Pros and Cons of Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science

Receiving an undergraduate degree in political science provides you with an understanding of government, public policy, law, and international relations. As a general degree, it can lead to a variety of careers, like public service, law, journalism, and education.

Like any degree, a degree in political science has advantages and disadvantages. This article looks at the various advantages and disadvantages of a political science degree, so students can make a more informed decision about their studies and future career.

The Advantages of a Political Science Degree

1. Skill Development
As a political science student, you will gain valuable skills, such as critical thinking, analytical thinking, research, writing, public speaking, and data analysis. These skills can be transferred to many sectors.

2. Understanding Government and Public Policy
A political science degree provides a deep understanding of how governments operate, how law is created, and how policies affect people’s everyday lives. This is useful foundation if you intend to work in public service, advocacy, or politics.

3. Variety of Career Options
With an undergraduate degree in political science, you could work in government, the legal field, journalism, education, non-profit work, public relations, consulting, and international organizations. This degree can open doors to many career paths.

4. A Good Start for Graduate School
Having an undergraduate degree in political science is a great start for those considering graduate programs in law, public administration, international relations, or political science. It provides students with a solid theoretical and analytical foundation for a possible postgraduate study.

5. Civic Engagement and Awareness
Individuals who study political science will likely be more engaged citizens as they usually enjoy a greater awareness of political current events, public policy issues, and trends that involve civic responsibility.

6. Internship Opportunities in Local, State, and Federal Governments
Most political science programs encourage or require students to intern in government offices, law offices, or not-for-profit organizations. Internships provide students significant networking opportunities and a more complete experience in the “real world.”

7. Emphasis on Global Perspective
Political Science programs generally introduce students to international relations by providing courses that teach students to appreciate issues related to foreign policy, diplomacy, and international affairs — which are important skills in an interconnected world.

8. Development of Ethical Thinking
Through the analysis of political systems and policies, students will reflect upon issues relative to ethical and philosophical perspectives — developing their own moral reasoning and decision-making.

Cons of Getting a Political Science Degree

1. No job immediacy
A degree in nursing, accounting, or engineering prepares students for identified career paths. Conversely, a degree in political science might offer more wiggle room in identifying a niche area that would best suit a student.

2. Competitive job market
The work of politics, government, and law can be competitive niches in the job market. With no advanced degree or specialized training, these students will be challenged to distinguish themselves in the job market.

3. Lower entry-level wages
Students who earn a degree in political science will generally have more initial entry-level positions that pay less than their counterparts in a STEM or business major. Political science students will generally need additional education or experience to increase income.

4. Heavy reading and writing course load
Although it is a horizontal study with significant interdisciplinary course options, the coursework is heavy in reading and writing. If someone does not like to read long readings, write long essays, or analyze academic research, a political science degree program will not be a good fit.

5. Many careers require an advanced degree
Many career paths in political science such as lawyer, policy analyst, or professor, require further study to earn an advanced degree such as JD, MPA, or PhD. If you have bachelor degree, you may find that your educational path will likely not end there.

6. Possible Political Bias
Political science programs vary in their political perspectives, therefore there is the possibility of political bias in other political science courses or departments. A student should be willing to be critically engaged in these issues and not cocooned in an academic echo chamber.

7. Vague prospective career outcomes and paths
Given the degree doesn’t force you down a protected route, prospective career outcomes vary widely from different physical locations, networking within that location, and different additional qualifications, there are no guarantees.

8. Public Sector Obsolescence
A number of political science graduates want to work in the public sector, but those jobs may be uncertain because budgets may be cut, hiring freezes may occur, slow application processes happen, and so on.

Conclusion

A bachelor degree from a political science program will provide the student with a valuable educational opportunity that can help facilitate the development of critical thinking, civic awareness, and communication skills.

While not leading to a specified career path, it can provide you access to many different opportunities in the fields of public service, law, public policy and so much more.

To truly extract value from which you will learn, graduating students can facilitate their experiences by participating in internships, building their networks, considering advanced education based on their career aspirations. With some clarity on focus and determination, a political science degree can be worthwhile and rewarding.