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About this field

Political science is the study of systems of government, politics, political behavior and public policies. Political scientists study the stages of government, the process by which political decisions are made and various matters that affect government behavior. Political science students at Valdosta State University focus on subfields of the discipline, including the American government and politics, comparative government and politics, international relations, political theory, public law and public administration.

The Valdosta State Difference

The political science program at Valdosta State boasts small classes and a diverse and knowledgeable faculty who have meaningful interactions with students. Students have the opportunity to hone their knowledge both in and out of the classroom and gain practical work experience through the Valdosta State Co-op Program. Student organizations geared toward political science majors include the Model United Nations, in which students can gain course credit and compete in regional and national competitions, along with the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences. The department’s study abroad program to the Czech Republic gives students additional opportunities to study the discipline and broaden their horizons through historic site visits, weekend excursions, and courses on topics such as Czech history, politics, culture and the European Union.

What You'll Learn

Political science majors gain knowledge of the American political system on the federal, state and local levels, learn to analyze political behavior, hone their oral and written communication skills, and learn to use discipline-related tools and technologies. The curriculum includes a variety of courses, including domestic policy issues, the American judicial process and behavior, and international policy. Students who meet the academic requirements may qualify for the political science honors track. Political science graduates may consider careers in law, business, teaching, journalism and government and are also prepared to attend graduate programs in areas such as law and public policy.

Careers

• Archivist
• Archivist
• Banking Analyst
• Campaign Advisor
• Campaign Finance Advisor
• CIA Agent
• City Manager
• Community Relations Director
• Consumer Advocate
• Customs Officer
• Customs/Immigration Officer
• Diplomat
• FBI Agent
• Federal Government Analyst
• Federal Investigator
• Foreign Services Officer
• Fundraiser

• Government Agency Administrator
• Government Agency Specialist
• Housing Manager
• Immigration Officer
• Immigration Specialist
• Lawyer
• Legislative Analyst
• Lobbyist
• Policy Analyst
• Political Commentator
• Political Consultant
• Political Journalist
• Pollster
• Press Secretary
• Public Affairs Research Analyst
• Secondary School Teacher