What is Political Science?

Updated November 29, 2022 · 1 Min Read

If you're interested in the world of political science, you're among hundreds of thousands of people who show the same interest. If you're not quite sure what this particular science is, you're not alone. We'll be taking an in-depth look at this political study to help you better understand what it is, what it entails, ...

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If you're interested in the world of political science, you're among hundreds of thousands of people who show the same interest. If you're not quite sure what this particular science is, you're not alone. We'll be taking an in-depth look at this political study to help you better understand what it is, what it entails, and what types of careers you can enter.

What is it?

To put it bluntly, it is "the systematic study of governance by the application of empirical and generally scientific methods of analysis," according to Britannica. "Political science examines the state and its organs and institutions."

It's easier to understand this type of science simply as a social science that analyzes political activities, thoughts, and behavior in systems of government. The largest percentage of the topic deals with political theory and practice, which allows scientists to determine the distribution of resources and power. This focus can be on a variety of systems of government, from local to state, national, and international levels.

Since the world of politics and science is very wide, there are a broad range of subtopics inside this particular science. Students who are seeking a degree in this subject can specialize in areas like political methodology, international relations, public administration, political economy, comparative politics, political theory, and public policy.

Most political scientists have extremely honed writing, communications, analytical, and computer skills. They must have both the ability to use scientific and humanistic skills to examine politics in the United States and beyond. Career choices with this type of a degree are limitless.

What can you do With a Degree?

Political scientists can work almost anywhere. They can work for nonprofit or for-profit organizations, or even in the public sector. These scientists can find work in law, government agencies, journalism and communications, teaching, consulting, and international organization. Of course, that's only to name a few areas.

As a political scientist you can participate in the government by becoming a lobbyist, political campaign manager, or even a career politician. There are endless amounts of ways to get involved in the government with this type of degree. You could also use this science to get directly involved with the law side of government, becoming a lawyer or legal analyst.

Political scientists can find rewarding careers in business, becoming market researchers, PR specialists, or business specialists that promote and defend interests of companies, using political theory. They can also become a political analyst and find work in investigative journalism, public relations, or accounting.

There are also large amounts of political scientists who get back into the world of education, becoming teachers at all different levels. Teachers, researchers, and professors find a rewarding career in teaching students the fundamentals and inner workings of this social science.

This type of science can prepare you for a wide variety of careers, in many different sectors. Because they understand the way the world of politics works, political scientists are a much-needed, very in-demand part of society.

Political scientists analyze and understand the world around them using numerous, honed skills. They can help shape the political world of today and tomorrow in a wide variety of ways, by using those skills. Political science can open you up to a world full of careers, in a very interesting and rewarding way.

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