Students of political science will develop the ability to conceptualize, to think analytically, and to communicate effectively. Thus, it provides good preparation for law school or administration, urban affairs, and other social sciences. Frequent areas of employment following graduation include teaching, public relations, government service at the federal, state and local levels, lobbying with interest groups or business, policy research, journalism, and campaign work (polling, media relations, etc.). In addition, a large number of graduates go into business -- marketing, personnel, advertising, banking and finance. Another career avenue is with non-profit agencies who are frequently the recipients of contracts to perform services funded by government. Relatively few students are hired as “political scientists” since few jobs specifically call for this specialization. Graduates with computer skills or training in a specialized policy area or policy analysis in general are most likely to find government jobs.

International Relations

Historically international relations concentrated on conflict among nation states or diplomacy, the efforts to avoid conflict. However, the field has shifted focus to incorporate economic relations, environmental issues, cooperative behavior, problems of hunger and poverty, as well as the work of governmentally supported international bodies such as the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the World Bank, the Export-Import Bank, etc. In addition to government service, there are job opportunities in business, banking and finance as well in overseas voluntary agencies such as the Red Cross, CARE, Catholic Relief Services and organizations that maintain active international programs such as the AFL-CIO. A concentration in international relations also provides the broad training and skill development necessary for graduate study or law school.

Pre-Law

Many job opportunities exist for law graduates outside of the legal field. There are jobs that do not require a law degree, but can be enhanced because of skills learned in law school. Many of the skills learned in law school (analytical skills, advocacy, communication, research, and the ability to break down a problem into its component parts) are directly transferable into other professions. Some professions, such as human resource management, can be an easy transition from the law. The challenge lies in educating the hiring authorities in the other professions to realize that the law degree should be seen as an extra bonus in a potential new employee.

Federal, state, and local government
Most government branches have legal counsel
Law firms; large multi-office firms; medium-size firms; small firms; legal clinics; other private legal services
Corporations (largest number of attorneys are at corporate headquarters)
Judge advocate general corps for all branches of the military
State and local government
Private practice
Public interest agencies
Legislators, national and state
Federal Courts of Appeal and District Court (trial)
Judges and Magistrates, Bankruptcy and Administrative Law Judges
Federal and State Court Clerkships for Collective Judges in a court
Republican/Democratic National Committee
Public Interest Advocacy groups
Campaigns--national, state, county, city
Trade and professional associations
Political Action Committees
Congressional representatives as national, state and local government
District Attorney's Office
Attorney General's Office
U.S. Patent Trademark Office
City and county law offices
Environmental compliance services companies
Large circulation newspapers
Local newspapers
Wire services
Trade newspapers
Business and industry
Major TV networks
Commercial TV stations
Public TV stations
National radio networks
Medium/small market radio station
Independent radio syndications
Nonprofit organizations/Foundations/Charities
International organizations
Professional associations
State/regional radio networks
Interest groups
Import/Export organizations
Travel industry
Public Relations firms
Public/Private schools
Law schools; business schools; paralegal schools
Colleges and universities

Recent graduates may continue advanced study (graduate or teaching degrees) in political science; or go into other areas such as law, foreign language, education international affairs, business administration or one of the social sciences.

Summer, volunteer, or part time work and internships with governmental or legal agencies, political parties, public office holders, political campaign staffs, civic organizations, interest groups, voluntary agencies, or hospitals; involvement in student organizations pertinent to individual interest areas.

Students who concentrate in International Relations are encouraged to study abroad. At UL Lafayette, opportunities for international education experiences are available through our study abroad programs in France, England, and Italy. Students may also participate in our exchange programs with the Université Sainte-Anne in Nova Scotia, Canada and the Universidad de Guadalajara in Mexico.

Political science majors frequently hold leadership positions in student government, are members and officers of honorary and social fraternities, are on the campus newspaper editorial staff, and work actively in the community.

Political Science students have also served as McNair interns working on research projects with faculty members.

Many of these internships earn academic credit and in some cases stipends are attached.

Successful completion of undergraduate work in political science provides a basis for the study of law.

Many of our students have gained admittance to outstanding schools of law such as Harvard, Virginia, Georgetown, Houston, Tulane, and LSU.

Learn about courses, electives, and requirements.

Department of Political Science
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
P. O. Box 41652
Lafayette, LA 70504-1652

Office located in Mouton Hall, Room 112
Phone: (337) 482-6171
Fax: (337) 482-6195
Email: pols@louisiana.edu

Web Site: http://pols.louisiana.edu/