WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN... POLITICAL SCIENCE OR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

2. WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN... POLITICAL SCIENCE OR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES www.sc.edu/career

3. po⋅lit⋅i⋅cal sci⋅ence The study of the processes, principles, and structure of government and of political institutions; politics.* *"political Science." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 27 Jul. 2009. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/political Science>.

4. in·ter·na·tion·al stu·dies The study of the relations of states with each other and with international organizations and certain sub national entities (e.g., bureaucracies, political parties, and interest groups). It is related to a number of other academic disciplines, including political science, geography, history, economics, law, sociology, psychology, and philosophy.* * "The American Heritage Dictionary." Encyclopedia Britannica. 2009. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. 27 Jul. 2009 <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/19759/The-American-Heritage-Dictionary>.

5. Political Science At The University Of South Carolina • The Department of Political Science offers majors in both political scienceand international studies. • Faculty and students frequently refer to these two majors as PS/IS.

6. Political Science • Political science is the study of political power; who has it, how it is developed and used, and how it can be controlled to protect individual rights. • Political science describes and explains such phenomena as the rise and fall of governments, political parties, mass movements, social conflicts, revolutions, and ideologies. • Political scientists analyze the mechanisms of organizing, influencing, and governing at the local, state, national, and international level.

7. International Studies • International studies examines international history, government, politics, and power. • International studies investigates the rise and fall of foreign policy, governments, conflicts,

8. Political Science And International Studies Majors Study • Mechanics of government and international relations • Negotiation and conflict resolution • Economic planning and resource allocation • Policy development and implementation • Clear and concise communication skills • Constituent needs related to multiple issues ...and more

9. Political Science At The University Of South Carolina Undergraduate Options Degrees:Bachelor of Arts (BA) Majors:Political Science, International Studies Minors: Political Science, International Studies

10. Political Science At The University Of South Carolina • Graduate Degrees • Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science • Master of Arts (MA) in International Studies • Master of Public Administration (MPA) • Master of Public Administration/Master of Social Work (Joint Degree) • Master of Public Administration/JD (Joint Degree) • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Political Science • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in International Studies

11. Political Science And International Studies Majors Develop Skills In • Interpreting public policy • Explaining the mechanics of government • Inter-governmental relations • Using politics to promote public causes • Organizing public action • Collection, budgeting, and use of public funds • Analyzing bureaucratic budgets • Interpretation of policy-making processes

12. Political Science And International Studies Majors Develop Skills In • Communicating clearly and concise in both speech and writing • Predicting the impact of political changes • Using historical perspective to predict future political events • Teaching, explaining, and consulting Dealing effectively with individuals and groups in many cultures Using mathematical methods to analyze statistics and budget Organizing projects using the talents of diverse people

13. Specializations Most undergraduate programs offer only a general course of study. However, many specializations can be pursued with additional study. The American Political Science Association’s membership identifies 90 specialized subfields in political science. These include (but are not limited to): • African American Politics • American Government & Politics • Comparative Politics (including area specialties such as Latin American politics) • Electoral Behavior & Public Opinion • International Organizations & Law • International Political Economy • International Relations & World Politics • International Security & Arms Control • Legislative Politics

14. Specializations Methodology Political Communication Political Parties & Interest Groups Political Philosophy Political Psychology & Socialization Political Theory Politics and History Presidential & Executive Politics Public Administration Public Law & Judicial Politics Public Policy (such as Health Care or Science & Technology) Urban & Ethnic Politics Women & Politics

15. Employment Settings Students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in international studies or political science largely work in the following areas: • Business & Commerce • Communication & Journalism • Consulting • Education • Government & Politics • Law • Social Services & Non-Profit

16. Employment Settings • Business & Commerce: Occupations in this setting are associated with the management, manufacturing, distribution, sale, or maintenance of information, goods, services, and/or resources. This is the broadest area of employment and job opportunities vary depending on one’s specific training, skills, and interests.

17. Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Business & Commerce • Account Executive • Buyer • Chamber of Commerce Director • Economic Developer • Government Relations Specialist • International Banker • International Trade Specialist • Labor Relations Specialist • Management Trainee • Market Research Analyst • Personnel Interviewer • Real Estate Broker • Researcher • Sales Manager • Translator • Travel Agent • Underwriter

18. Employment Settings • Communication & Journalism:Includes print, television, radio, and Internet media. Encompasses everything from business planning and capital development to producing and writing original news or entertainment material.

19. Sample Occupational Titles Associated WithCommunication & Journalism • Political Commentator • Press Director • Producer • Public Relations Specialist • Publications Director • Publisher • Reporter • Speech Writer • Technical Writer Advertising Director Copywriter Cultural Communications Specialist Editor Foreign Correspondent Media Buyer Media Planner News Anchor

20. Employment Settings • Consulting: Includes historical and ethnographic research; political surveying, social/cultural assessments, designing bilingual and bicultural curricula; assessing services, and more.

21. Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Consulting • Marketing Strategist • Mediator • Management Consultant • Policy Analyst • Political Survey Analyst • Public Health Advisor • Public Relations Consultant • Training Specialist Agency Communications Consultant Bicultural Curricula Developer Business Consultant Community Planner Economic Development Specialist Employee Relations Specialist

22. Employment Settings • Education: Includes classroom instruction, curricula development, research, writing, administration, program management, and lecturing. Teaching and research positions at colleges and universities require an advanced degree. Most other teaching positions require proper certification.

23. Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Education • Primary School Teacher • Research Institute Director • Residence Hall Director • Secondary School Teacher • Student Government Advisor • Text Writer Administrator Admissions Evaluator Author/Writer College or University Professor Guidance Counselor International Student Advisor Judicial Affairs Director

24. Employment Settings • Government & Politics: This area of employment involves people working with the development and implementation of public, domestic, and international policy on the local, state, national, or international levels.

25. Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Government &Politics • Federal Program Specialist • Foreign Service Officer • Intelligence Agent • Foreign Service Officer • Legislative Analyst • Lobbyist • Political Pollster • Protocol Officer • Urban/Regional Planner Archivist Campaign Manager City Manager Community Relations Coordinator Congressional Aide Consumer Advocate Elected Official Election Assistant Environmental Policy Analyst Event Coordinator

26. Employment Settings • Law: May include the practice of law, as well as legal research and writing, consulting, mediation, or training in a variety of settings.

27. Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Law • Mediator • Ombudsman • Paralegal • Purchasing Agent • Policy Writer • Risk Management Advisor • Union Representative • Victim’s Advocate Affirmative Action Director Attorney City or County Council Legal Advisor Contract Negotiator Dispute Resolution Trainer Ethics Officer Land Use Examiner

28. Employment Settings • Social Services & Non-Profit: Includes among others counseling, social work, program management, public service, non-profit work, ministry, and positions in correctional facilities.

29. Sample Occupational Titles Associated WithSocial Service & Non-profit • Non-Profit Agency Director • Peace Corps Worker • Police Officer • Private Foundation Program Director • Probation Officer • Social Service Administrator • Social Worker Advocate Association Manager Author/Writer Community Relations Coordinator Development Officer Event Coordinator Grant Writer Historic Site Interpreter

30. Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want • Write for campus publications dealing with national or international affairs • Develop strong math and statistics skills • Become familiar with hiring practices in government agencies • Study abroad Acquire foreign language competence Intern or co-op with a government agency Become involved in student government Participate it cross-culture groups or organizations Develop a network of personal contacts

31. Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want • Utilize the office of pre-professional advising if you’re interested in law school • Intern or work part-time in a law office • Take courses in public policy, speech, and debate • Volunteer with a political campaign • Obtain a business minor • Earn leadership roles in organizations • Develop strong verbal and written communication skills • Become involved in political organizations

32. Books and Web Resources Books • Great jobs for political science majors - by Mark Rowh • Careers in international affairs – by Maria Pinto. Carland Web Resources • The American Political Science Association Online - http://www.apsanet.org/ • International Affairs Resources - http://www.etown.edu/vl/

33. Resources for more Information USC’s Department of Political Sciencehttp://www.cas.sc.edu/poli/ http://www.cas.sc.edu/poli/Undergraduate/UGindex2.html Career Center library http://www.sc.edu/career/Library/library.html Related Websites http://www.sc.edu/career/la/poli.html College of Arts and Sciences Career Development Program www.sc.edu/career/cascdp/

34. Career Center Contact Information University of South Carolina Career Center 6th Floor, H. William Close Building (BA Building) Columbia, SC 29208 Phone: 803-777-7280 On-call counseling without an appointment: • M - F, 1:00 am - 4:00 pm • (Summer and holiday hours may differ, please check the website at www.sc/edu/career)