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Political Science
Department of Political Science & Public Administration Description | Skills
| Experience | Sample Careers/Work
Settings | Salary Description of MajorPolitical science examines politics, governments, and the political process. Students who pursue this major study the political behavior of people to better understand why they behave as they do and in order to predict future behaviors. Majors in political science benefit from the proximity of the NCSU campus to the state general assembly, executive offices, government agencies, party headquarters, political consulting firms, political and public policy think tanks, and advocacy organizations. Students majoring in Political Science can select one of multiple options: American Politics Concentration: Courses relate to the study of political processes, political institutions, political culture and political events within the American system. The concentration develops skills that benefit students interested in graduate and professional education, law school, careers in political or administrative positions, and business careers that emphasize governmental relations. International Politics Concentration: The concentration has courses related to the study of theories of regime and organizational processes, ration-actor models of strategic interaction, behavioral models, psychological models of decision-making, and more. The concentration develops skills that benefit students interested in graduate or professional education, careers in government service, international organizations, issue advocacy, and corporations with international operations. Law & Justice Concentration: The concentration develops skills that benefits students interested in graduate education, law school and careers in law enforcement, justice administration and various justice system agencies. Public Policy Concentration: The coursework in this concentration emphasizes values, institutions, and processes in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of public policy at international, national, state and local levels. Multi-disciplinary approaches and particular focuses on selected policy issues or techniques of policy analysis or public policy and public service are employed. Graduates pursue careers in law, journalism, business, public and international affairs, government (federal, state and local), education, nonprofit agencies, campaign management, political consulting, interest group advocacy, and communications strategy. Courses include:
Skills You Develop In This Major
Gaining Career-Related ExperienceYou are strongly encouraged to gain career-related experience prior to graduation in the form of an internship, summer job, or co-op. Recognizing the value of learning about politics and governmental processes through personal experience, the department makes it possible for undergraduate students to earn up to 6 credit hours for supervised internships (PS 391). Numerous opportunities for internships exist at all levels of government and with political parties, lobbying groups, research organizations, non-profits, and public interest groups. Positions exist in both the public and private sectors, including international business. As the state capital, Raleigh is an especially fertile area for political internships. Co-op is a program of alternating semesters of work and school. Paid work terms of increasing responsibility enable students to graduate with the minimum equivalent of one year of relevant work experience. Full-time enrollment during the semester prior to the first work term is required. You can begin co-op after completion of at least two semesters (30 credit hours) at NC State (one semester for transfers and graduate students). An NC State transcript must show grades and admission to a degree program. A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 (3.00 for graduate students) is required. The Co-op Office web site lists the Orientation Schedule, which is the first step to program participation. Internships are typically full-time during the summer or (for some) part-time during the semester. You can start interning or seeking summer jobs related to your field, whenever you are ready. The University Career Center provides services to help you get started. Participate in ePack, the Career Center's on-line system that connects employees with students through internship postings, on-campus interviews, information sessions, and resume searches. You may activate your ePack account at any time. Internship ExampleNorth Carolina General Assembly Legislative Internship Program - The NC General Assembly and the Department of Political Science and Public Administration jointly conduct a legislative internship program for a select group of juniors and seniors from colleges and universities throughout the state. The program is offered during the spring semester that coincides with each regular legislative session. Interns are expected to combine work as legislative assistants for which they receive six credit hours as well as internship salary, with courses in political science, specifically PS 406 and 502. Students should inquire about applying for this program early in the fall semester of legislative election years.Sample Career Titles and Possible Work SettingsThe following lists provide a brief sampling of the kind of jobs and work environments you might find with a degree in this major. These titles and work settings are by no means an exhaustive listing. Because the world of work is always changing, over time job titles and work settings can change. The below listing is provided in hopes of giving you initial insight into a particular career field that would employ the skills and knowledge gained through this major.
Careers Needing Advanced Degrees
Salary
Baccalaureate - $ 38,009 The salary listed above is an average starting salary based on skills and experiences gained at the Bachelors level. Keep in mind that salary level typically increases with additional experience and/or educational degrees. Furthermore, you may have the opportunity to mold an entry-level position into your dream job and subsequently increase your salary as you learn more, add responsibilities and gain experience. NC State Related Organizations & Clubs
Professional Resources (Outside NC State)These resources include organizations, clubs, and conferences not affiliated with NC State and can be an important part of your career pursuit. Links to Related Resources
Next StepsNeed more information about this major? Contact the expert on
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Last updated: 9th of September, 2011 at 4:02:25 PM |
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