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What is political science?

Political science is the study of governments, power, decision-making, public policy and political behavior in local, national and international politics. A political science degree combines skills in oral and written communication, history, culture, statistics and quantitative analysis, and research literacy. This combination of skills makes political science majors highly competitive in a constantly changing job market.

Why political science at OSU?

Our majors gain real-world knowledge of American or global politics and in-depth training in the research and analysis techniques used in academic, government and legal fields. Our highly-flexible degree allows students to personalize their electives or combine political science with an additional major or minor to help customize their training to fit their career goals.
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Career Paths

Political science majors pursue a variety of careers in local, national and global politics. Our degree also prepares you for attending law school or pursuing a graduate degree in political science or related fields such as public policy, public administration or data science. Popular career paths for political scientists include:

  • Campaign Manager
  • Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer
  • FBI Agent
  • Intelligence Officer
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer
  • Legal Assistant
  • Lobbyist
  • Non-Profit/Community Organizer
  • Political or Financial Consultant
  • Public Policy Analyst
  • Teacher/Professor

3+3 Law Degree Option

Complete political science degree and law degree in just six years

Highlights

Political science students mix and match courses in American politics, comparative politics (the study of domestic politics in other countries), international relations (the study of relations between countries) and political research methodology. A few additional benefits of this degree program includes:

  • Students majoring in political science are encouraged to engage in active, experience-based learning. You can fulfill major course requirements with study abroad experiences, internships and/or research assistant work.

  • Our faculty includes experts specializing in American politics as well as regional experts on Asia, Latin America, Africa, Europe and Russia. Their expertise ranges from campaigns and lobbying to terrorism and war to law and judicial politics. They offer a variety of courses, including very popular classes in Money, Media, and Politics; Courts and Judicial Processes; Terrorism and Counterterrorism; and Russian and Eurasian Politics.

  • We are a major full of campus and community leaders. Political science majors are active in the Student Government Association, the President’s Leadership Council, Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature (O.I.L.), and many more groups. Their engagement and talent earn them recognition beyond the department. Our majors are frequently honored as CAS scholarships and award winners, OSU Seniors of Significance, and some have been selected as national recipients of the Truman and Udall Scholarships.

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