Careers for Political Science Graduates

If you are interested in a career in public service or political advocacy, Governors State offers a B.A. in Political Science or M.A. in Political and Justice Studies.  Our undergraduate program has a civic and community engagement emphasis with challenging course work on American government and policy, comparative political analysis, international and global politics, and political theory. As a graduate, you will be prepared to apply what you have learned in class to solve real-world problems through analysis, activism, advocacy and civic engagement.

Careers include working in government and criminal justice, or for political parties, lobbying groups, research organizations, nonprofits, international businesses and public interest groups.  In addition the degree is excellent preparation if you plan to go on to graduate studies in the social sciences, education or legal profession. 

GSU’s M.A. in Political and Justice Studies strives to develop the conceptual abilities and substantive knowledge needed to acquire an understanding of political behavior, current policy issues, problems, and changes in government and society.  The program is an excellent academic foundation for a variety of careers.  Graduates have careers in higher education, the legal profession, state or local governments, the nonprofit sector, the federal bureaucracy, justice related fields, or organizations that monitor political and social processes or influence the content of public policy. 

Through the exceptional programs offered by the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences, students leave GSU with a broader appreciation of the ways our differences and commonalities have shaped our rich history and the ways in which they will impact our future.  Our many areas of study include American studies, anthropology, criminal justice, English, gender and sexuality, global studies, history, interdisciplinary studies, integrative studies, latina/o studies, political science, restorative justice, social sciences and sociology. 

Along with the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree, the division offers the following undergraduate degree programs:  Anthropology and Sociology, Criminal Justice, English, English Teacher Education, History, Interdisciplinary Studies and Social Sciences.  Graduate programs also include: M.A. in Criminal Justice and M.A. in English.  Please see our website for information on all of the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs.     

At GSU we offer a wide variety of exceptional academic programs, activities and services.  In every college we have stellar programs and world-class professors; all focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  Our Division of Humanities and Social Sciences offers a range of high-quality programs designed to prepare the next generation of leaders.