Political science (PolSci) is a discipline that unravels the complexity of the political world, providing insight into the systems that govern our lives. Understanding the regulating policies is a factor that can affect our daily lives, which is why it’s important to study political science and learn the intricate workings of the government.
As a student aspiring for a career in law, getting a bachelor’s degree in political science is one avenue you can explore. And in this blog, we break down why political science is important, what you learn in the course, and the myriad of opportunities you can expect upon receiving your degree. That way, you have an appreciation of how this major can add value to your career, and help you finalize your decision as you choose which pre-law degree to take.
But First, What is Political Science?
Political science is the academic study of politics, government, and political behavior. It’s the discipline that dives into the structures, processes, and theories that underpin political systems at various levels, from local to international.
The responsibility of political scientists is to examine the behavior of individuals and groups in political contexts, analyze the impact of government policies, and explore the dynamics of international relations. Through political science, they seek to unravel the complexities of the political world and provide insights into the forces that drive our society.
What is a Political Science Degree?
Simply put, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science prepares you for careers in public services, politics, government, and other related fields. You’re given the opportunity to study the nature of power, government, and political behavior, learning about different political systems, ideologies, and public policies. Through these courses, you develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and communication skills that will be beneficial in a career in law.
Aside from PolSci, there are other law undergraduate courses you can take like history, economics, or communications. However, political science is the more popular course most students choose as their pre-law major.
Why is it Important to Study Political Science?
As mentioned earlier, political science holds immense importance in understanding how society works in the modern world. To let you have a deeper understanding of its significance, here are some compelling reasons PolSci matters:
1. Informed Citizenship
Political science equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to be an informed and engaged citizen. In a democracy, being an informed citizen is the backbone of the political system. You can make well-informed voting decisions, actively participate in civic life, and hold elected officials accountable for their actions.
2. Civic Engagement
Generally, PolSci motivates you to get involved in your community and engage in the political process. It empowers you to address societal issues, advocate for change, and play an active role in shaping public policies.
3. Policy Analysis and Advocacy
Political science education can empower you to evaluate public policies, propose solutions to societal challenges, and understand the impact of policies on individuals and communities. This is crucial for influencing policy decisions and addressing societal issues.
Studying PolSci is a great way to learn about the world around you. Through this course, you can develop various skills that can lead to flourishing careers whether in law, governance, or other specializations.
What Do You Learn in Political Science?
A PolSci program encompasses a diverse array of subjects and areas of study. And while the specific courses and topics may vary, here are some core areas you are likely to encounter when studying political science:
- Political Theory: Topics in political theory explore the concepts and philosophies that support political thought and action. It includes the works of influential political philosophers and the examination of key political ideologies.
- International Relations: An analysis of the dynamics of international politics including diplomatic relations, global conflicts, and international organizations are part of the areas studied in political science. It uncovers the multi-faceted factors influencing international systems.
- Public Policy Analysis: This concept in PolSci involves learning the skills to evaluate public policies, propose solutions to societal challenges, and understand the impact of policies on individuals and communities.
Of course, learning political science will teach you to hone other skills like critical thinking, research analysis, and communication. However, these classes are the main concentration of PolSci, focusing more on governance.
What Can You Do with a Political Science Degree?
A PolSci degree is a gateway to varying professions in different fields. The top three careers in political science where your degree can make a meaningful impact are:
1. Law and Legal Careers
The most popular professional paths in political science are those related to the legal sector. The common careers are:
- Lawyer or Legal Consultant: Once you’ve completed law school and passed the bar exam, you can become a lawyer and practice in different areas of law. You can advise individuals and organizations on various legal matters.
- Paralegal: With a PolSci degree, you can work as a paralegal, assisting lawyers with legal research, documentation, and administrative tasks.
2. Government and Public Administration
If you want to pursue a vocation in government, available careers are:
- Public Policy Analyst: As an analyst, you evaluate government policies and propose solutions to societal challenges.
- Legislative Assistant: A degree in political science can lead to a career as a legislative assistant, helping policymakers draft and review legislation.
- Public Relations Specialist: As a PolSci PR specialist, you oversee all the communication and outreach programs for government agencies and officials.
3. International Relations and Diplomacy
A role in global or international relations offers several job opportunities for you to strive for:
- Foreign Service Officer: As an officer, you can represent the country’s interests abroad, working in embassies and consulates to improve relations between nations.
- Diplomat: Generally, diplomats engage in diplomatic negotiations, conflict resolution, and international cooperation to protect the country’s safety.
- International Organizations: Studying PolSci allows you to work for organizations like the United Nations or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on global issues. This lets you make a change on a global scale, thinking of systems that benefit humanity as a whole.
Politics and governance shape our lives in profound ways. And with a political science degree, you’re given the key to understanding the world around us. Whichever profession you choose to follow, studying political science gives you a deeper appreciation of the systems that govern us as a society, encouraging you to safeguard the rights of fellow citizens.
Studying Political Science with OEd
If you’re aspiring to explore the exciting world of political science, OEd offers an exceptional political science program. We are committed to providing high-quality education in a flexible and accessible format, making it convenient for you to pursue your academic goals through our online educational platform in the Philippines.
Our political science program is designed to equip you with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and analytical abilities necessary to excel in this dynamic field. Whether you’re interested in government, law, international relations, public policy, or any of the diverse career opportunities available to political science graduates, OEd is your partner on the path to success.
Learn more about our political science program on our website or contact us today!