Career options after Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Updated: 22 January 2025, 12:48 pm IST
With the highest number of graduates from the Arts discipline, as per the 2021-22 All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report, Bachelor of Arts (BA) is a popular UG program in India. The program offers a wide selection of specializations for candidates including a specialization in political science, which is a common choice for candidates interested in pursuing a political science career in fields like public policy, governance, and international affairs.
In this post, let us discuss the political science career options offering lucrative positions and salaries for graduates.
Get Complete Details From Expert
What is a BA in Political Science?
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science is a three-year undergraduate program that offers candidates a comprehensive understanding of the subject, including its theories and public policies to help them connect theoretical concepts with real-life experiences. A degree in political science allows students wide options to apply for several interesting BA political science jobs in governance, civil services, journalism, teaching, and public policy analysis. Students can pursue a master's in political science (MA in political science) or any other relevant master's degree or diploma to avail of the varied career opportunities in political science. Let us take a look at the different career options that a bachelor of political science can choose.
Also read:- Discover BA second-year subjects and their career relevance
Top 10 Career Options in Political Science
1. Civil Services: Civil service is a prestigious career option that many BA in political science graduates can pursue. It allows them the option to work toward policy implementation and nation-building. Candidates willing to take on responsible positions in the administrative and government departments can pursue civil services after their bachelor's in political science. They have to prepare and crack the UPSC or any State PSC exam to become civil servants.
2. Other Government Exams: Besides UPSC, political science students are eligible to apply for other exams like Staff Selection Commission (SSC) exams, Banking exams, and Railway exams. A background in political science presents viable opportunities for candidates to have fulfilling political science jobs by preparing for these exams.
3. Careers in Research and Academics: Political science students can apply for a career in research in education or other sectors. With thousands of universities and colleges in India, research is a lucrative field to engage in for political science graduates.
4. Teacher/Lecturer/Professor: Graduates and postgraduates in political science can opt for a teaching career. They can pursue a B.Ed degree to become a government teacher. Moreover, they can also pursue a master's degree in Political Science and gain relevant experience to become a lecturer or professor in college.
5. Policy Analyst: Policy Analysts have a huge career scope as the demand for these professionals is growing with every passing year. These professionals are required to make informed decisions in organizations, analyze complex situations, and suggest appropriate recommendations. A background in political science is excellent for a career in this field.
6. Journalist: This is another rapidly evolving area where political science students can build strong careers. With strong political and other know-how, journalism serves as an excellent career option for pol. science bachelors.
7. PR Specialist: Like other fields, PR or Public Relations is also an ever-growing area offering no dearth of opportunities for political science graduates. Candidates passionate about communications can apply for this role to suit them perfectly.
8. Social Media Manager: In the current scenario of digitization, the role and importance of social media managers can’t be ignored. For creative, social, and digitally savvy candidates, this is another good option to pursue after a political science degree.
9. Corporate Lawyer: Interested candidates can pursue an LLB degree after BA in Political science to pursue a career in law. Corporate law is an interesting option for candidates to move to after a bachelor’s in arts degree in political science.
10. Economist: Individuals who enjoy evaluating data and presenting insights on them can pursue a career as an economist. This job serves as an excellent option for candidates with a political science background.
Take the next step in your career ?
Conclusion
Many excellent and rewarding opportunities are available for political science graduates to pursue a career in myriad directions. However, the most significant aspect of choosing a career is to identify the areas that you are passionate about or the areas that actually interest and inspire you. Here, you can seek advice from your family, professors, or seniors, to help you choose a career that matches your aspirations. If you are looking for the best online degree courses to pursue your UG or PG programs, Amity University Online is the best online education option in India to opt for. Amity Online is UGC-recognized, AICTE-accredited, and NAAC-approved institution, making it one of the best online institutes offering a range of programs and certification courses. Visit the portal today to learn more.
Know More About Our Online Programs
Check Out Our Top Online Degree Programs
Tags : Latest
Explore similar programmes
frequently asked questions
What are the common career paths for Political Science graduates?
Political Science graduates can pursue careers as journalists, policy analysts, public relations specialists, social media managers, corporate lawyers, international relations specialists, and marketing research analysts among others.
Can I pursue further studies after a Bachelor’s in Political Science?
Yes, a bachelor’s in political science prepares students for a master’s degree in Law, Public Administration, International Relations, Public Policy, Journalism, Social Work, Management, or Human Relations.
Are there government job opportunities for Political Science graduates?
Yes, there are various government jobs for humanities students in different departments under ministries like Law and Justice, Panchayati Raj, Parliamentary Affairs, and even Defense. All these and many other departments offer lucrative options for government jobs after a BA in Political Science.
What skills are essential for a successful career in Political Science?
Critical thinking skills, persuasive writing skills, command over oral communication, critical reading, research, and organization skills as well as skills to negotiate and mediate conflicts are among the prominent ones.
Is teaching a viable career option after this degree?
Yes, you can pursue a political science career in teaching after a degree in the subject. However, you might have to complete a B.Ed degree to get into a teaching career.
Can I work in international organizations with a Political Science degree?
Yes, International Organizations like the United Nations and its agencies hire professionals with political science backgrounds for roles across public affairs, research, consultancy, and other departments.
How does Political Science help in pursuing a legal career?
Candidates with a political science background have a good understanding of Indian and international law and public administration. Equipped with such knowledge candidates can pursue law courses to become dependable corporate, criminal, or international lawyers.