Are you interested in American politics? International affairs? Critical issues such as public policy, globalization, immigration, terrorism, the environment, civil rights, political development, or foreign policy? Theories of ideal government and how power and resources are allocated in society? Do you want to study these subjects and pursue a career in them? If so, you should consider political science as a major. Political science is the study of governments, public policies, and political behavior. Political science uses both humanistic perspectives and scientific skills to examine the United States and all countries and regions of the world.
We offer four specializations (American Government & Politics, International Affairs, Legal Studies, and Public Administration & Policy) in order to help you achieve your personal, career, and educational goals. Regardless of specialization, political science graduates can expect ample career opportunities ranging from teacher to politician to nonprofit agencies. Government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels are always seeking individuals capable of analyzing complex issues (critical-thinking) and understanding the machinations of government and the public sector. Additionally, we sponsor the Model United Nations program/club which provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn valuable negotiating and debate skills along with the potential for travel to conferences nationwide.
For additional information or to declare the major, please contact any political science faculty member or Dr. Justin Moeller (jmoeller@wtamu.edu), Political Science Program Director.
Meet Biak Nung, a senior in the Political Science program! Learn how Biaks's experiences in and out of the classroom prepared him for future success.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- Assistant Account Executive
- Account Service Representative
- Assistant Buyer
- Campaign Staffer
- Congressional Research
- Government agencies
- Teacher
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Legislative Assistant
- Legal Assistant
- Lobbyist
- Management Analyst
- Foreign Service Officer
- Media Analyst
- Paralegal
- Peace Corps/Vista Worker
- Political Pollster
- Politician
- International Trade Specialist
- Probation/Parole Officer
- Reporter
- Social Services Administrator
- Writer/Author
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
- Informed and savvy citizenship
- Critical thinking about politics and political ideas
- Comprehend major political philosophies and theories by explaining and assessing these theories in written and oral presentations and examinations
- Demonstrate a knowledge of the principles of scientific inquiry and of the fundamentals of research design and empirical analysis by classifying and assessing statistical data
- Understand the assumptions, methods, and analytical approaches used by the discipline of political science
- Understand politics and the political system of the United States and other countries
- Process daily accounting transactions, journals, and ledgers and handle other entry-level accounting functions
- Communicate professionally, both in person and in writing
- Problem solve
CAREER CLOSE-UP
Median wage (TX) - $65,500
Median wage (US) - $107,420
