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Political Science

At the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, the Political Science degree offers students a broad base of skills and knowledge to prepare them for a wide variety of careers. Political Science provides a liberal arts education that emphasizes skills in analysis, writing, speaking, and critical thinking. In addition, Political Science specifically focuses on public policy and individual and group behavior by using scientific and humanistic methods from the local to the global levels. UW – Eau Claire offers comprehensive majors with emphases in teaching, legal studies, and world politics as well as standard majors and minors in liberal arts and teaching. The Political Science degree can prepare students for continuing education in graduate or law school.

What will I learn from studying Political Science?

Knowledge:

Political Science majors learn and discuss political issues as they occur at any level—local to global. They develop a wide range of perspectives on issues such as health care, justice, war, peace, and gender equality. In addition, students learn about the historical and cultural relevance of such issues.

Skills:

  • Analysis and evaluation of problems
  • Writing and speaking
  • Critical thinking
  • Interpretation of social, economic, and political data
  • Conduct and explain scientific research

What are some of the interests and values related to Political Science?

  • Participation in community activities
  • Desire for recognition and to influence others
  • Tendency to be ambitious and outgoing
  • Social issues
  • Human condition
  • Government and law

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

  • Model United Nations Club
  • The Society of Politics
  • Pre-Law Club
  • College Democrats/Republicans/Independents
  • Pi Sigma Alpha – Poli Sci Honor Society

Professional:

What career fields are related to the Political Science Degree?

Potential Employers:

A political science graduate’s combination of the skills associated with a liberal arts education and the specific knowledge of political issues makes them valuable in the workforce. Graduates of Political Science are able to work in a variety of environments such as government, business, journalism, education, political campaigns, and interest groups. They can also go on to law school or graduate school in a variety of fields.

Potential Job Titles:

  • Archivist
  • Campaign Worker
  • Consumer Advocate
  • Educator
  • Lobbyist
  • News Reporter
  • Probation/Parole Officer
  • Writer/Author
  • Labor Relations Specialist
  • Foreign Services Officer
  • Peace Corps Worker

What are some career paths of UW – Eau Claire Political Science graduates?

  • Account Executive , Edelman Public Relations Worldwide, Washington D.C.
  • Assistant City Planner/Economic Development Director , City of Chippewa Falls, WI
  • Admissions Counselor , UW – Eau Claire, WI
  • Analyst , U.S. Government Accountability Office, Washington, D.C.
  • Attorney , Thomas M. Canan, Attorney at Law, Minneapolis, MN
  • Senior Council , Target Corporation, Minneapolis, MN
  • Teacher , Flagstaff Unified School, Flagstaff, AZ

How can I learn more about Political Science?

Department

Career Services:

  • Meet with a career counselor
  • Take interest inventories and self-assessment tests
  • Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Career Discovery Center :

  • Great Jobs for Political Science Majors, Mark Rowh
  • Careers for Legal Eagles & Other Law-&-Order Types , Blythe Camenson
  • Opportunities in Social Science Careers , Rosanne J. Marek
  • Careers & the Study of Political Science , American Political Science Association
  • Career Opportunities in Politics, Government & Activism , Joan Axelrod-Contrade
  • Opportunities in Law Careers , Gary Munneke

Internet:

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Political Science?

Internship

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in Political Science that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships. Contact your advisor or the Political Science department chair about enrolling in POLS 498 to obtain academic credit for your internship.

Directed Studies or Independent Study Class

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Contact your advisor about enrolling in POLS 395, 399 or 499.