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.
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+3Law 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.