Everything to know about being a political science major

Key takeaways about political science majors

• A political science major explores government, policy, law, and power.
• You’ll develop research, communication, and analytical thinking skills.
• It’s a great choice if you’re curious about law, policy, or global systems.
• Career paths include politics, law, journalism, and nonprofit leadership.
• This degree can also prep you for pre-law or graduate study.

What is political science?

Political science is the study of how power works—through governments, public policies, global relations, and political behavior. It’s about more than elections and debates; it's about understanding the systems that shape the world around us.

So, what is a political science major?

A political science major (aka “poli sci”) dives into how political institutions function and how people interact with them. You’ll study the structure of governments, the dynamics of international affairs, and the roots of political ideas. It’s part theory, part real-world problem solving.

What do political science majors study?

Your coursework covers topics like government systems, law, conflict, and policy. Common classes include:

• American government and politics
• Comparative politics
• Political theory
• International relations
• Public policy analysis
• Research methods in political science

Key focus areas and concentrations

Depending on your school, you may choose to concentrate in areas such as:

• International relations
• Public administration
• Law and legal studies
• Political theory
• Environmental policy or global justice

Research and analytical skills students gain

This major builds strong academic and practical skills, like:

• Reading complex texts and forming arguments
• Collecting and analyzing data
• Writing research papers and policy briefs
• Understanding legal and governmental systems
• Communicating clearly and persuasively

Who is a good fit for this major?

If you love staying informed, debating ideas, and understanding the “why” behind policies and institutions, poli sci might be your thing. It’s a great fit for students who want to explore law, activism, public service, or even global careers.

Popular double majors and minors

Political science pairs well with majors or minors in:

• Economics
• History
• Philosophy
• Sociology
• Communications or journalism
• Environmental science
• Global studies
• Foreign language (especially for international relations)

Top jobs with a political science degree

Political science doesn’t lock you into one job path—it opens a bunch of them. Some roles include:

• Policy analyst
• Legislative aide
• Lobbyist or public affairs specialist
• Journalist or political correspondent
• Nonprofit coordinator or campaign strategist
• Lawyer (with additional education)

Can a poli sci degree help me prep for law school or grad school?

This major is a strong foundation for graduate study. Many poli sci majors go on to:

• Law school
• Public policy or public administration programs
• International relations or security studies
• Political science PhDs for research or teaching

If you’re pre-law, poli sci covers the reading, writing, and analytical thinking law schools love.

What are some top schools for political science majors?

Looking for schools with standout political science programs? Here are a few to check out:

• George Washington University
• University of California, Berkeley
• Georgetown University
• University of Chicago
• University of Michigan

Is political science right for me?

If you care about how the world works—and want to shape what comes next—this could be the major for you. It’s flexible, impactful, and can take you anywhere from Capitol Hill to the United Nations.

Ready to explore how to pay for your degree? You can find all kinds of scholarships for political science majors—or try Scholly Scholarships to match with personalized awards.

Still deciding on a school? Use Scout College Search, and browse more scholarships by major to guide your journey.