A Bachelor of Arts degree in political science can lead you to a career in:
- law
- state and local government
- urban planning
- the federal civil service
- print and broadcast journalism
- the military
- political advocacy
- teaching
- law enforcement
- the Foreign Service
- international business
Our graduates have gone on to careers such as these, as well as others. Indeed the majority of our graduating seniors decide to obtain full-time employment the semester after graduating. Altogether, about 35 percent of our graduates each year decide to attend law school or graduate school the semester after graduating from Villanova.
Law School
Many consider Political Science to provide an excellent preparation for law school. Knowledge of government institutions, policy making processes, constitutional law, and other types of law is an important foundation for students pursuing law school and also for practicing law. Annually about 50 percent of our graduates plan to attend law school some time in the future.
Students are welcomed to discuss their plans to attend law school with their political science advisor. In addition, Karen Graziano, Law School Advisor, in the Office of Advising and Development, Rm 451, St Augustine Center and Mr. David Leibig, Assistant Director of Career Services, 107 Corr Hall, provide general advice to students interested in law school.
Graduate Degrees
Many of our students also plan to pursue graduate degrees in political science, public administration, and public policy. Indeed, about 38 percent of PSC seniors each year plan to earn MA degrees some time in the near future. Click Here for a list of some of the graduate schools our graduates attend. If pursuing a graduate degree is one of your goals, then you will find many like-minded students in the political science major.
Medicine and Business
Political Science is also a reasonable choice for those considering a career in medicine and business. About 10 percent of our graduates plan to attend graduate programs preparing students for careers in these professions.
Active Citizen/Public Official
The study of political science provides you with the knowledge of government and the practice of politics needed to be not only a skilled analyst, but also a citizen active in the political life of the community. And anyone considering running for public office or serving in appointed positions in government will benefit from studying political science.
We are confident Political Science is the kind of major that:
- you will find interesting and important
- will prepare you for graduate professional training
- will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to be a politically engaged citizen-leader
- will prepare you for a career of your choice.
