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.
Students can earn 3 credits and start exploring potential careers by registering POLSCI 3950 Careers in Political Science. This course is designed to help students explore different career paths related to Political Science, engage with professionals working within a range of careers, and build a portfolio in preparation for entering the job market.
Career Paths
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
US News article: What Can You Do With a Political Science Degree?
BestColleges.com guide to the Best Careers for Political Science Majors.
Career Resources on Campus
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
- Law School Admissions Council (LSAT Info)
- Internet Legal Resource Guide
- Boston College Online Law School Locator
General Employment Links
- Ohio State's Career Page
- OSU Arts and Sciences Career Page
- Nation Job
- National University Job Bank
- Idealist
- Global Jobs
- DevEx
Government Employment
- USAJOBS (United States Office of Personnel Management)
- USAJOBS Mastering the Application Process PowerPoint
- The White House
- The Senate
- The House of Representatives
- The Federal Courts
- Library of Congress
- US State Department Careers (and Internships)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Employment
- Peace Corps
- Internet Job Source (for State Jobs)
- Government Job Page
- State of Ohio
American Politics
Mass Political Behavior
Race, Gender, and Ethnicity
Political Parties and Elections
- Campaigns and Elections Magazine
- Federal Elections Commission
- Democratic National Committee
- Republican National Committee
Congress
Comparative and International Politics
- European Union
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- The African Union
- France's Permanent Mission to the UN
- Italy's Permanent Mission to the UN
- Spain's Permanent Mission to the UN
- The United Nations
- International Organization Careers
- The World Bank
- The International Monetary Fund
- The World Health Organization