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WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN...
POLITICAL SCIENCE OR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
www.sc.edu/career
po⋅lit⋅i⋅cal sci⋅ence
The study of the processes, principles, and structure of government and of political institutions; politics.*
*"political Science." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 27 Jul. 2009. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/political Science>.
in·ter·na·tion·al stu·dies
The study of the relations of states with each other and with international organizations and certain sub national entities (e.g., bureaucracies, political parties, and interest groups). It is related to a number of other academic disciplines, including political science, geography, history, economics, law, sociology, psychology, and philosophy.*
* "The American Heritage Dictionary." Encyclopedia Britannica. 2009. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. 27 Jul. 2009 <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/19759/The-American-Heritage-Dictionary>.
Political Science At The University Of South
Carolina• The Department of Political Science
offers majors in both political science and international studies.
• Faculty and students frequently refer to these two majors as PS/IS.
Political Science
• Political science is the study of political power; who has it, how it is developed and used, and how it can be controlled to protect individual rights.
• Political science describes and explains such phenomena as the rise and fall of governments, political parties, mass movements, social conflicts, revolutions, and ideologies.
• Political scientists analyze the mechanisms of organizing, influencing, and governing at the local, state, national, and international level.
International Studies
• International studies examines international history, government, politics, and power.
• International studies investigates the rise and fall of foreign policy, governments, conflicts,
Political Science And International Studies Majors
Study• Mechanics of government and international
relations• Negotiation and conflict resolution• Economic planning and resource allocation• Policy development and implementation• Clear and concise communication skills• Constituent needs related to multiple issues
...and more
Political Science At The University Of South Carolina
Undergraduate Options
Degrees: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Majors: Political Science, International Studies
Minors: Political Science, International Studies
Political Science At The University Of South Carolina
• Graduate Degrees– Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science– Master of Arts (MA) in International Studies– Master of Public Administration (MPA)– Master of Public Administration/Master of
Social Work (Joint Degree)– Master of Public Administration/JD (Joint
Degree)– Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Political
Science– Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in International
Studies
Political Science And International Studies Majors
Develop Skills In• Interpreting public
policy• Explaining the
mechanics of government
• Inter-governmental relations
• Using politics to promote public causes
• Organizing public action• Collection, budgeting,
and use of public funds• Analyzing bureaucratic
budgets• Interpretation of policy-
making processes
Political Science And International Studies Majors
Develop Skills In
• Dealing effectively with individuals and groups in many cultures
• Using mathematical methods to analyze statistics and budget
• Organizing projects using the talents of diverse people
• Communicating clearly and concise in both speech and writing
• Predicting the impact of political changes
• Using historical perspective to predict future political events
• Teaching, explaining, and consulting
SpecializationsMost undergraduate programs offer only a general course of study. However, many specializations can be pursued with additional study. The American Political Science Association’s membership identifies 90 specialized subfields in political science. These include (but are not limited to):
African American Politics American Government & Politics
Comparative Politics (including area specialties such as Latin American politics)
Electoral Behavior & Public Opinion International Organizations & Law
International Political Economy International Relations & World Politics International Security & Arms Control
Legislative Politics
Specializations Methodology
Political Communication Political Parties & Interest Groups
Political Philosophy Political Psychology & Socialization
Political Theory Politics and History
Presidential & Executive Politics Public Administration
Public Law & Judicial Politics Public Policy (such as Health Care or Science &
Technology) Urban & Ethnic Politics
Women & Politics
Employment Settings
Students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in international studies or political science largely work in the following areas:
• Business & Commerce• Communication & Journalism• Consulting• Education• Government & Politics• Law• Social Services & Non-Profit
Employment Settings
• Business & Commerce: Occupations in this setting are associated with the management, manufacturing, distribution, sale, or maintenance of information, goods, services, and/or resources. This is the broadest area of employment and job opportunities vary depending on one’s specific training, skills, and interests.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Business &
Commerce• Account Executive• Buyer• Chamber of Commerce
Director• Economic Developer• Government Relations
Specialist• International Banker• International Trade
Specialist• Labor Relations
Specialist
• Management Trainee • Market Research
Analyst• Personnel Interviewer• Real Estate Broker• Researcher• Sales Manager• Translator• Travel Agent• Underwriter
Employment Settings
• Communication & Journalism: Includes print, television, radio, and Internet media. Encompasses everything from business planning and capital development to producing and writing original news or entertainment material.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With
Communication & Journalism
• Advertising Director• Copywriter• Cultural
Communications Specialist
• Editor• Foreign Correspondent• Media Buyer• Media Planner• News Anchor
• Political Commentator• Press Director• Producer• Public Relations
Specialist• Publications Director• Publisher• Reporter• Speech Writer• Technical Writer
Employment Settings
• Consulting:
Includes historical and ethnographic research; political surveying, social/cultural assessments, designing bilingual and bicultural curricula; assessing services, and more.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Consulting
• Agency Communications Consultant
• Bicultural Curricula Developer
• Business Consultant• Community Planner• Economic Development
Specialist • Employee Relations
Specialist
• Marketing Strategist• Mediator• Management
Consultant • Policy Analyst• Political Survey Analyst• Public Health Advisor• Public Relations
Consultant• Training Specialist
Employment Settings
• Education: Includes classroom instruction, curricula development, research, writing, administration, program management, and lecturing.
Teaching and research positions at colleges and universities require an advanced degree. Most other teaching positions require proper certification.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Education
• Administrator• Admissions Evaluator• Author/Writer• College or University
Professor• Guidance Counselor• International Student
Advisor• Judicial Affairs Director
• Primary School Teacher• Research Institute
Director• Residence Hall Director• Secondary School
Teacher• Student Government
Advisor• Text Writer
Employment Settings
• Government & Politics: This area of employment involves people working with the development and implementation of public, domestic, and international policy on the local, state, national, or international levels.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With
Government &Politics• Archivist• Campaign Manager• City Manager• Community Relations
Coordinator• Congressional Aide• Consumer Advocate• Elected Official• Election Assistant• Environmental Policy
Analyst• Event Coordinator
• Federal Program Specialist
• Foreign Service Officer• Intelligence Agent• Foreign Service Officer• Legislative Analyst• Lobbyist• Political Pollster• Protocol Officer• Urban/Regional Planner
Employment Settings
• Law: May include the practice of law, as well as legal research and writing, consulting, mediation, or training in a variety of settings.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Law
• Affirmative Action Director
• Attorney• City or County Council
Legal Advisor• Contract Negotiator• Dispute Resolution
Trainer• Ethics Officer• Land Use Examiner
• Mediator• Ombudsman• Paralegal• Purchasing Agent• Policy Writer• Risk Management
Advisor• Union Representative• Victim’s Advocate
Employment Settings
• Social Services & Non-Profit: Includes among others counseling, social work, program management, public service, non-profit work, ministry, and positions in correctional facilities.
Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Social Service
& Non-profit
• Advocate• Association Manager• Author/Writer• Community Relations
Coordinator• Development Officer• Event Coordinator• Grant Writer• Historic Site Interpreter
• Non-Profit Agency Director
• Peace Corps Worker• Police Officer• Private Foundation
Program Director• Probation Officer• Social Service
Administrator• Social Worker
Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You
Want
• Acquire foreign language competence
• Intern or co-op with a government agency
• Become involved in student government
• Participate it cross-culture groups or organizations
• Develop a network of personal contacts
• Write for campus publications dealing with national or international affairs
• Develop strong math and statistics skills
• Become familiar with hiring practices in government agencies
• Study abroad
Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want
• Utilize the office of pre-professional advising if you’re interested in law school
• Intern or work part-time in a law office
• Take courses in public policy, speech, and debate
• Volunteer with a political campaign
• Obtain a business minor• Earn leadership roles in
organizations• Develop strong verbal
and written communication skills
• Become involved in political organizations
Books and Web Resources
Books Great jobs for political science majors - by
Mark Rowh Careers in international affairs – by Maria
Pinto. Carland
Web Resources The American Political Science Association Online
- http://www.apsanet.org/
International Affairs Resources - http://www.etown.edu/vl/
Resources for more Information
USC’s Department of Political Science http://www.cas.sc.edu/poli/ http://www.cas.sc.edu/poli/Undergraduate/UGindex2.html
Career Center libraryhttp://www.sc.edu/career/Library/library.html
Related Websites http://www.sc.edu/career/la/poli.html
College of Arts and Sciences Career Development Programwww.sc.edu/career/cascdp/
Career Center Contact Information
University of South Carolina Career Center6th Floor, H. William Close Building (BA Building)Columbia, SC 29208Phone: 803-777-7280On-call counseling without an appointment: M - F, 1:00 am - 4:00 pm (Summer and holiday hours may differ, please check the website at www.sc/edu/career)