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Political science is the study of local, state, national and international governments as well as politics and the political behavior of citizens and officials. It involves studying political power structures, ideologies and policy decisions such as how officials are elected.

At Colorado Mesa University, political science majors are exposed to a wide variety of topics ranging from American political institutions (e.g. presidency, congress) to comparative politics, international relations, public policy, public administration and political behavior. The program provides a variety of learning environments ranging from traditional classroom discussions to simulations, internships, and student groups. The political science degree is useful for gaining employment in politics, government, elections and non-governmental organizations and for gaining entrance to law school and graduate school.

Learn more about CMU's Political Science program

• Attorney
• Campaign Staffer
• Campaign Manager
• Chief of Staff
• City Housing Administrator
• City Manager
• Civil Service Officer
• Communications Director
• Community Organizer
• Community Relations Director
• Congressional Aide
• Congressional Research
• Corporate Public Affairs Advisor
• Consumer Advocate
• Director, Nonprofit/NGO
• Director of Public Policy
• Foreign Service Officer
• Government Intelligence Analyst
• Government or Politics Teacher
• International Relations Manager/Specialist
• Issues Analyst
• Labor Relations Specialist
• Legal Assistant
• Legislative Coordinator
• Legislative Correspondent
• Lobbyist
• Media Analyst
• Media Outreach Coordinator
• Paralegal
• Peace Corps/Vista Worker
• Political Activist
• Political Analyst
• Political Commentator
• Political Consultant
• Politician
• Pollster
• Press Secretary/Agent
• Professor
• Program Analyst
• Public Administrator
• Public Information Officer
• Public Opinion Analyst
• Public Policy Analyst
• Public Relations Officer
• Reporter
• Researcher
• Special Interest Group Director
• Urban/Regional Planner
• Writer/Editor

Note: Some of the occupations listed above may require additional education, experience, or training beyond a Bachelor’s Degree. To research these occupations use the Career Research Resources links below.

• Gather and interpret data such as election results and opinion polls and write reports on results and recommendations
• Write drafts of legislative proposals, speeches, correspondence, and/or policy papers for governmental use
• Lobby, consult, or advise government officials, civic organizations, political parties, and others concerned with political issues
• Provide media commentary and/or criticism related to public policy and political issues
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with a variety of people including representatives of communities, government officials, and public interest groups
• Research and identify political, economic, or social trends and key public interests and concerns
• Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and policies and make related recommendations to institutions and organizations
• Businesses
• Campaign Management Firms
• Colleges/Universities
• Community Organizations
• Consulting/Lobbying Firms
• Law Firms
• Local/State/Federal Government
• Media
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Political Parties
• Private/Public Interest Groups
• Public/International Affairs Offices
• Public Relations
• Schools

Skills Needed by Political Science majors:

• Strong verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills
• Ability to persuade people
• Ability to develop and analyze arguments
• Interact with diverse groups
• Decision-making skills
• Understanding of community needs
• Analytical and critical thinking skills
• Research and planning skills
• Teamwork • Problem-solving skills
• Leadership abilities
• Work well under pressure
• Knowledge of government policies and laws
• Ability to understand and utilize statistics
• Networking ability

Other Political Science resources