Political Science

Political science is the study of governments - their procedures and policies - and the political behavior of citizens and officials. Governments might include nation states, international organizations or the sub-units of government such as counties, states, provinces etc. Power and conflict are frequent topics of study but so are the means used to make collective and policy decisions such as elections and legislative voting. In studying these topics, political scientists use philosophical, historical and legalistic and quantitative methods.

Students of political science will develop the ability to conceptualize, to think analytically, and to communicate effectively. Thus, it provides good preparation for law school or administration, urban affairs, and other social sciences. Frequent areas of employment following graduation include teaching, public relations, government service at the federal, state or local level, lobbying with interest groups or businesses, policy research, journalism, and campaign work (polling, media relations etc.). In addition, a large number of graduates go into business- marketing, personnel, advertising, banking and finance. Another career avenue is with non-profit agencies who are frequently the recipients of contract to perform services funded by government. Relatively few students are hired as "political scientist" since few jobs specifically call for this specialization. Graduates with computer skills or training in a specialized policy area or policy analysis in general are most likely to find government jobs. Students seeking more information should contact Dr. Jason Mycoff, Director of Undergraduate Studies, 347 Smith Hall or 831-2355.

Sample Job Titles

Check the Dictionary of Occupational Titles under section 051 for additional related careers.

Enhancing Employability

Some Employers of Political Science Majors

*consulting firms              
*state/federal government         
*colleges/universities         
*public/international affairs offices  
*political parties             
*private/public interest groups
*campaign management firms     
*business and industry       
*non-profit organizations      
*newspapers

Other Sources of Information

Advocacy Jobs Search
www.execsearches.com/exec/

American Political Science Association
www.apsanet.org

American Society for Public Administration
www.aspanet.org/public/

Cato (Think Tank)
www.cato.org

GOP.gov
www.gop.gov/

Heritage Foundation (Think Tank)
www.heritage.com

National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
www.naspaa.org

Online Resources to find a job in Political Science
www.apsanet.org/section_74.cfm

Opportunities in Public Affairs
www.opajobs.com/

OpportunityKnocks
www.opportunityknocks.org/

Peace Science Society
http://pss.la.psu.edu/

Political Job Listings in DC
www.rollcall.com and www.hillnews.com 

Public Sector Jobs
www.sector1.net/jobsearch/default.asp

State of Delaware (list of agencies)
www.delaware.gov/topics/agencylist_alpha

The Riley Guide
www.rileyguide.com

Resources for Finding Employment

Found at the Career Services Center's Career Library (first floor):

• Blue Hen Careers -- Internships, Part-time, Summer, and Full-time Jobs -- All in one place
• The Complete Guide to Fundraising Management (CSE 249)
• Opportunities in Fund-Raising Careers (CSE 250)
• The Everything Guide to Being a Paralegal (CSE 427)
• Opportunities in Paralegal Careers (CSE 428)
• Paralegal Success (CSE 429)
• Careers in Focus - Law (CSE 432)
• An Insider's Guide to Political Jobs in Washington (CSE 441)
• Great Jobs for Political Science Majors (CSE 447)
• Careers and the Study of Political Science (CSE 448)
• Top Careers for Liberal Arts Graduates (CSE 559)
• Opportunities in Social Science Careers (CSE 572)
• Careers for Born Leaders and Other Decisive Types (CSE 591)
• 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For (CSE 650)
• From Making a Profit to Making a Difference (CSE 653)
• Career Opportunities in the Nonprofit Sector (CSE 654)
• Washington Internships in Law and Policy (EXR 1)
• The Congressional Internship Book (EXR 2)
• Washington Directory (GD 49)
• Dictionary of Occupational Titles (GE 25 & GE 30)
• Peterson's Graduate Programs in the Humanities & Social Sciences (GS20)
• Guide to America's Federal Jobs (GV 20)
• The Book of U.S. Government Jobs (GV 44)
• Carroll's Federal Directory (GV 47)
• www.udel.edu/CSC/netresources.html CSC's Internet Resources

Further information including: Skills to Develop, Strategies for Contacting Employers, Grad School Information and where to get assistance is available in the CAREER LIBRARY located at 401 Academy Street.

Last updated: December 15, 2011(CH)