Political Science
Political science uses both humanistic and scientific perspectives and skills to study governments, public policies, and political behavior in the United States and around the world. Students majoring in Political Science select one area of specialization from four traditional sub-fields:
American Political Systems, Processes, and Behavior
Comparative Political Systems, Processes, and Behavior
International Relations
Public Policy and Political Theory
Outcomes 
Preparation 
What's Next Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, Political Science majors may choose graduate school or employment in an industry, which may or may not be related to their interest in Political Science. Student experiences have included:
- Lobbyist/Legislative Affairs
- Journalist
- Policy Advisor
- Government Administration
- Research Analyst
- Non-governmental Organizations and Non-profit Administrators
- Business Consulting
- Law School
- Graduate or Professional School
Average Starting Salary
$40,431
Preparation
All Purdue University College of Liberal Arts majors prepare students with the skills identified as contributing to professional success: communicating and listening well, an understanding and appreciation of diverse points of view, creative thinking and problem solving, a collaborative mindset, the ability to synthesize complex ideas and communicate them clearly, and a Boilermaker work ethic.
Within the field of Political Science, students develop skills that are applicable to many different careers. These skills may include, but are not limited to:
- An awareness and understanding of current affairs and their implication.
- Ability to interpret the policies, public issues, and legislation of governments, businesses, and organizations and use that information to effectively communicate with a large variety of constituents.
- Planning, directing, and conducting surveys and using analytical or scientific software to compile and analyze data.
- Collecting information and making judgements through observation, interviews, and review of documents.
- Producing research results for publication through written reports, academic publications, or public presentations.
What's Next
Political Science majors may choose to enter into the workforce using the skills they have acquired at Purdue or to attend graduate school upon completion of their degree. Past graduates have gone on to:
Companies
Mitsubishi Financial Services
Lincoln Financial
C-SPAN
Coyote Logistics
US Department of Defense
Graduate School
American University
University of Colorado
John Marshall Law School
Marquette University
University of Mississippi
