What's Next? Options for After Graduation

What can I do with a major in Political Science?

Graduate and Professional Schools

Many of our Political Science majors continue their studies with advanced degrees in Law, Public Administration, Political Science, Area Studies, Business, or other fields. The field of study depends on career goals. 

Graduate Study in Political Science (or a related field): MA/PhD

Advanced degrees in Political Science include MA or PhDs. Masters programs usually take 2 years. The MA is a general political science degree, often with a specialty in one of the core areas of political science. The Ph.D. typically leads to a career as a professor or professional researcher. The Ph.D. typically takes between 6-7 years to complete and includes coursework, comprehensive exams and the completion of a book length dissertation. If you're thinking about graduate studies in Political Science, we recommend that you talk with as many POLS faculty members as possible in order to learn about the field, graduate programs, and the application process. 

Graduate Study in Public Administration: MPA

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is designed to provide professional education to students who wish to prepare themselves for administrative careers and leadership positions in government. While the majority of graduates may take positions in local, state, and national governments, the degree program can also lead to service in other organizations associated with governmental affairs, such as private foundations, nonprofit service agencies, political interest groups, and other community institutions. Graduates have also taken positions in the private sector. The MPA usually takes 2 years to complete, and most programs include an internship requirement. 

Interested in Public Administration at BGSU? Check out our MPA Program

Graduate Study in Law: JD 

Law programs generally take 3 years of school beyond the B. A. Admission to law school is usually based on your grades (GPA), and your score on the LSAT test which is usually taken in the senior year before applying to law schools. Undergraduate courses that develop writing, speaking and critical thinking/problem solving will help you to succeed on the LSAT and in law school. One can major or minor in any field and still gain admission into law school. Our department offers several courses in the public law area (constitutional law, administrative law, constitutional law advocacy) which provide students with a basic understanding of the major cases and legal concepts are covered in law school. 

Graduate  and Professional Study in Other Areas

Political Science majors can continue on to graduate programs in a variety of other fields. It is recommended for students to work with their university and department advisors to discuss any necessary preparatory coursework and graduate programs in their area of interest.