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What is Political Science?
In simple words, Political science deals with the study of political institutions, or of the principles, organization, and methods of government. It is also regarded as an analytical study of political institutions, or of the principles, organization, and methods of government. It includes topics such as:
Political Theory
Public Administration
Comparative Politics
International Relations
Public Laws
Public Policy
Social Work
Why Pursue a Career in Political Science?
A student pursuing higher education in political science helps them to delve deeper into issues relating to the nation. A degree in Political Science can lead to powerful careers in state and local governments, law, business, international organizations, associations, and non-profit organizations (NGOs), campaign management and voting, journalism, elections politics, research, university, and college education. If world politics and the politics of your nation excite you then you must consider a career in political science.
Make a Difference: A career in political science allows students to initiate change in policymaking, analysis as well as at the academic front. It is a great opportunity to make a major difference in society. Students can be a part of jobs that look after the issues of government, society, and public policies.
Lead the Nation: A career in Political Science is meant for changemakers and leaders. Political science is a gateway to job profiles like diplomats, bureaucrats, policymakers and politicians. There are many instances where one has to lead and take charge. These jobs are high-profile and stakes can be as high. You could be the leader of a district, a city, the state, or the whole nation.
Unparalleled Experience – The list of Political science careers are endless, students can enter unique fields which may not be a regular 9-to-5 job with the same responsibilities every day. Students no matter which career path they choose will face a unique situation every day that will never bring monotony into your job. Also, you will have to be ready to face various cases that will educate you in every field there is.
Prestige and Power: Most job profiles in political science careers are of great eminence. They are prestigious, powerful, and honourable positions. For instance, Being a public servant brings you right into the eye of the people and society’s perspective towards you can bring a lot of prestige to your position. As a journalist, you must commit to truth and free speech or as a diplomat, you will be responsible for managing the affairs of your state in a foreign country. Being approachable is the biggest quality and is desired by people as it allows them to voice their concerns freely and openly.
Top 12 Career Opportunities in India
Civil Services
Becoming an IAS (Indian Administrative Service), IPS (Indian Police Service), or IFS (Indian Foreign Services) officer is considered one of the most respectable professions in India. A career in civil services also offers a chance to bring about radical and positive changes in India’s fabric, since officers play an important role in the execution of law and order in the country. For anyone considering appearing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam, a thorough knowledge of Political Science is a must, and studying the subject at the undergraduate level can immensely help aspirants.This is a great career option for Political Science graduates, as students possess the necessary proficiency in the political and legislative processes of the country and are an excellent fit for the job.
Policy Analyst
Political Science majors develop strong critical thinking, writing, and research skills, along with an in-depth knowledge of public policy, all of which are essential requirements for applying for the role of a policy analyst. The job of policy analysts is to evaluate the impacts of adopting a policy and use the analysis to devise arguments that either support or discredit the implementation.
Law
The laws of the Indian state, as well as the Indian Constitution, form a significant component of the syllabus of Political Science. This makes the students of the subject ideal for pursuing law following the completion of their studies, given how they already have an in-depth knowledge regarding the fundamentals of the discipline.
Legislative Assistant
Most people are unaware of the fact that Members of Parliament and other elected representatives and officials often hire assistants who can help them with their legislative duties.
These hires are professionally known as legislative assistants, who work in close collaboration with our MPs to research on policy issues, pending legislation, inquire into the problems of citizens within the jurisdiction of their employers, and coordinate and communicate with other officials of the jurisdiction.
Social Media Manager
From political candidates, officials, and parties to interest groups, every individual or organisation in the public eye needs a strong social media presence. Their presence further needs to be managed by social media experts who understand politics and current issues well.
This is where political science graduates can leverage their knowledge of what constitutes a positive public image and opinion, and formulate and implement plans to shape and enhance their clients’ social media campaigns.
Journalism
A good political journalist is someone who has profound expertise in politics and aspires to use it to increase public awareness about the same across different media. Political Science graduates make excellent political journalists, reporters, and correspondents, given their competence in politics and their understanding of the political environment.
Whether students choose to supplement their undergraduate degree with a degree or diploma in journalism or mass communication or start working directly after graduation, journalism is a fantastic career option for Political Science graduates.
Marketing Research Analyst
Political science graduates are required to study the flow of power in political systems, which allows them to understand how to market a particular product across geographies to maximize its impact.
Therefore, they develop a knack for marketing jobs, which provides another career option in Political Science, since they can quickly and effortlessly analyse how consumers of a specific demographic will respond to the product through their knowledge of research methodologies. Students can pursue an MBA or enter into the marketing industry right after their graduation.
Teaching
Students who enjoy gaining more knowledge about the subject can consider teaching at the school or college level as a career option in Political Science. At the school level, teachers are required to hold a B.Ed. degree, along with an MA in political science, while at the college level, teachers need to qualify for examinations such as UGC NET/ SET and/or hold a Ph.D.
Intelligence Analyst
Intelligence analysts work for government agencies like the CBI. They utilise their knowledge of political science to analyse all levels and parameters of development in the country’s volatile regions, which requires their specific knowledge and skill set.
Their work also includes making reports on groups that may pose a threat to national security, study patterns of leadership and public response, and present their findings in a conclusive manner.
Political Campaign Staff
A political campaign staff’s job profile is the same as that of a social media manager, except that this work is done mostly offline. Political campaign staff members prepare press releases and draft speeches for their clients, design and execute campaign strategies, analyse current political issues, study public reactions to cultivate their client’s image, and organise fundraisers for the campaign.
Public Relations Representative/ Specialist
Public relations representatives or specialists are people who act as mediators between their clients and the public through various platforms of the media. From organising press releases and conferences to managing campaigns, events, and public appearances, the profession requires astute critical skills of researching, writing, and analysing to promote their client’s image, something that political science majors possess in abundance.
Political Scientist
Lastly, for students who are deeply passionate about the study of political science, academia is an industry that is always open. Students can pursue their MA and PhD in Political Science following the completion of their graduation, to become thinkers and subject matter experts.
Popular Courses in Political Science
| Level | Popular Programs | Course Duration | Average Fees |
| Undergraduate (UG) | BA Political science BA (Hons) Political Science BA Public Administration BA Economics, Public Administration and Political Science BA LLB in Political Science | 3-5 years | INR 5,000- 80,000 |
| Postgraduate (PG) | MA in Political Science MA (Hons) Political Science MA Rural Development and Governance MA in Urban Policy and Governance MA Public Administration MA in Politics (International Studies) | 2 years | INR 10,000- 80,000 |
| PhD/ Doctoral (PhD) | PhD/ M.Phil in Political Science PhD in International Relations and Politics PhD in Public Policy PhD/ M.Phil in Public Administration | 1-5 years | INR 10,000- 1,50,000 |
Political Science Subjects
Understanding Political Theory
Constitutional Government and Democracy in India
Political Processes in India
Political Theory-Concepts and Debates
Perspectives on Public Administration
Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics
Perspectives on International Relations and World History
Global Politics
Public Policy and Administration in India
Political Processes and Institutions in Comparative Perspective
Classical Political Philosophy
Modern Indian Political Thought
Colonialism and Nationalism in India
India’s Foreign Policy in a Globalising World
Dilemmas in Politics
Best Colleges for Political Science in India
Lady Shri Ram College for Women
Located in Delhi India, Shri Ram College has its own fame all over the country and also the outside world, not only for political science but for each and every subject. It is one of the foremost colleges of Delhi University established in the year 1956. The college provides more than 16 courses out of which political science is one of the best and also a UGC accredited college. LSR was ranked 4th in India Today and 1st in Outlook. The highest placement package to date is ₹31 lacs per annum. However, companies like City Bank, Amnesty, Nomura, JSW provide internships to this college. Here is the fee structure of LSR:
website Link:https://www.srcc.edu/
St. Xavier’s College
St. Xavier’s College is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This is a private roman catholic college. It is affiliated with the University of Mumbai. Admission to this college is based on merit as well as entrance exam-based. The cut-off for the entrance exam varies between 91-97 percentile (general category). The college also provides a number of courses like commerce, business, etc. The placement percentage of this college is around 94%. Internships regarding Students’ interests are also provided by some of the best companies. Here is the fee structure:
Website Link:https://www.sxccal.edu/
Kautilya School of Public Policy
Kautilya School of Public Policy is a private college located in Patancheru, Hyderabad. This institution is affiliated with GITAM University of Vishakhapatnam. This institution primarily focuses on imparting knowledge regarding public policy for students aspiring to become political leaders and change-makers. The Master’s in Public Policy (MPP) of Kautilya School is one of the flagship programs of the institution. Here is the fee structure and additional costs:
website link:https://kautilya.org.in/
Jindal School of International Affairs
Jindal School of International Affairs affiliated with O.P. Jindal Global University. It is located in Sonepat and offers bachelors. Masters and PhD in political science. The duration of bachelors is 3 Years, masters are 2 years and PhD is 3-4 Years. For admission, students have to appear for the Jindal Scholastic Aptitude Test(JSAT) or SAT. Here is the total fee structure for all the courses.
website link:https://jgu.edu.in/jsia/
Jamia Millia Islamia
JMI is a Central University located in Delhi. It was established in 1920. JMI was Ranked 2nd by India Today, 9th by NIRF, and 12th by Outlook. It provides 7 courses for political sciences including bachelors and masters with fee variation from ₹14.4k- 21.6k per annum. Its Campus placement recorded an average salary of ₹4.86 lakh per annum. For the bachelor’s degree course, one needs to clear the entrance exam that is the JMI entrance test. The 7 courses for Political Science include B.A. (Hons.) in Political Science, M.A. in Public Administration, M.A. in Political Science, M.A. in Political Affairs (international), M.A. in International Affairs, and M.A. in International Affairs (Arab Culture)
website link:https://www.jmi.ac.in/
Best Universities Abroad for Political Science
John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Harvard, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has a total enrollment of 6,669 students. Harvard was founded in 1963 and is the oldest higher education institution in the US and perhaps the most prestigious Ivy League school and the best political science schools in the world.
The university offers students the opportunity to study in government and to study at their public policy and public administration school, the John F. Kennedy School of Government, named after the former president and alum.
Harvard University is one of the best universities in the world, and this prestigious Ivy League school has the means to attract top students and teachers. A donation of $38 billion has many benefits.
Harvard University has more than twice as many graduate students as undergraduates, and the Government Department is home to 165 Ph.D. students. This may mean that some faculty members are more focused on graduate education than undergraduate students, but it can also open up research opportunities due to the high level of research productivity at the university.
Princeton University
The university was founded in Princeton, New Jersey, in 1746, and currently has 5,260 students. It is reputed to be among the best political science schools in the World.
The Princeton political department offers courses to students in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, formal theory, and quantitative methods, political theory and public law.
Columbia University
Located in the Harlem district of New York City and founded in 1754, Columbia is the oldest university in New York and the fifth oldest in the US and has a place among the political science universities in the world.
The school has succeeded since its inception with impressive political personalities, with some of the most striking alumni, including American founders, John J and Alexander Hamilton.
The political department of Colombia, founded in 1880, claims to be the first of its kind. Students can choose to follow courses that focus on American politics, comparative politics, international relations or political theory.
Yale University
Political science is Yale’s second-largest major and there are more than 50 faculties, 100 Ph.D. students and more than 400 students in the program. Yale was officially formed in 1718 (then called Yale College) and subsequently awarded five US presidents degrees. It stands out as one of the best political science colleges in the world
One of the defining characteristics of Yale University’s political science program is the bachelor’s essay. All seniors must complete a senior essay to graduate (in many schools it is only a requirement for Honors students).
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago started in 1890 and has since grown to a student enrollment of 6,306 students. The university’s political program says it is designed to spark a passion for politics and public services among young people.
The program is emphasized by social involvement, visiting fellowships, political and public internships and a continuous series of public events.
London School of Economics and Political Science, UK
The London School of Economics (officially the London School of Economics and Political Science, often referred to as LSE) is a public research university in London, England, and a member institution of the Federal University of London. It is also among the best political science universities in the World.
London School of Economics is unique in its focus on education and research in all social, political and economic sciences. LSE offers a unique opportunity to study the social sciences at a university with a global life. The school center for academic, personal and professional development
University of Pennsylvania
Political majors at the University of Pennsylvania, based in Philadelphia, attend classes in four key areas: international relations, American politics, comparative politics, and political theory.
The school says that the faculty of the political department has grown by 50% over the past decade to match the rising interest among students.
The political science department of the University of Pennsylvania has flourished in recent years and the faculty has grown by 50% in the last decade, hence has earned the reputation among the best political science colleges in the World.
The undergraduate political science curriculum allows students to explore four areas of politics: international relations, American politics, comparative politics, and political theory.
Oxford University, UK
Research at the Political Science Department of Oxford University focuses on three major issues: philosophy, politics, and economics. There are different research groups and centers within each of these areas.
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) is a very flexible degree with which you can form your own path through it: you can choose to specialize in two branches at the end of the first year or to continue with all three. In turn, the study of politics provides a thorough insight into the impact of political institutions on modern societies.
The department also organizes seminars and public conferences organized by prominent speakers nationwide in the field of politics. Over the centuries, Oxford has gained a distinctive place among the best political schools.
Georgetown University
Political students who pass Georgetown’s strict application requirements benefit from being at the forefront of the action. Unlike the other schools on this list, Georgetown is located in the country’s capital, meaning it is only a short train ride to see how the sausage is made (and access to great potential poly-sci internships).
Georgetown was founded in 1789 and currently has 3,365 students.
