As liberal arts majors, political science and public administration provide valuable training in writing, communication skills and analysis that are central to today's job market. Most people in today's job market will change jobs several times over their working life. Transferable skills, such as those emphasized in a political science/public administration major will then be invaluable in the job market of the 21st Century.

Why Major in Political Science/Public Administration?

A student who chooses to major in political science may do so for many reasons, including valid reasons not specifically related to a career choice. Some might choose to major in political science because they want a good liberal arts education and are simply interested in the study of politics. Students who like to interact with people and be involved in public issues will probably enjoy studying political science. If you are interested in American politics, international affairs, public administration, the legal system, civil rights, etc., then political science would be a good major for you.

Many students choose to major in political science because it will help to prepare them for some particular career. The most popular career choices of political science majors at Missouri State are the fields of law, government or public service, business and college teaching. For many political science majors with such career aspirations, an undergraduate degree is viewed as preparatory to further advanced training. But there are many career options which are possible, built upon a terminal undergraduate major in political science, particularly when a student has chosen courses so as to develop saleable skills, such as in policy analysis, quantitative research skills, or public administration.

Political science/public administration majors qualify for many different careers in both the public and private sectors. Typical careers appropriate for a political science/public administration major include: