»Political Science

A unique combination of classroom theory and real-world experience makes Political Science Graduates particularly well-suited for careers in public service, and administration, law, diplomacy and international affairs, journalism, the military, academia and teaching and even business development and public finance.

Beyond providing detailed knowledge of the political world, training in political science helps the student think clearly and communicate effectively - skills that are required in any career. The study of political science enhances students’ abilities to be effective citizens.

Program Details

Wilkinson College Career Resources

Alumni

Academic Advising

Career Paths

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Possible Occupations

Law and Policy

• Congressional Staff 
• Legislative Assistant
• Public Policymaker 
• Public Policy Analyst 
• Lawyers
• Paralegals and Legal Assistants
• Juvenile Justice Specialist 
• Attorney Advisor
• Judge and Hearing Officers
• Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators

Government Jobs
Elected Officials (local, state, and federal offices)

• Legislators
• Mayor
• Federal Government Analyst
• Immigration Officer
• Law Enforcement
• City Manager
• City Management
• City Planner
• Regional Planner
• Program Administration
• The Military
• Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps
• Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer
• Peace Corps
• Social Services

The Bureaucracy

• FBI
• Bureau of Alcool, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
• Drug Enforcement Agency
• Department of State
• Veteran Affairs
• Securities and Exchange Committee (SEC)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Congressional Budget Office
• Government Accountability Office

Research and Education

• Political Scientists
• Statistician
• Survey Researcher
• Pollster
• Elections Analyst
• Professor
• High School Teacher

Public Relations and Media

• Public Relations Specialist
• Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
• Reporters, Correspondents, and Broadcast News Journalists

Nonprofits, Nongovernmental/Intergovernmental Organizations, and Foundations

Examples: 

• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
• American Red Cross and International Red Cross
• Doctors Without Borders
• CARE International

 

• Community Organizer/Activist
• Social and Community Service Managers
• Fundraiser
• Grant Writer
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Lobbyist
• Community Relations Specialist
• Consultant for the World Bank
• See more nonprofit jobs

Private Sector

• Campaign Manager
• International Development Advisor
• Director of Communications

Business and Finance

• Market Research Analyst
• International Trade Specialist
• Labor Relations Specialists
• Management Analyst
• Market Research Analyst
• Think Tanks

 

Top Employers

Top employers of Chapman graduates from this program include:

• US Air Force
• US Department of State
• Disney
• US Homeland Security
• US Department of Justice
• Counties and cities across the nation
• School districts across the nation
• Higher education institutions (Chapman University, Loyola Marymount University, UC Irvine, etc)
• Law Firms around the US

Industries

Popular industries for political science graduates to enter include:

• Government
• Public Administration & International Affairs
• Non-governmental Organizations and Nonprofits
• Private Sector and Think Tanks
• Business and Finance
• Journalism and Media
• Research and Education

Next Steps After your Bachelor's

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Continuing Your Education

Common higher education paths for Political Science graduates include:

Master’s Degrees

• Political Science
• Security Studies
• Foreign Service
• International Studies
• American Government
• Public Policy
• Public Administration
• Political Management
• Global Public Policy

Doctorates

• Ph.D
• Law School

Organizations and Networking

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Professional Organizations

• American Political Science Association
• International Association for Political Science Students
• International Political Science Association
• NASPAA: The Golden Standard in Public Service Education
• Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
• American Association of Political Consultants
• American League of Lobbyists

Chapman Student Organizations

• Pi Sigma Alpha
• Model United Nations
• The Capital Semester Program
• Pre-law at Chapman University
• Asian Pacific Political Alliance
• Chapman Young Democrats
• Chapman University Republicans
• Chapman Chapter of United Nations Association

Resources

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Industry-Specific Job Search Sites

• Jobs for Political Science majors on Chapman's Career Portal, Handshake »
• USAJobs.gov
• Public Administration Careers for MPA Students
• Public Administration Career Guide
• Public Administration Careers for MPA Students

Links

The American Political Science Association Career Resource section

• Careers in Political Science

Do I want to be a lawyer?

• Do I want to be a lawyer?

A Call to Serve: Careers with the Federal Government

• A Call to Serve

Representation of the current feeling of Americans on all subjects

• The Gallup Poll

OpenSecrets.org: Center for Responsive Politics

• Center for Responsive Politics

Whistleblower news

• Government Accountability Project

Source for Professional Jobs in the New Public Sector

• PublicServiceCareers.org

Today’s FBI. It’s for you.

• FBI Employment

Diplomacy in Action

• U.S. Department of State

American Bar Association

• Preparing for Law School

Special focus on public interest law, helps you find the right law school

• Equal Justice Works Guide to Law School

Helping students understand and choose their law studies

• Law Students Center

A commitment to diversity in law

• Discover Law

Preparing for Law School one step at a time

• American Bar Association’s CLEO

Committed to easing the law school admission process for law schools, and prospective law students

• Law School Admission Council

Senate Placement Office filling entry-level staff vacancies

• United States Senate Employment

Federal Job resources

• Federal Jobs.Net

Internships and job listings for federal careers

• Pathways/USA Jobs