A bachelor's degree in political science can lead to any number of career destinations. Like all Liberal Arts majors, political science graduates leave college with an appreciation for learning and critical inquiry, and a set of skills widely valued in the marketplace. Liberal Arts graduates bring to employers analytical and communication abilities that can only be developed through years of sustained effort. Political Science graduates add to this their in-depth knowledge of governance and politics, and an appreciation for and often personal experience of the cultures of other nations.

It should come as no surprise, then, that political science graduates have successfully exploited their comparative advantage to succeed in a great variety of careers.

Where have YOU gone with your Tulane political science degree? Let us know by sending an email to the Chair at: langston@tulane.edu

Examples of Careers for Political Scientists
The following are a sample of careers for political scientists.

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Advocate/Activist
[Start with an internship while in college.]

Administrator, for corporations, governments, and non-profit organizations
[Many large corporations and organizations invite high-performing Liberal Arts graduates into their management training programs.]

Attorney
[Of course you’ll need to spend a few years in law school first; don’t just head straight to law school, though, unless you really want to practice law; instead, see how far you can get with “just” your BA in political sciences; you might be surprised.]

Banking Analyst or Executive
[An MBA degree will take you to this destination quickly.]

Campaign Operative and Manager
[Many political science students just plain love politics; there are great opportunities to get involved professionally in this field. Get busy while in college, volunteering in local campaigns.]

CIA Analyst or Agent
[Graduate work and language training a second step.]

Congressional Aide
[Start with a congressional internship while pursuing your BA.]

Communications Director
[The communication skills you develop as a Liberal Arts major, combined with your substantive knowledge about politics and policy will make you an attractive candidate for positions in Public Relations and Communications.]

Corporate Executive
[What you aim for after your training program as an Administrator.]

Corporation Legislative Issues Manager
[The best of both worlds: corporate management and politics.]

Customs Officer
[The Department of Homeland Security is one of the largest employers in the nation. Though often overlooked, the federal government civil service can offer exciting career opportunities. There are, in fact, special programs in the civil service to recruit high-performing Liberal Arts graduates.]

Editor/journalist
[Start by gaining free experience with Tulane college publications.]

Entrepreneur
[Don’t like the jobs offered by employers in your area? Create your own business and become self-employed. If you succeed, you can hire other Liberal Arts graduates to work for you.]

Financial Consultant
[Training programs exist in financial and insurance firms for Liberal Arts graduates.]

Foreign Service Officer
[Represent the United States around the world.]

Foundation Executive
[You’ll have to start outside the executive suite, but philanthropic foundations attract idealistic Liberal Arts graduates and reward them with careers in service to others.]

High School Government Teacher
[The nation’s secondary schools need more well-trained teachers with expertise in the subjects they teach, including Government. Start by participating in a program such as Teach for America after graduation.]

International Agency Officer
[Combine your political science education with extensive language training; take advantage of the many opportunities for study abroad, to prepare yourself for a career with an international organization.]

Lobbyist or Governmental Affairs Specialist for a corporation or organization
[Focus on learning how to communicate effectively while in school; put your communication skills to work for your clients with interests in Washington D.C. Begin with an internship while pursuing your BA.]

Member of Congress  
[Run for office! Start early; repeat.]

Military Officer
[ROTC cadets and midshipmen often excel in political science.]

Pollster  
[Take the methods track in the American Politics and Policy concentration.]

Program Manager at a Charitable Foundation or Think Tank
[Like researching and writing; have organizational skills as well as a good ability to communicate? You might enjoy the world of think tanks and foundations. Washington D.C. and New York City are thick with such employers.]

State Legislator
[Tulane political science students have run for state office before; while still in school. They’ve done well, and gained valuable experience in the process. A number of Tulane graduates hold elective state office in Louisiana and elsewhere.]

United States Senator
[Aim high.]

University Professor
[You’ll need a Ph.D. for this.]

University President/President
[Woodrow Wilson was the first professional political scientist to win the presidency; he did so after serving as professor and president at Princeton University.]

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Even better than reading these examples is hearing from TULANE political science graduates themselves. Learn about their adventures in the workplace…