What is Political Science?

Political Science encompasses various areas of study focused on the analysis of political activity, political thoughts, and public policy. It challenges students to think critically about governance and power dynamics while fostering an understanding of how political systems function across different cultures and societies.

The major subfields of Political Science include:

• Comparative Politics: Examines different political systems and their functions.
• International Relations: Studies interactions between countries, focusing on diplomacy, conflict, and global issues.
• Political Theory: Analyzes classical and contemporary political ideas and ideologies.
• Political Methodology: Focuses on quantitative and qualitative methods of political research.

What Do You Study in Political Science?

Associate Degree

• Core Focus: Introduction to government systems, world politics, and political ideologies.
• Additional Courses: Public speaking, basic composition, and research methods.
• Outcomes: Prepares students for transfer to a bachelor’s program or entry-level roles in government or business sectors.

Bachelor’s Degree (BA or BS)

• Core Courses:
• Political Theory: Exploring classical and contemporary ideas influencing political thought.
• Comparative Politics: Studying political systems around the world and their governance.
• International Relations: Understanding global interconnectedness and diplomatic relations.
• American Government: A closer look at the U.S. political structure and its functions.
• Political Methodology: Introduction to research methods specific to political studies.
• Advanced Topics: Could include global political economy, law and justice, and politics of development.
• Degree Types: BA: Emphasizes humanities, generally requiring a foreign language. BS: More math and statistics focused to analyze political data.
• Skills Developed: Students develop analytical thinking, advanced research skills, and improved communication abilities—a foundation beneficial across many sectors.

Master’s Degree

• Core Focus: Advanced study in political theory, economics, political behavior, and institutions.
• Capstone Project: Often includes a thesis to demonstrate mastery of a specialized topic.
• Paths: Can lead to a doctorate or professional positions in policy analysis and political consulting.

Doctorate (Ph.D.)

• Focus: Intensive research in political theory, statistical analysis, and dissertation projects.
• Goal: Prepares graduates for careers in academia or high-level research positions.

Careers After Political Science

Graduating with a Political Science degree opens a plethora of career options across public and private sectors. Here are common career paths for graduates based on their degree level:

Associate’s Degree:

• Office Administrator
• Market Researcher
• Political Campaign Staff
• Legal Assistant

Bachelor’s Degree:

• Community Organizer
• Foreign Service Officer
• Public Policy Analyst
• Journalist
• Educator

Master’s Degree:

• Political Scientist
• Senior Policy Analyst
• High School Teacher

Doctorate (Ph.D.):

• University Professor
• Research Director
• Lead Political Scientist
• Academic Scholar

Salary Ranges

• Bachelor’s Degree: Average salary around $55,000 – $75,000 per annum (€50,000 – €70,000).
• Master’s Degree: Average salaries can range from $75,000 – $90,000 (€70,000 – €85,000) depending on specialization and location.
• Ph.D.: Graduates often earn between $90,000 – $130,000 (€85,000 – €120,000), particularly within academia and high-level consultancy roles.

Is Political Science Hard to Study?

Political Science can be demanding, as it requires mastery of complex theories and an understanding of local and global political structures. Students often find the following aspects challenging:

• Abstract Concepts: Understanding political theories and their applications can be intricate and require critical thinking.
• Research Methodologies: Mastery of qualitative and quantitative research methods can be technically demanding.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical skills to interpret political data and trends.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for articulating political arguments and analyses.
• Research proficiency to navigate various sources and data effectively.

Preparation Tips

• Engage with current events and political discussions through news media and academic journals.
• Develop strong writing skills through practice and feedback.
• Participate in debates, student government, or relevant internships to gain practical experience.

Top Certifications After Political Science Graduation

Graduates may want to pursue various certifications to enhance their job prospects and professional growth. Some notable certifications include:

• Certified Public Manager (CPM): For individuals looking to advance their managerial skills in public service.
• Project Management Professional (PMP): Relevant for those interested in leadership roles within governmental and organizational projects.
• Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT): Required for those aiming to enter diplomatic services.
• Certified Political Consultant (CPC): Relevant for those interested in campaign management and political advisory roles.

Where to Study Political Science

Numerous universities offer robust Political Science programs tailored for aspiring students. Here are some top private universities to consider:

Take the Next Step with Study in Turkiye

Political Science is an intellectually rewarding field that prepares students for influential roles across various sectors. If you are interested in pursuing this degree, reach out to Study in Turkiye for personalized assistance in finding the right program that fits your goals and aspirations.