like that. You could work for a city, county, state, or even a US embassy.

You will want to have some work experience and volunteer experience along the way. There are also many jobs that don't really specify what the degree has to be in, they just want you to have a degree.

What are you interested in?

Kim