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Political Science Degree

Focus Areas

Academic Focus

Co-Curricular and Engagement

Career Development

Milestone

First Year: Explore

Academic Focus

  • Meet with your academic advisor and build your academic plan
  • Complete foundational courses, like PSCI/IS 1034: Intro to IS & PSCI
  • Enroll in Pathways courses aligned with your interests
  • Explore potential minors or second majors

Co-Curricular and Engagement

Career Development

  • Begin developing your professional resume
  • Create a Handshake account
  • Attend a career exploration workshop or event
  • Explore career options in PSCI/IS 1034 and with Career and Professional Development, consider enrolling in a career exploration course (e.g., UNIV 1004)

Milestone

  • Identify initial academic interests and potential career paths
  • Establish a connection with at least one faculty member
  • Complete 4 year academic course and cocurricular plan

Middle Years: Focus and Connect

Academic Focus

  • Update your academic plan with your advisor
  • Take PSCI 2024: Research Methods
  • Attend an info session on research opportunities and engage in undergraduate research or a faculty-led project
  • Declare a major option, minor, or second major, if applicable
  • Take upper-level major electives based on interests and goals
  • Review your Degree Audit Report (DARS) and apply for your degree in Hokie Spa

Co-Curricular and Engagement

  • Engage in service-learning or community-based experiences 
  • Develop a mentorship relationship with a professor while exploring undergraduate research 
  • Serve in a leadership role in a student organization
  • Consider participating in Diplomacy Lab
  • Present at a student research symposium (eg. Hume Center, Curio)
  • Study abroad or participate in a global experience, if aligned with your academic plan
  • Mentor newer students

Career Development

  • Update your resume and have it reviewed; complete mock interviews
  • Reach out to a VT alum for an informational interview
  • Explore goals and plan with Career and Professional Development; identify potential post-grad pathways (graduate school, fellowships, jobs)
  • Attend career fairs and build a LinkedIn profile
  • Pursue a summer job, internships, fellowships, or research opportunities
  • Build connections with alumni, faculty, and professionals in field of interest

Milestone

  • Gain first professional experience
  • Make a connection with a VT alum or professional in your career path
  • Complete an experiential learning opportunity (internship, study abroad, Diplomacy Lab, research) and add to your resume

Last Year: Launch

Academic Focus

  • Complete 4000-level classes
  • Ensure all remaining degree requirements in DARS are planned and completed
  • Consider presenting research or attending a conference

Co-Curricular and Engagement

  • Serve in a leadership or mentorship role
  • Join honor society
  • Help plan department events or alumni panels
  • Volunteer for university outreach or recruitment

Career Development

  • Update resume and LinkedIn profile
  • Apply to jobs, graduate programs, or fellowships
  • Reflect on experiential learning and leverage in interviews
  • Attend college and university professional development events
  • Complete the First Destination Survey

Milestone

  • Graduate with a plan and a network
  • Engage with alumni association in your hometown
  • Keep in touch with advisors and department contacts on your future accomplishments

Finding
Your Future
in Political Science

Our graduates have the skills to:

  • Understand how governments, institutions, and policies shape societies and global systems 
  • Explore complex questions, analyze data, evaluate sources, and communicate findings 
  • Work in local, state, national, and international agencies

Common job titles include:

  • Research and Policy Analyst 
  • Political Correspondent 
  • Campaign Staffer 
  • Civil Servant 
  • Diplomat 
  • Teacher and Professor 
  • Attorney 
  • Intelligence Analyst

Top Employers & Graduate Schools:

  • Virginia Tech 
  • George Mason University 
  • Elon University 
  • Washington and Lee 
  • Federal Government 
  • Carahsoft 
  • CoStar Group 
  • Accenture Federal Services

Personalize Your Path

Every student’s path is unique. Use this resource as a guide and work with your academic advisor, faculty mentor, and career advisor to customize your experience.

Find Out More About the Careers of Our Political Science Graduates