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Careers in Political Science

Most political science majors do not become professional political scientists; they go into careers such as law, education, business, and federal, state, or local government. A degree in political science or world politics can also open doors to a wide range of rewarding part-time and volunteer opportunities. US News published an article examining job opportunities that individuals who graduated with a political science degree can look for. 

Our graduates have found employment with:

  • Law firms around the country
  • The State Department
  • The White House
  • Local government offices and agencies, such as the Mayor’s Office
  • Public offices as elected officials
  • State government offices and agencies, such as the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Department of Natural Resources
  • Federal agencies such as the CIA 
  • The Democratic and Republican parties at the local, state, and national levels
  • Congressional and presidential campaigns
  • Congressional offices
  • Colleges and universities
  • Think tanks and research institutions, such as The Brookings Institution and RAND Corporation
  • Non-profit and advocacy organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders, Common Cause, and Innovation Ohio

BestColleges.com guide on the Best Careers for Political Science Majors


Career Resources

The ASC Career Success office in the College of Arts and Sciences has extensive information about experiential learning opportunities such as internships, volunteer positions, and off-campus research positions in both the private and public sectors. Career Success can help to arrange interviews with prospective employers and offers career counseling for students entering the job market after graduation. 

For more information, please visit their website or stop by their office in 100 Denney Hall. For students entering the job market after graduation and seeking career counseling, please visit Career Counseling and Support Services.

For a complete list of job opportunities available to Ohio State students, please visit the Handshake website.


Pre-Law Resources


General Employment Links

Government Employment 

American Politics

Mass Political Behavior

Race, Gender, and Ethnicity

Political Parties and Elections

Congress

Comparative and International Politics


Professional Associations