BA Political Science – Public Service

A Political Science – Public Service degree from Portland State University will give you the tools to understand power and to make changes in the world that you believe in.

Maybe these changes will be very small, maybe they will be very big, but the knowledge you gain from getting a degree in political science will give you what you need to take your vision for our neighborhoods, city, state, country, or world and put it into action.

Your classes in the political science department will teach you the nature of power in our world through an option of lenses based on your interest. We offer a wide variety of perspectives so that you can pick the approach that is most interesting to you.

Earn your political science degree in Oregon’s largest and most politically active city of Portland. Studying political science in Portland presents a unique opportunity to see how a mid-sized metropolitan city addresses issues such as gentrification, homelessness, police engagement, and social justice from a public policy, legal, political theory, and American political perspective. Situated in the heart of Downtown Portland and within walking distance from multiple city, state, and federal offices, you’ll be able to easily connect with professionals actively engaged in fields such as law, politics, public policy, sustainable global development, and international justice to gain marketable skills in your field of interest, setting you up for the political science career of your dreams.

Career

The students of the Political Science – Public Service degree from Portland State University develop skills that are highly valued by today’s employers. These skills include, but are not limited to: out-of-the-box problem solving, research, critical communication skills in writing/thinking/analysis, inclusive collaboration skills, and effective oral presentation skills.

Students and alumni find employment in business, government, nonprofits, social services, and educational institutions. Completing an internship or obtaining a relevant part-time job can only boost your job prospects after graduation.

The Internship program and connections to our Alumni provide us a network of potential opportunities once you graduate with a degree in Political Science.

Here is a list of the top careers for Political Science majors:

• K-12 Teacher
• Policy Analyst
• Public Relations Specialist
• Legislative Assistant
• Lawyer and Judge
• Political Consultant
• Political Campaign Staff
• Elected Official
• International Assistance Staff
• Paralegals and Legal Assistants
• Intelligence Analyst
• Political Journalist