why political science major essay

25 Genius "Why This Major" Essay Examples for Top-20 Colleges

Here's the secret to writing your "Why This Major?" essays:

They're not really asking "Why this major?" but "Why you and this major?"

Just like with your Why This College essays, you need to show that you're a perfect match for the program you're applying to through specific examples , ideas , and connections to the school's offerings .

Even if you're applying undecided or undeclared , which is common for students to do, admissions officers ask this question because they want to know these 3 things:

• Do you have an idea about what you want your future to look like (what you want to study, possible career, etc.), and will our school help you fulfill that vision?
• Do you have what it takes to be a successful student within your desired major or program?
• How genuinely interested are you in this area of study? Or are you choosing it for superficial reasons (like money)?

What if you're undecided?

Even if you're undecided, you should have some idea about possible fields you're interested in.

It's impossible for you to have lived 17 or 18 years and not picked up some sort of interest that you could study in college.

After all, why are you applying to colleges in the first place? Probably to pursue a more in-depth education in a particular area.

So if you're applying undecided, you'll need to still talk about potential areas you're interested in, even if you aren't totally committed to them yet.

What makes a great "Why This Major?" essay?

The best "Why this major" answers show a deep level of interest and knowledge about the field.

Admissions officers want to know that you're serious about what you want to study.

Tip #1. Avoid superficial or cliché reasons

I often see students write generic remarks like...

• "Math is the language of the universe"
• "Studying communications will help me learn how to collaborate with others better."
• "Computer science is about problem solving"

These are OK starting points, but you need to delve deeper.

How do you go deeper? Try writing about specifics of the field.

Use some geeky or technical language . Instead of saying "biology," you could write about "molecular biology and its impact on genetic engineering."

Be specific and vivid in your writing, and show your interest in the field using specific anecdotes and moments that you haven't yet written about.

Tip #2. Ask yourself questions at the heart of the area of study.

If you're writing about math, some simple but deep question to ask yourself are things like:

• Is math discovered or created?
• What are the unsolved mysteries of math?
• How do the different branches of math (e.g. algebra, geometry, etc.) relate to each other?

These types of questions will get you thinking about what the major represents, rather than just what it literally is.

Focus on ideas , which are always most interesting.

Tip #3. Think about what the most common answer would be, and then say something different.

For computer science, I see a lot of students write about things like "automation", "artificial intelligence", or "problem solving."

For engineering, I see a lot of students write things about Legos or other "building" toys that they played with growing up.

For medicine, I see students write about "wanting to help people."

These are fine starting points for reflecting, but on their own it'll come off as cliché.

Tip #4. What will this school in particular offer to help you study this field better than other schools?

All colleges offer pretty much the same selection of majors and programs, so what is unique about this school's approach?

Again, you'll need to do some thinking and research.

Tip #5. Show how you've already explored the field.

Think about your classes, but more importantly, think about the ways you've gone beyond the classroom.

Those reasons are the most compelling for why you're a great fit for the major.

How to structure your "Why This Major?" essay

Here's formula you can use to write this essay if you're struggling to get started:

• I am passionate about subject X and here's why (offer a short story or anecdote)
• Here's is what I want to do with that passion in the future
• This is what this school has to offer or will do in order to help me achieve my goals and how (specific and unique reasons)

Now, let's look at some examples of students who wrote successful "Why This Major?" essays.

I've gathered 25 "Why Major?" essays from students who got into top-20 schools like Brown, Georgetown, MIT, and more.

This huge list covers a variety of majors and programs—from Computer Science to English to Bioinformatics—so you'll be able to find one that's similar to yours.

Let's dive right into it.

25 "Why This Major" Essay Examples

1. "why bioinformatics" georgetown essay example.

Prompt: Please relate your interest in studying at Georgetown University to your goals. How do these thoughts relate to your chosen course of study? (If you are applying to major in the FLL or in a Science, please specifically address those interests.) (500 words max)

Why This Essay Works:

Having specific details is key to making your essays more engaging. Whenever possible, substitute broader terms for more specific ones. In this essay, the student does this well, for example by writing "recombinant DNA into Escherichia coli" instead of saying "molecular biology."

Digging into why you're passionate about certain things is important for "Why Major" type of essays like this one. Admissions wants to know how and why that interest started. This student does a great job of telling a family story that inspired their interest in French and an academic experience that sparked their biology interest.

What They Might Improve:

This essay doesn't mention much of what Georgetown would offer them. Whenever possible, it's beneficial to reference specific aspects about the school you're applying to. This demonstrates genuine interest and makes it more convincing that your studies would flourish at the school. Although this isn't a "Why Georgetown" essay, these details can and should be incorporated, as the prompt asks you to relate your chosen area(s) of study to the school.

2. "Why Linguistics?" Brown University Essay Example

Prompt: Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue them while also embracing topics with which you are unfamiliar. (200-250 words)

My primary interest is in languages and linguistics, specifically Spanish, Portuguese and the descent of these languages from Latin which I explored in my IB Extended Essay. Thus, something that excites me about the complete freedom of the Brown curriculum is the opportunity to learn about Hispanic and Lusophone culture, literature and language in an intersectional way through a concentration in Latin American studies combined with classes and undergraduate research in Linguistics. I intend to supplement my language acquisition with practical application through study abroad opportunities at PUC-Rio, Brazil and in Santiago, Chile, perhaps through the Engaged Scholars Program which will allow me to forge deeper connections with the communities and cultures I am studying. I am also attracted by the possibility of a 5-year BA/MA course in Linguistics which will permit me to conduct meaningful and extensive research on a topic I am truly passionate about.

However, I also have an interest in Biochemistry and Molecular biology. The Open Curriculum will enable me to pursue this avenue of study and research without detracting from my principal focus on languages. Therefore, perhaps what I am most excited for is interdisciplinary study at Brown and the possibility of forging unforeseen connections between disparate academic areas and weaving them together into a program of study that will engage, thrill, and inspire me towards a lifelong path of academic inquiry. For example, I am interested to explore how languages and sociolinguistics can be used to promote medical research and provision in Latin America.

Naming things unique to the school shows you have genuine interest. Listing specific programs, courses, or majors shows you've done your research.

The author's reasons for "Why Brown?" fit into their background and identity. This makes their reasons seem genuine and compelling.

The essay is divided into two parts with distinct answers. Showing how those reasons relate could make the essay more cohesive.

Ending with a sentence "For example..." leaves more to be desired and explained.

3. "Why Medicine and Surgery?" Pomona College Essay Example

Prompt: Most Pomona students enter the College undecided about a major, or they change their minds about their prospective major by the time they graduate. Certainly we aren’t going to hold you to any of the choices you’ve made above. But, in no more than 250 words, please tell us why you’ve chosen the academic programs (or undecided!) that you have listed. (250 words max)

I’m sitting backstage at my first international piano competition, anxiously awaiting my turn to perform. Unconsciously, I massage my right wrist, still recovering from a recent injury. The young man beside me feels my nervousness and starts a conversation.

As we whisper, I notice him rub his hands together uncomfortably. “What’s wrong?” I ask, quickly leaving my own wrist alone. He suppresses a nervous laugh, then quietly details the long and unsuccessful surgery that shattered his dream of becoming a professional musician. His hands were permanently damaged.

“Alessandra Fang,” the judges call. I stand up, walk to the main stage and look back to see him encourage me with a stiff, crooked thumbs-up. As my fingers dance on the keys, I observe the fragile muscles and ligaments under my skin.

I realize in that moment that it is not in a massive concert hall where I wanted to change people’s lives, but on a smaller stage: an operating room. As an artist who has had her share of painful, music-related injuries, my goal is to become a musician’s physician, and blend my greatest two passions so that I might bring relief to those around me, while understanding their musical and anatomical plight.

I wish to pursue both Biology and Music programs at Pomona College. I want to become a hand surgeon while still developing my artistry on the piano. After all, surgery also has its own cadence, complexity and composition.

4. "Why Education/Teaching?" University of Michigan Essay Example

Prompt: Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (100-550 words)

Growing up, I always pictured myself as a great teacher as an adult. With the second best secondary education program in the country and an emphasis on the liberal arts and undergraduate education, I am confident that U-M will shape me into the great educator I’ve dreamed of becoming since I was a kid.

Hallmarks of a liberal arts education include teamwork, problem-solving, clear writing, and effective communication. These are also skills that any exceptional teacher needs. U-M offers an unparalleled curriculum that prepares students to successfully run classrooms and obtain Provisional Teacher Certifications upon graduation, exposing students to diverse classes and people in Ann Arbor, and providing them with an invaluable liberal arts education along the way.

Being an effective teacher means connecting with and stimulating all students at its core. The liberal arts foundation I will receive in the College of Literature, Sciences, and the Arts (LSA), married with the experiential education and training the School of Education (SoE) will provide, will mold me into that great teacher—a mentor and role model for any student, regardless of creed—I’ve always aspired to become.

The Teacher Education Preferred Admission (TEPA) for incoming freshmen piqued my interest because the program is the crossroad between the liberal arts and teacher education; two components I was looking for in a college. TEPA will allow me to build a strong liberal arts base in LSA my first two years on campus before entering SoE, while also gaining beneficial experiences in the education field early on.

The education-oriented programs WE READ and Students Empowering Education specifically appealed to me because they will bridge my liberal arts education with my anticipated career as a high school English teacher. Similarly, my Spanish classes will have a practical application in the Ann Arbor Language Partnership, a program that immediately interested me as a potential Spanish minor.

During my first two years as a pre-admit, I'll be supported by my TEPA peers and staff, specifically from my SoE personal adviser. TEPA will take the large campus and make it feel smaller, allowing me to form organic connections with like-minded people and groups that can cultivate my interest in education before entering SoE junior year.

I need a meaningful education to be a meaningful educator. Truthfully, I could go to almost any college to become a teacher, but only schools that synthesize in- and out-of-classroom learning like SoE produce great ones. U-M ranking sixth in the country for undergraduate teaching bolstered my interest in the university and confirmed what I already knew: I will receive an education in LSA and SoE that will change who I am as a person and not just a student, and prepare me to provide the same for others as a teacher.

The great educator I’ve always envisioned myself becoming is one that can inspire without bounds. From my time as a student, I’ve come to realize that a truly influential teacher can work with students who have little in common with themselves and still be impactful. LSA's purposeful and broad curriculum, paired with SoE's hands-on courses and fieldwork, and the additional opportunities available through TEPA, will shape me into that life-changing teacher, for any student who walks through my classroom door.

5. "Why Business?" University of Michigan Essay Example

Growing up in a community that bleeds maize and blue, the community represented by the University of Michigan has always been one that I could see myself representing as both a student and alumni. From football games at the big house to classes at Ross, each and every opportunity available at U of M represents a piece of my life that I hope to continue to incorporate into my life for the rest of my life.

The opportunity to take courses that allow for enriched experiences in developing a real business is one that I intend to be involved in as soon as possible. I will use this type of class as a way to test my skills and learn where I need to become stronger as a leader and student. Watching others equally driven as me, their tactics that are successful and not successful will imprint on how I attack problems in the future and shape my overall leadership style.

By being involved in the Multidisciplinary Action Projects down the road as a graduate student, I hope to learn firsthand what it takes to run and be involved with real businesses. Firsthand exposure is the best way to learn how to solve problems- especially surrounded by peers who are equally as driven and dedicated as I am.

Filled with students striving for nothing but the best they are capable of is a community that I am certain I will enrich and fit into. By sharing ideas and collaborating together instead of against each other, each and every one of us will contribute to the business world as leaders and innovators.

The University of Michigan is a place I can see myself learning and growing as a leader for the next four years as I intend to use all of the tools at my disposal to become a top business person. The opportunities within the school I will be involved in and the peers that I will work beside only enrich the values of what being a Wolverine mean to me.

6. "Why Math and Accounting?" University of Southern California (USC) Essay Example

Prompt: Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (250 words max)

All throughout my life, I always loved doing math no matter what the concept. My love for math led to me taking advanced math classes for my grade. I even had to take a bus to a high school when I was in middle school to take an advanced math class. I always knew that I would want to pursue a career dealing with mathematics, but I was not really sure until my junior year. I had not decided what I wanted to be in the future, so my uncle suggested being a CPA, and I looked into it. When I did my research, it interested me as they made a decent amount of money and they worked with numbers.

At USC, I would like to major in accounting and gain the opportunity to possibly receive an internship at one of the big accounting firms in Los Angeles through the networking of USC. If I were able to get an internship, I would be able to gain experience for when I graduate and search for a job. I would also consider going for a Masters of Business Administration as I know that USC has one of the best business programs in the country.

7. "Why Computer Science?" Columbia University Essay Example

Prompt: Describe two or three of your current intellectual interests and why they are exciting to you. Why will Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences be the right environment in which to pursue your interests? (650 words max)

8. "Why Engineering and Law?" University of Michigan Essay Example

The University of Michigan’s College of Engineering has a proactive approach to career path discovery and job search. While I do hope to aspire to a corporate attorney, an engineering degree from the University of Michigan would provide me the advantage of readiness.

U.S News and World Report published an article about challenges law school applicants with STEM degrees face. Number one was the lack of research skills. Michigan Undergraduate Engineering has research opportunities for all undergraduate students. I hope to even take advantage of The College of Engineering (CoE) International Internship Program. The chance to see the world and contribute to the world-class studies conducted by Michigan Engineering students is a unique quality. The article also reported that STEM applicants often lack job experience. Michigan Engineering hosts internship fairs, which even freshman can participate in. By utilizing the opportunity to work in a professional setting, I will be more adapt to presenting myself in a mature and respectable manor in a corporate setting.

Many people are puzzled by my aspirations to become a corporate lawyer with an engineering degree. While I enjoy learning about many areas of study, math and science have always peaked my interest. Like my attraction to law, I am drawn to the definitiveness of engineering specifically. While there is a right and wrong in methods and procedures, there is a chance to be creative; for the end goal is functionality. Law requires critical thinking, problem solving, and the questioning of presented facts and figures. These skills are also encompassed in Michigan Engineering. With a technical understanding of industry and engineering, I will be able to more accurately represent a corporation. Like the professors at Michigan Engineering, I hope to be an expert in my field. At Michigan Engineering, I will be educated by the best of the best. Professors that have been exposed to their fields in every aspect; allowing them to provide the best guidance to students. Instead of just presenting facts and figures in a courtroom, I will be able to understand and explain them.

9. "Why Psychology?" Carnegie Mellon Essay Example

Prompt: Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 words max)

When I was younger, I faced a lot of negative emotions including anxiety and low self-esteem. For a long time, I felt alone and as if no one understood how I felt. My self confidence was at an all-time low when I started taking psychology. All of a sudden the negative emotions I was feeling started making sense. I was suddenly able to understand how people were wired and why others treated me a certain way. I in fact was able to feel empathy for my aggressors after understanding that those who treated me negatively often faced struggles of their own. Most importantly, I felt as though something out there finally understood me. Because psychology offered insight into my own behavior and helped me to understand others, I was eventually able to overcome my insecurities.

In the future, I would like to help others do the same. No matter where I end up, understanding why people behave a certain way and being more considerate and empathetic for others will only help me thrive. Mental health is a growing issue in our society. The world we live in is a confusing place filled with pain, but psychology provides a way to determine the cause of this suffering and how to change it. I never want anyone to feel the isolation and sorrow I felt when I was younger. I want to help others become compassionate and unconditionally loving not just toward others, but to themselves. Even if I only make a small change in the world and affect just one person’s life, I would like to pursue that.

10. "Why Biology and Environmental Science?" University of Pennsylvania Essay Example

Prompt: Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, how will you explore your academic and intellectual interests at the University of Pennsylvania? For students applying to the coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer these questions in regard to your single-degree school choice; your interest in the coordinated dual-degree or specialized program may be addressed through the program-specific essay. (300-450 words)

As a child the world fascinated me. From questioning the makeup of the dirt I played in, to doubting the existence of gravity as I flew a kite, I was always thinking. Time passed, and my consciousness opened to more, like atoms, the Big Bang Theory, the psychology behind dreams, and the list goes on. Everything fascinated me; curiosity quickly became a part of my character. Some say ignorance is bliss, but I have to disagree. Ignorance is what fuels my curiosity; ignorance is what drives me to discover, learn, and initiate change. Living in a small rural town with my grandmother and disabled father, I have been limited by geography and socioeconomics. A perfect blend of humanities and factualities, the College of Arts and Sciences is an exploratory lab for all I do not know. At Penn, courses from Neurobiology of Learning and Memory to The Sociology of Gender allow me to rid my ignorance one class at a time. The unique and specialized curriculum provides a place to explore whatever I wonder and answer whatever I question. While my grandmother did not have the money for me to attend science camps, to visit museums, or to travel more than a few hours from my home, living in the country always provided me with endless exploration. My interest in trees in particular led me to specialize in the forestry portion of our Envirothon team for four years of high school. The passion I have for biology is second to my interest in helping others. Rural areas of Pennsylvania are in desperate need for physicians, especially in the field of women’s health. My goal is to return to my community and fill that need. As a low income, first-generation student, I have had limited opportunities, but I have seized any that I could and where there were none, I created some. As a seventh grader, I pioneered the colorguard of our newly formed high school marching band. Last year, as captain of 14 twirlers, I took my first plane ride to Disney World where my band performed. This experience taught more than I could ever learn in a classroom. Similarly, there are endless opportunities at Penn, both intra- and extra-curricular, and I plan to take advantage of all that I can to feed my fire.

11. "Why Finance and Political Science?" University of Pennsylvania Essay Example

This essay does a great job of conveying a thoughtful and candid applicant. Their phrasing, although verbose in some places, comes across genuine because the author walks you through how they learned about the school, what they're looking for in a school, and why the school would offer those specific things. Phrases like "I didn't know if I could honestly see myself studying that" are conversational and natural-sounding, which help create a sincere tone.

By referencing specific programs, like "Penn in Washington" as well as various minors and concentrations, it is clear this student has done their research about the school. One of the most important aspects for a "Why Us" essay is to find specific and unique opportunities and name them in your essay. These could be things like specific professors and their work, campus and its location, interesting classes, unique internship/study-abroad/job programs, special events, and many more. The key is referencing things that are entirely unique to the school and not many other schools too. Avoid broad terms like "renowned faculty" or "interdisciplinary studies" because virtually all colleges offer things like this, and these are some of the most over-used and artificial reasons used in "Why Us" essays.

This essay has many moments of repetition that are unnecessary. In general, avoid repeating your ideas and when editing, ask yourself of each sentence: does this add something distinctly new and important to my essay? There are two common mistakes that often create repetition: prefacing your ideas and summarizing your ideas. Unlike academic writing, you don't need to "prepare" the reader for what you're going to say, and you don't need to conclude it with a summary. By doing so, you only create unnecessary repetition and take up words which could otherwise be used to include new specific details or ideas.

This essay spends nearly half of its words explaining the "interdisciplinary" opportunities at UPenn. However, this reason is quite superficial and not at all unique to Penn, as almost all colleges offer some sort of interdisciplinary study (i.e. combining your interests or studying multiple fields). Talking about "interdisciplinary study" is one of the most common reasons students use in their "Why Us" essay, and it often comes across as generic and unoriginal. Instead, look for offerings that no other (or very few other) schools provide. Narrow down your reasons "why" to make them more specific to the school, even if they are smaller scale. You can mention things like "interdisciplinary studies" or "diverse student body" briefly as a reason why, but don't make them one of your primary reasons why, unless you have something particularly unique about it.

12. "Why Engineering?" Duke University Essay Example

Prompt: If you are applying to the Pratt School of Engineering as a first-year applicant, please discuss why you want to study engineering and why you would like to study at Duke. (150 words max)

At Duke I was equally entranced by the articulate movements of 3D printers in the Co-Lab and the stunning Gothic architecture. Instead of forming a dichotomy, these aspects of Duke blended to symbolize its emphasis on interdisciplinary education, which will offer me a nuanced perspective of the world integral to becoming a leader in engineering.

I will join the Academy for Model Aeronautics and share my passion for designing drones, while taking fascinating courses such as “Taboo Markets” and “Banality of Evil”, while simultaneously working on an engineering project that improves real people’s lives in “Engineering Design”. By joining the Duke Robotics Club, I can expand upon my love for robotics, and I hope to write for the Duke Engineering magazine, as well as join the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. By drawing from this diverse range of educational experiences, I can become a leader in creating a better future.

13. "Why Neuroscience?" University of Southern California (USC) Essay Example

I had never considered traveling across the country to pursue an education. In fact, living in Pittsburgh all of my life and growing up with people who are so adamant about staying put, forced me to believe that I too had to box myself into this small, yet evolving city. However, now I can confidently tell my friends and family that I want to travel to California for college (and ignore their odd looks).

What strikes me most about USC is its ability to maintain uniformity despite its diverse student body--in interests, ethnicity, and opinion. There are not many schools where I could be best friends with filmmakers, artists, photographers, chemists, potential CEOs, and writers. Although all of these people are spread across different schools, they still seem to maintain a cultural unity. Being surrounded by such a distinct trojan pride combined with the ambitious atmosphere would be both inspiring and propulsive.

At USC, I would not have to confine to merely one of my interests. I have always had aspirations of becoming a doctor and pursuing neuroscience, but have never felt comfortable ignoring the humanities. As a Trojan, I could pursue research at the Dana and David Dornsife Cognitive Neuroscience Imaging Center or even take part in PIBBS, while also honing my writing skills through the intricate Writing Program.

Much like the students, my interests could somehow be molded into a diverse uniformity, and I could prove my fellow Pittsburghers that perhaps they need to move around more.

14. "Why Journalism?" Ithaca College Essay Example

Prompt: Please tell us why you selected this specific academic program and what other academic programs interest you. (10-200 words)

Recording devices have been banned from the courtroom of the Supreme Court Building since 1946. Therefore, when the Court makes a landmark decision, interns must hand-deliver paper copies of the ruling to news organizations.

The interns often pair running shoes with their business attire, for the quarter-mile sprint from the Court building to the area where networks ​await.

When I first saw photographs of “The Running of the Interns”, I wanted nothing more than to ​be​ one of those people. I wanted to feel my running shoes beating against the sidewalks, to feel sweat staining my suit.

Why did this tradition attract me to journalism? Because it reminded me that the news is a race, a constantly-changing collection of stories shaping social and political development.

The opportunity to contribute to that collection is why, beyond Ithaca’s journalism program, I’m also interested in the College’s minors in Politics and Writing.

I think all of this desire to be part of a story defines what it means to be a journalist, a writer: When I become a journalism major at Ithaca College, and, later, perhaps a running intern, I get to be a contender in the race to change the world.

15. "Why Economics and Political Science?" University of Michigan Essay Example

In my junior year microeconomics class, my teacher extensively explored the ways in which people from different socioeconomic classes were affected by our economic system. I was frustrated by the ways our country forces those living in poverty to spend the little money they have on taxable goods. I began to empathize with them. How can people pull themselves out of poverty if their government seems to be working against them? More than anything, I was frustrated that I felt powerless to help them in any way.

Those lessons inspired and motivated me. I had always looked at economics as nothing more than an analysis of business models and resource allocation. I began to see it as a way to fix fundamental problems in our society, from examining the effects of healthcare expansion on crime and poverty rates to studying how shifts in our political climate affect how our country’s financial process will change. I now see economics as a way to help those in need in my country and throughout the world.

I volunteered after school for Representative Dingell and had the opportunity to attend numerous events hosted by the Ford School. Again and again, I was impressed by the extent of the Ford School’s student involvement in critical issues. Through my work with the Congresswoman, I was able to gain a greater understanding of how different groups of people were affected by shifts in political and economic priorities. My goal is to become a civil rights attorney or study economics as a way to promote sustainable growth in developing nations.

I want to begin my studies at the University of Michigan in LSA to gain a foundation in economics and political science-related courses. After my first year, I hope to gain admission to the Ford School. The connections that LSA and Ford have to Poverty Solutions solidified by interest in the University of Michigan. If I attended these schools as an undergraduate student, I would be able to assist with research on the causes and ramifications of poverty. Professor Michael Barr’s research on policy initiatives and our financial system is fascinating from the perspective of a prospective economics major. At the University of Michigan, I would be able to join teams of renowned researchers working toward the betterment of our society and our world.

The range of schools working in connection with Poverty Solutions is evidence of the University’s devotion to civic engagement. I would be able to participate in groundbreaking research regarding issues I am interested in; I would have the ability to study poverty and ways to stunt or alleviate its effects in other countries. As someone hoping to pursue a career in public service, it is truly incredible to have the opportunity to join a research community specifically geared toward solving problems I am passionate about solving.

I want to join the University of Michigan’s legacy of innovators. I want to be part of the LSA community, studying economics and political science. I want to attend the Ford School and understand how policy in America and abroad has an effect on global poverty. I want to be involved with the Poverty Solutions Initiative, conducting groundbreaking research on the ways we can reform our financial system to better serve the lower and middle classes.

16. "Why English Major?" Rice University Essay Example

Prompt: Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected above. (150 words max)

It's an understatement to label me as an English geek; I am that kid who squeals in excitement in English class when given a new essay assignment while others may groan in exasperation. I understand why some may be a bit anxious when preparing to turn in an essay for evaluation; you could bring an essay to two different English teachers and receive two different grades on it. This subjectivity is why some folks may prefer subjects such as mathematics in which the right answer is not debatable. However, its subjectivity is exactly what captivates me. I enjoy reasoning my opinions of arguments and the intentions of authors.

I was really happy when I learned I didn't have to major in Criminal Justice or Political Science to be a civil rights lawyer because I want to become a professional author as well. So, majoring in English is perfect for me.

17. "Why Political Science?" University of Michigan Essay Example

Riding the elevator to the seventh floor of Haven Hall, my heart was practically leaping out of my chest. I was meeting with Dr. Jenna Bednar of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts Department of Political Science, and as I recalled her credentials- B.A. in Political Science from Michigan, M.A. and PhD in Political Science from Stanford- I felt increasingly out of place. As a junior in high school with limited political experience, I am grateful that she agreed to take time out of her day to meet with me and answer my numerous questions about LSA, Michigan, and political theory.

Upon entering her office, my eyes were drawn to bookshelves full of political literature, from the classics like De Tocqueville and Locke (which I read in a summer college program in 2017), to her own recently published work, The Robust Federation. Encouraged by her broad smile and having just completed an official campus tour, I launched into my questions. Dr. Bednar described the connections she and her students have made at Michigan, through LSA and in general.

This revealed to me that the faculty would take a personal interest in my academic career. We discussed the average class size in LSA and the Department of Political Science, her academic background, and how to survive Michigan winters. Dr. Bednar then brought my attention to the benefits that LSA Political Science gives its students.

For example, as head of the Michigan in Washington program, Dr. Bednar's passion for both political science and education was evident as she introduced me to one of Michigan's most influential academic programs. Although I hail from two miles outside the D.C. border, I aspire to participate in the Michigan in Washington program, to build on my internship of the past year with my delegate to the Maryland General Assembly.

Under his guidance, I conducted nationwide policy research, attended civic association meetings and development forums, and traveled to our state capitol to watch the legislative process unfold. Consequently, an internship at the federal level is my logical next step toward building the foundations of a political career.

Dr. Bednar, upon hearing about my internship with my delegate, suggested that I think about the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. I believe that this research program offers a unique means of building my understanding of political science. I am eager to apply to the UROP program in hopes of furthering my research skills within the complex political landscape of today. Furthermore, the variety of courses that I can explore as a political science major is remarkable: from "Sports, Politics, and Society", to "Nations and Nationalism," the scope of topics will keep me engaged.

When I sat down with Dr. Bednar, I expected a five-minute chat; I received forty-five minutes of helpful advice, political theorizing, and well wishes. Leaving her office, I felt energized and ready to dive into LSA Political Science right there. Her demeanor helped to build my confidence to boldly seek connections in my search for knowledge. I saw the Michigan difference firsthand, from various undergraduate opportunities for political science, to a universal love for the school from students and faculty alike.

18. "Why Chemistry and Biology?" MIT Essay Example

Prompt: Although you may not yet know what you want to major in, which department or program at MIT appeals to you and why? (100 words max)

I remember boiling down cabbage with my dad to make titration indicators. When I first read about the process of translation, of rendering mRNA into proteins, my eyes filled with tears; this is what I would do, apply the chemistry that had defined my childhood to my love of biology. In the past few months alone, MIT researchers have visualized a critical growth kinase and decoded the kavalactone gene. To major in both the chemistry and biology departments at MIT would be an unequaled opportunity to explore the molecular basis of life and apply that knowledge to real-world innovation.

19. "Why Neuroscience?" University of Michigan Essay Example

My favorite class in high school was also my hardest. It was World Culture/World Literature, an hour and a half each day of seeing history, art, and literature not as separate entities but as intricately connected, one incomplete without the other. I learned to see humanism in Greek sculpture, religious propaganda in the chiaroscuro of Baroque paintings, disillusionment in modern art. Although seemingly unrelated to my STEM-leaning interests, the analytical skills I learned there would prove invaluable in neuroscience research. Connecting electroencephalography results to mechanisms for chronic pain relief wasn’t all too different from drawing links between historical movements and paintings; both required an intimate knowledge of background information and a willingness to take risks, to see new relationships and forge unprecedented connections.

LSA embodies precisely this mentality, fostering interdisciplinary learning and problem-solving. With classes like “Health, Biology, and Society: What is Cancer?”, bridging humanistic and biological approaches to disease, and graduation requirements ranging from Natural Sciences to Race and Ethnicity, LSA prepares students for the real world, where problems necessitate not just single-minded expertise but also a diverse understanding of other factors involved. My internship experience only confirmed the practicality of this perspective; we used mindfulness meditation alongside spinal cord stimulation technologies to treat chronic pain.

This mindset is not confined to learning inside the classroom. The LSA Opportunity Hub is robust, connecting students to internships at Nike, Forbes, and the US Department of Education, among other places. To intern as a research assistant at Mayo Clinic, to use mathematical models to predict brain tumor growth like current Michigan junior Tatum Doyle would be an unequalled opportunity. Her work in incorporating mathematical concepts in medical research personifies the LSA culture, where problems are best solved holistically. LSA’s interdisciplinary approach does not detract from fostering specialization and excellence in specific fields, but adds; its Biochemistry program promotes innovation and independence in its students and is ranked top in the nation.

I remember boiling down cabbage with my dad to make acid/base indicators. In elementary school, my teacher wrote that I had been spending too much time reading animal books and too little time playing with other kids. I loved (and still love) all things living, often marvelling at the complexity of the animal kingdom, the human body, the organs, and the cells that were the foundation for everything else. The first time I read about the process of translation, of rendering mRNA into proteins, my eyes filled with tears; this is what I wanted to do, to apply the chemistry that had defined my childhood to my love of biology.

LSA shares that passion, dedicating a plethora of resources, both intellectual and material, to its Biochemistry department. With equipment like atomic absorption spectrophotometers, classes in Endocrinology, and distinguished professors, the University of Michigan has everything any biochemistry undergraduate student would need, and much more. To research under a PI like Dr. Kopelman, winner of the J. William Fulbright Research Award, would be a dream fulfilled. His work in employing 5-dimensional chemical imaging to visualize and treat tumors does what LSA does best; it uses an interdisciplinary approach to make academic discoveries both relevant and essential in the real world. It is a culture I would be honored to take part in, should I be accepted.

20. "Why Undeclared?" University of Michigan Essay Example

Sweat drips down my face onto homework in front of me.

I just got home from a soccer game; I’m not stressed. This is until I realize I still have a plethora of edits to make on my lab report as well as emails to write for an upcoming NHS event. AND I have three tests the next day.

Although stressful, I enjoy every minute of juggling a variety of academics and extracurriculars. I appreciate all the opportunities my high school offers to me and I take advantage of as many as I can handle. Thanks to my involved years of high school, I have received a great education as well as many experiences I would never trade away.

Entering my senior year and researching universities I may want to attend, there is one question which continuously presents itself. What do I want to major in when I get to college? It is a scary question and I have never known the answer. Despite participating in many extracurriculars such as National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Math Honor Society, and Future Business Leaders of America, I still have no idea what I want to do with my life.

As a student at LSA, I would be able to use the abundance of resources to explore possibilities for life after college. Since I am one of the many college applicants who has not decided upon a major, a large, liberal arts college like LSA is the perfect place for me to discover more about myself, pursue interests, and find my purpose. I have considered medicine, business, economics, and law. The two courses I have enjoyed the most are biomedical sciences and US History. I am truly all over the map!

With so much variety at LSA, I would be able to change majors or take a diverse group of classes so that I could find what I want to study. LSA is unique from its University of Michigan counterparts because it offers a broader range of departments, majors, and courses. The flexibility at LSA would help me discover what I want my life to be like while supporting me through my journey.

Additionally, LSA provides students with multiple opportunities not found anywhere else at University of Michigan. One program that caught my eye was Michigan Learning Communities. This program appeals to me because having the resources of this large university, yet finding a niche in the community to challenge myself and others, can help me grow as a student and a person. Similarly, the Opportunity Hub at LSA jumped out at me as I researched the University and toured the school. I would take full advantage of the great connections the Opportunity Hub provides, as it could help me find an internship or job offer when the perfect time comes. MLCs, the Opportunity Hub, and the many other programs which LSA offers are the main reasons why LSA would be the best college fit for me.

I was initially drawn to the University of Michigan by the beautiful campus, great athletics programs, unmatched prestige, and massive alumni network. However, as I dove deeper, I discovered LSA, a school that can help me realize my purpose and passions while providing a focused learning environment to lead me to a bright future.

21. "Why Computer Science?" Cornell Essay Example

22. "why kinesiology" university of michigan essay example, 23. "why mathematics" cornell essay example.

Prompt: Cornell Engineering celebrates innovative problem solving that helps people, communities…the world. Consider your ideas and aspirations and describe how a Cornell Engineering education would allow you to leverage technological problem-solving to improve the world we live in. (250-650 words)

For "Why Us?" college essays, one of the most important parts is to show ways you imagine being involved on campus. This student does a great job of showing that they've done their research about Cornell, by connecting their passion for studying heart disease to specific initiatives already taking place on campus. Try researching what events, research, or programs are being conducted. By referencing those specifics, you can create convincing reasons of why this school is fit for you.

When discussing your intended area of study, one effective strategy is to identify a problem that you see. This problem can be in the field itself, your community, or the world. Then, you can connect this problem to yourself by showing how you'd want to help solve it. Don't try to tackle it entirely yourself, but show how you'd "take bites" out of this larger problem. It is also important that you identify potential solutions to the problem. You definitely don't (and shouldn't) have all the answers, but what do you see as potential steps for combatting the issue?

Using technical language, such as referencing "semi-elliptical curves" and "modular form" in this essay, will help show your in-depth knowledge and passion. Don't be afraid to use technical jargon like this, and don't worry if admissions officers may not know all the terms. As long as they have context and knowing the terminology isn't critical to understanding your point, including "nerdy" language will make your essay more engaging and demonstrate your intelligence.

If you have personal connections to the school you're applying to (such as legacy, family members who work there, students or faculty you're close with), it can be a good idea to reference those connections. Showing personal connections to the school makes admissions think, "They're already practically one of us!" Just make sure that these connections aren't contrived: only write about them if you have a clear purpose within your essay for introducing them. In this essay, the student references their brother who attended Cornell, but does so in a way that naturally ties into the rest of their reasons for "why Cornell."

24. "Why Computer Science?" Brown University Essay Example

Prompt: Why are you drawn to the area(s) of study you indicated? (150 words max)

There was a time when I was low and afraid to be with myself. That’s when I dived into programming. I always sat with my laptop. But unlike others on Instagram or Snapchat, I was coding. I always kept myself occupied so I wouldn’t think about hardships. But as I was solving those little Instantiation and StackOverflow errors, I realized that any problem in my life had a solution. I could either modify the code and right the wrong, or just keep compiling them, producing no output. So, life is not all that different. That is why I want to pursue Computer Science. I know I can work to keep myself happy. Inevitably, what makes me happy is Computer Science, which is what I want to pursue.

25. "Why Journalism?" Emerson College Essay Example

Prompt: As you know, the academic programs at Emerson College are focused on communication and the arts. Please tell us what influenced you to select your major. If you're undecided about your major, what attracted you to Emerson's programs? Please be brief. (100-200 words)

Recording devices have been banned from the courtroom of the United States Supreme Court Building since 1946. Therefore, when the Court makes a landmark decision, interns must hand-deliver paper copies of the ruling to news organizations.

The quarter-mile sprint from the Court building to the area where networks ​await ​is no easy feat. But the interns dress with this mind, often pairing running shoes with their business attire.

When I first saw photographs of “The Running of the Interns”, I knew that I wanted nothing more than to ​be​ one of those people. I wanted to feel my running shoes beating against the limestone sidewalks, to feel sweat staining my suit.

Why did a tradition centered around dashing through D.C. attract me to journalism? Because it reminded me that the news is a race, a constantly-changing collection of stories shaping social and political development.

This, I think, defines both what it means to be a journalist and why I want to be a journalist: When I become a journalism major at Emerson, and, later, a part of the press--perhaps a running intern--I get to be a contender in the race to change the world.

What You Can Learn From These "Why This Major" Essay Examples

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I'm Ryan Chiang and I created EssaysThatWorked.com - a website dedicated to helping students and their families apply to college with confidence & ease. We publish the best college admissions essays from successful applicants every year to inspire and teach future students.

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"Why Major/Why School" essays 101: a formula & an example essay reviewed

For most essays, there’s no formula or structure to follow. Anything goes, as long as you can show readers some part of your personality and you generally avoid cliche. The exception is the “Why School?” or the “Why Major?” essay. Even if you deviate from the general structure (which I’ll get into later), all good essays nail a couple points.

Disclaimer: this advice mainly applies for applying to T30 schools. The less selective the school is, the less weight the essay carries. Not saying that you couldn’t use this advice, but don’t worry too much about perfecting it if you’re applying to less competitive schools.

What are admissions officers looking for in a Why essay?

In a nutshell, readers are looking to understand how your ECs tie in with your interests, what you’ve done in high school to pursue those interests, and how you plan to continue to pursue your interests at X college. Essentially, they want to visualize you on campus--what will you be contributing to classes? Student organizations? Research?

How do you convey all of this in a Why essay?

The Why X essay can be written by following a 3 step formula. Obviously this will vary with different word counts. Long ones you won’t have any trouble with (just elaborate more) but with shorter ones you may run out of word count. I suggest blowing through #1 in a sentence or two, maybe a short paragraph for #2 and for #3. That will get you to 100 or 150 words easily.

Explaining how you discovered your interests, and why it matters to you personally. Most people start off with a moment or an activity that piqued your interest in a certain topic, and then briefly explain why they were interested in that topic--the more specific the better. For example, I mentioned my tinkering and problem-solving skills in my Why Engineering essay, which covered both how I became interested in engineering as well as why I liked it.

Showing what you’ve done to further those interests in high school. This part is a little tricky. Ideally, you should have some extracurriculars related to your major that you can talk about, and also pull some lessons from. If you don’t, it’s a little harder to do this section. You could instead talk about other extracurriculars where the lessons you’ve learned apply to said major. For example, if you were applying for something like international relations, you could talk about how your experiences in debate allowed you to synthesize ideas and make arguments.

Tying your interests to the major/school and explaining why your interests align with the offerings that the school has. This is the most straightforward part. Usually, people do this by researching the school’s offerings and seeing what they like. You can look up course catalogs for your specific major and find classes that you are excited to take (and explain why). If you google “X University Y Department”, you can usually find professors and their publications, and could also talk about how you’re excited to conduct research if a particular field fascinates you. Lastly, most schools also offer a list of clubs, so you can browse through those to see what you like. Again, you not only want to name these offerings, but also specifically explain why YOU are interested in them.

Bonus points for: keeping your voice (I know, Why X essays are dry), clearly demonstrating your passion for something (following a formula means you tend to sound dry), and being very specific with your answers for each school/major (in other words, if you can change the school name/major and the essay works fine, it’s probably not specific enough).

Seems straightforward, but it’s quite nuanced. I’ve briefly explained how to work on each point, but seeing it in action is probably better. Below, I have an example essay from an A2C student who agreed to let me post their essay and my feedback with identifying information censored.

Example Why Essay: Critiqued

As I grasped the scalpel, marveling at its sharp, arched edges, my hands trembled and beads of sweat dripped down my forehead. You see, I had always wondered what biological mechanisms allowed me to live and breathe, tinker with Rubik’s Cubes, and dance to Bollywood music at my uncle’s wedding. So when my middle school science teacher asked if anyone wanted to help her dissect the fetal pig specimen, not even the foul stench of formaldehyde could deter my curiosity and prevent me from picking up that scalpel. And it was that moment when I opened my first incision and gazed upon the intricately crafted, complex mosaic of organs and vessels that inspired me to pursue biological sciences.

It’s a very rough transition from scalpel to suddenly talking about your life. Either make it more subtle and less blunt, or just cut the stuff (since this is a why essay). The fancy description of the dissection is nice, but what’s missing is the explanation. Was it understanding that biology is so complex? Or maybe the fact that biology allowed you to understand something at a practical level? Or something else?

Overall, this paragraph is good. It hooks the reader and introduces your interests as well as why you’re interested in what you are interested in. The main thing you need to improve here is detail. You want readers to really understand what got you hooked. I’m not sure how cliche dissection is as a “why bio” intro, but the problem here is that I learn little about what makes biology specifically appealing to you. Which part of it appeals to you? You mention biological mechanisms and how they allow humans to live and breathe, perhaps expand upon that and go more specific. Here’s what I would say (just an example, don’t actually use this): “What’s fascinating to me about biology is the ability to not only understand the detailed science behind us, but also the practical applications like x and y”. Ideally, the more specific you can get, the better.

Coming back to this after reading the whole essay, I think you could cut this down a little and expand more on Purdue’s offerings. Right now it’s 3 long paragraphs about you and only 1 short one about Purdue.

However, it was not long after my first dissection that I was introduced to the limitations of biology’s theoretical nature. As an ambitious student who was captivated by the hands-on engineering experience from [STEM Curriculum Organization] courses, I wanted to study within a field that allowed for the integration of biological theories with technological design and innovation. I soon realized that only the interdisciplinary bioengineering field could unite my interests into a harmonious whole while also providing me with a valuable chance to improve the medical outcomes of individuals in my community.

Here, I’d also emphasize on why helping others through studying bioengineering is important to you. Have you had any experiences, stories, moments that made you say: I want to design medical products to help people? Or maybe it comes out of a genuine desire to help people, but is there something that prompted your interests? And perhaps you don’t have one, that’s OK too. Maybe you can simply emphasize that you value practical applications of knowledge due to your PLTW learning.

[same paragraph, last sentence] Although holistic college-level coursework has provided me with a solid knowledge base, I aimed to explore my passion for this field outside the classroom through research and other extracurricular pursuits.

This is a mouthful that doesn’t really say much about you--maybe just cut it down and explain that you wanted to get more hands-on experience.

During the summer of my junior year, I began a multi-year research project under Dr. [Redacted] at the [Redacted], where I assisted in designing a custom mechatronic device and experimental software to assess the ability of human subjects to learn accurate muscle torque perception. This experience not only allowed me to witness the seamless fusion of human biology and engineering first-hand, but it also highlighted how bioengineering could benefit society and enhance the quality of healthcare.

Okay, dumb this down for the AOs. Put simply, you’re making (or working towards making) robotic limbs for patients, right? So just cut down on the wording and say that. You do an okay job of getting specific here, but I think it could even be better. Are you excited to do the same for others in the future? You have a very generic answer: “benefit society and enhance quality of healthcare”, but make it personal. How you do that is up to you. Also, squeezing in some lessons you’ve learned from the research (especially ones that are surprising) would be good. Like perhaps you learned that attention to detail is extremely important? Or that a lot of mistakes are involved and it’s a process of trial and error? Just throwing ideas out here but if you can add in a couple lessons you’ve learned that’d be good.

With unique programs including REU and Cancer Scholars, I look forward to studying at UIUC’s creativity-fostering atmosphere while also conducting cutting-edge research under visionary faculty, like Dr. Gregory Underhill, whose work with bioengineering liver models for cell differentiation studies particularly fascinates me. At UIUC, I hope to be a part of the diverse opportunities and learning experiences that will prepare me for real-world challenges and enable me to positively impact my community.

The last sentence in the paragraph is very generic writing that could be said for any university. Cut the sentence and replace it with something more specific. Also, the paragraph could use more interesting information. Perhaps a couple lines about interesting courses to you and why you find them interesting? (You can usually browse course catalogs by major and see which ones catch your eye). Lastly, if there isn’t a separate essay about club offerings, you can potentially squeeze in one or two here. Again, tie the club to YOUR specific interests.

Overall summary of the essay review

In general, the essay does a decent job checking the boxes, but my main critique was that it needs to be more specific to the writer and to Purdue. Some of the reasons they write about anyone can write about (such as being interested in biology to help people) and they could also add more stuff that is specific to Purdue. Their writing is also pretty descriptive at times (they use a lot of flowery language, which is nice but not necessary especially in a why essay) and could also be cut down if word count is an issue. This essay is decent, but could be much improved with a little work.

Closing thoughts : for all the information that is readily available online, I’m surprised that essay guides are in short supply. I suppose it’s much more complex and subjective, and thus much harder to write about.

TL;DR : successful Why essays touch on a few points, which are highlighted in bold above. The devil is in the details.

Got any questions? Drop them down below or if you don’t feel comfortable with that, PM/chat me. Also, feel free to throw around ideas for your Why essay, I’ll do my best to answer.

Wanna learn more about how to nail your essays? Here is a much shorter post from u/ScholarGrade where he reviews a Why essay, with feedback that applies more to all essays. A great post that covers how to start brainstorming about the Common App can be found here .

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Political Science

Student experience, research, outreach & engagement, alumni & giving, straayer center.

A College of Liberal Arts Department

This is why i poli sci, why study political science.

Why study Political Science? Meet the passionate political science Rams who study, research and work in the field. From current students to CSU faculty to alumnus, this is why they poli sci.

Kirsten Silveira

Marcela Velasco

Trenten Robinson

Matthew Hitt

Gov. Bill Ritter

Nikki Jeffrey

Graduate Student

Bradley Macdonald

Alexandra Schweigert

Jenna Lowery

Senator Cory Gardner

Mary Witlacil

Thinking about majoring in political science at CSU? Check out our academic program offerings!

Start your Political Science Journey

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Request Info
• Search Search Site Faculty/Staff
• Open Navigation Menu Menu Close Navigation Menu
• Why Study Political Science?

Are you interested in law, policy, trade, social politics, and/or political thought? This major would be perfect for you! Political scientists can change the world with just a thought.

If you have a specific question, click on the section your question falls under here:

• “What is political science?”
• “What will I learn from political science and international affairs courses?”
• “What can I do as a political science major outside the classroom?”
• “What can I do with a political science degree after college?”
• “What is happening in the field?”
• “What if I am also interested in another major?”

If you just want to learn more about the major, scroll through the sections! And, if you have a question that is not answered here, explore the website and write to our chair, Professor Rosalyn Cooperman . e-mail: [email protected]

What is Political Science ?

Political Science scholars are primarily interested in understanding the role of power, material and other interests and political institutions in society.

• Why do we have certain political institutions  – say a bicameral legislature – and not others? What impact do they have on our politics and policy?
• What political factors explain the variations in levels of economic development within our country?
• How does the media affect politics?
• Why are we so far from achieving proportionate representation that gives voice to women, people of color?
• Should religion be taught in schools?
• Are presidential or parliamentary systems better in efficient policymaking? Is efficiency important or is equity?
• Why is it easier to change policies in some issue areas and not in others?
• And finally, why does this all matter?

Political science students are curious about the world around them. Here are some student testimonies for why they chose the Political Science major:

“I chose to study political science because in my very first political science class, Introduction to Political Science, the professor asked us “why are roads in some countries curved and in others straight? Well democracies have curved roads and authoritarian governments tend to have straight roads. Now tell me, why?” Just a small thing like roads affects how we live our daily lives and they are created based on what is important to a country’s government and who has power. This one lesson made me want to learn more about and be involved in how our daily lives are shaped by politics.” “I decided to take political science because I wanted to increase my knowledge of our government, as well as our relations with other powers. I also found it interesting as a study of people, specifically people in power and how when given power how they deal with situations that affect the well being of not only themselves but the millions of people that rely on them.” “I was drawn the political science because I enjoyed learning to trace how institutions and incentives push people to act. I also found the classes challenging and rewarding. I am going to law school in fall 2020 and I made the decision to go because of the classes I took here at UMW. They gave me the tools to understand and appreciate the arguments presented in legal cases; and they prepared me to give those arguments as well.”

What will I learn from political science and international affairs courses?

The department faculty are teacher-scholars in the best tradition of the liberal arts. Each of our permanent faculty has a PhD in their field and has an  active research program . Above all, they are dedicated teachers who engage their students inside and outside the classroom in  learning and research using innovative pedagogy . From their experienced professors, political science and international affairs students hone and learn to utilize the following skills, all highly sought after by employers and graduate schools:

• Critical thinking skills
• Analytic writing skills
• Nonpartisan discussion skills
• In-depth research skills
• Clear presentation skills

They learn to look at the world and understand how and why it operates the way it does. They learn to critically assess policies and events around us. You can expect to learn about the foundations of political theories, the interplay between citizens and their governments, why countries have different political systems, how to present your ideas factually and persuasively, and how to apply all that you’ve learned to your life and the world around you. go to top

What can I do as a political science major?

International Affairs majors have many co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities available to them. They participate in research and study abroad. They engage in the UMW community through clubs and organizations, volunteer in the Fredericksburg community, intern in Fredericksburg, Richmond and Washington D.C.

Extra Curricular

Political Science students like to be involved in the UMW community and engage in civic action. There are many opportunities on campus to utilize your skills and meet like-minded peers:

• Citizens for Democracy
• Young Democrats
• College Republicans
• Pre-Law Club
• UMW Mock Trial
• Women’s and Gender Studies Student Association
• The Center for Leadership and Media Studies
• Feminists United
• Young Americans for Freedom
• NAACP @ UMW
• And many more!

Co-Curricular

Political science study abroad.

All UMW students have the opportunity to study abroad, but as a Political Science student study abroad takes on a new meaning. Despite where you go or what you study there, you see things through the lens of a political scientist. If you are interested in going abroad with a specific focus on political science, you might want to look carefully at these programs:

• UMW in France | IAU Provence
• UMW in Spain | Spain for All
• UMW Exchange Programs
• CIDE -University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
• SIT Study Abroad

Honors and Research

A Political Science degree from UMW is highly distinguished. Our majors have many opportunities available to them. Some examples are:

• Pi Sigma Alpha – Political Science and International Affairs Honors Society
• Fulbright Scholarship
• Departmental Honors
• Research Experiences
• Academic Conferences (as attendee and/or as a presenter)
• Internships

What can I do with a political science degree after college?

Studying political science at UMW is also unique because of its close proximity to Washington D.C. and Richmond. There are many connections to jobs and internships in our national and state governments. For a more in-depth look at possible internships, click here .

• Hill senate and house offices
• State senate and house offices
• Various Government Departments
• Intelligence Agencies
• Federal, state and local government Agencies
• Lobbying firms
• Non-Governmental Organizations
• Corporations
• Political campaigns

Students who study political science can take a variety of paths after graduation. Politics is in everything from the Hill to your community. For a more in-depth look at possible careers, click here .

• Top graduate programs
• Top law programs
• Peace Corps
• Policy Analyst
• Government Affairs
• Ambassadors
• Political Reporter
• Campaign Managers
• Social Media Manager
• Community Organizer
• Political Mapping/GIS
• Public Relations
• Political Consultant
• Legislative Assistant

What is happening in the field?

Current prominent research happening in political science:

• Gender and party politics
• Impact of social network on politics
• Politics of alliances
• Voters and fake news
• Political Polarization
• Foreign policy and competition for influence
• Trade and American politics

Our faculty is very involved in cutting edge research. They each specialize in subfields within political science; if you have a certain interest you can learn from and aid a professor in their research. To learn more about our excellent faculty and their research interests,  click here . To find professor’s contact information,  click here .

Students are also encourage to participate in research by doing an honors thesis or independent study. They work hands on with a professor to dig deeper into their own interests and develop their ideas through research. To see a list of Spring 2020 honors theses and individual studies, look at our Spring 2020 Newsletter . Or,  click here to learn more about student research opportunities . go to top

What if I am also interested in another major?

One of the great things about UMW’s liberal arts education is the ability to learn a variety of things. The political science and international affairs department offers a minor that pair well with a political science major and/or international affairs major, but there are many others that work well with the major as a double major or minor.

• Security and Conflict Studies (within the department)
• International Affairs (within the department)
• Women’s and Gender Studies
• Communications and Digital Studies
• Data Science
• Computer Science

If you are interested in any of these fields and political science or international affairs, consider double majoring or minoring! Reach out to the department with any questions you have and figure out what is best for you. go to top

Political Science and International Affairs

• Political Science
• International Affairs
• Minor: Security and Conflict Studies
• Department Events
• Annual Newsletter
• Honors Theses
• Independent Studies
• Innovative Research-based Assessment
• Study Abroad
• Teaching and Mentoring
• Why Study International Affairs?
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Why Major in Political Science?

Are you interested in American politics, international affairs, domestic developments in other parts of the world and political theory? Do you want to study these subjects and pursue a career based on your interests? If so, you should consider political science as a major. Political science is the study of government, public policies and political behavior. Political science uses both humanistic perspectives and scientific skills to examine the United States and all countries and regions of the world.

As a political science major, you will hone the writing, communications, analytical and computer skills that are critical to a liberal arts education. The courses offered in our Department will prepare you to think critically and independently, with tolerance for others and concern for current affairs.

Majoring in political science can qualify you for many different careers in private for-profit and nonprofit organizations, as well as public sector organizations. Students often pursue careers in business, law, consulting, state, local, and federal government, journalism and communications, international organization, finance, polling and campaign management, community service and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), pre-college and college teaching.

Political science training also provides valuable preparation for participating in community organizations, electoral politics, movements on behalf of specific policies, and for seeking elective or administrative positions in government. While many of these are voluntary activities, participation in them develops skills and creates opportunities for career success. (Source: Adapted from  American Political Science Association  Brochure.)

Resources to Explore

List of careers , skill sets, and description of the Politics and International Affairs major from the Office of Personal and Career Development.

The American Political Science Association has additional resources on  exploring applied career options.

• POLITICAL SCIENCE

Motives for Studying Political Science: Its Importance & What You Can Do With It

• December 7, 2021

The world never stands still. It is constantly evolving, sometimes for the better, other times for the worse. As necessary as it is to be informed about what is going on around you, it is also just as important to have a say in those changes. One way you can be involved in the system of order for a nation, state, or another political unit, is through political science jobs .

Are you interested in American or international politics? Are you passionate about critical issues such as globalization, terrorism, global warming, civil rights, political development, or foreign policy? If the answer is yes, continue reading as we explore the importance of political science in our daily life and provide answers to the questions: why study political science, what do you learn in political science, and why are politics and political science important? You might be a perfect candidate to study governments, public policies, and political behaviors by pursuing a political science degree .

What Is Political Science?

Political science is a classical discipline of social science that focuses on dealing with the organization and administration of states by studying various forms of governments, public policies, and political behavior within a state as well as in general around the world. This field can be considered the study of a state and its people’s relations to an organized state.

Although the terms “Political Science” and “Politics” are frequently used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two. The English term “Politics” is derived from the Greek word “polis,” referring to a city-state. Still, politics is much more than that since it combines state and power. Politics’ systematic form of study began early with the Greeks in the fourth century BC, when great philosophers like Plato and Aristotle started using it. Aristotle even called it a “master science” since it involved the state, government, and other social institutions, such as the family. On the other hand, the science of politics analyzes the state and power related to it in all its forms and aspects. Political science incorporates theories pertaining to the state, sovereign power, structures and functions of the government, the construction and execution of laws, political parties, and elections.

Why Study Political Science?

Studying political science is the first step towards understanding and having a say in what your rights and responsibilities as a citizen are and should be. Furthermore, you will also better understand international politics and law. Such a degree teaches you many things and opens doors to a successful career.

What do you learn in a political science degree?

While pursuing a political science degree in the United States, you will learn about general American politics, international relations , comparative study of other countries, their citizens, and different political units. You will learn about numerous political ideas, ideologies, systems, as well as state administration, diplomacy, legislation, strategy, and conflict.

Courses on political theory will introduce you to various political concepts, government structures, policy issues, and political behaviors within the United States and its society, and among other nations. Furthermore, such courses help provide you with valuable analytical, communication, planning, and development skills.

What can you do with a political science degree?

The opportunities you will have upon earning your political science degree are countless and promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in political science is projected to grow about 9% between 2020 and 2030. Some of the many career options you can choose from include:

• Foreign service officer
• Government official
• Political scientist
• Hearing officer
• Legal assistant
• Public relations manager
• Conciliator

Why Is Political Science Important for Our Daily Life?

When considering the controversial topics related to governments, widespread climate skepticism, and the aggressive media coverage politics get, among other things, it is understandable why some people might not be interested in political science. However, even if you do not intend to be fully involved in politics or governments, it is essential to be informed of political science due to its importance in our daily lives.

One of the most important ways political science affects us is by helping set the rights and rules we have to live by as citizens. Whenever a new government is elected, they have the power to make decisions for us based on our necessities and requirements. It is a field that is often incorporated into various aspects of society, including private lives, economy, tradition, and education.

Why Get a Political Science Degree at BAU?

If you are convinced that getting into politics is a suitable career choice, then all left is to pick the right university to help you on this journey. To get an excellent education and have access to high-quality courses, consider choosing the Political Science and International Relations bachelor program offered by Bay Atlantic University (BAU) .

BAU’s political science program is designed to supply students with the necessary theoretical foundations, knowledge, and skills in Political Science and International Relations from highly qualified teaching staff in combination with expert guest lecturers drawn from the rich Washington, DC environment. A link is created between the theoretical part of political science and real-world insight by incorporating out-of-class experience that produces field experience.

Not only is the program excellent for anyone looking to earn the necessary skills and knowledge to have a successful career in political science, but the university also aims to help the students in any way they can by offering six different opportunities for qualified students to earn scholarships every year. In addition, they help by offering on-campus and OPT job opportunities for anyone who needs them.

The only thing better than choosing the right degree is doing so in a university that will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to succeed in the future. So, pick political science at Bay Atlantic University- your future self will thank you for it.

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Writing in Political Science

This guide provides a brief introduction to writing in   political science   for prospective and current students. It includes:

• A statement about the fields of political science
• A statement of threshold concepts in political science
• A description of writing characteristics valued in political science
• Expectations for how writing happens in political science

A Statement About the Fields of Political Science

Political science includes a number of subfields, including public administration, international relations, comparative politics, American politics, and political theory. These subfields differ in terms of both substance and analytical methods but are all rooted in  the systematic study of institutionalized power and critical analysis of power dynamics . Regardless of major (i.e., political science, public administration, diplomacy and global politics), students in political science can expect to engage in disciplinary conversations about sources, manifestations, and implications of power and authority.

Threshold Concepts in Political Science

“Political science is the study of governments, public policies and political processes, systems, and political behavior.” - American Political Science Association

Political science (like all fields of study) is at once a body of knowledge, the development of that body of knowledge, and the practice of applying that knowledge to problems of the human experience. The fields of political science are built on certain core concepts (the building blocks of understanding). These include the concepts of authority, power, rationality, and the state, and are taught in the introductory sequence (e.g., American Political System, World Politics, Public Administration).

Fluency in core concepts is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for an education in political science. Training in political science—i.e., engaging and contributing to the body of knowledge and its practice—requires students to gain proficiency in its threshold concepts: the connective tissue of a field that, once understood, produces a shift in the learner’s depth of understanding of the phenomena of interest (Meyer & Land, 2003). Threshold concepts can only be understood through dedicated and repeated practice and create a fundamentally different view of the subject matter that is essential for masterful application.

While each subfield has its own set of threshold concepts, all political science students should expect to grapple with the following throughout their coursework:

Threshold Concept 1: Critical analysis of power, institutions, and argumentation

• Quantitative and qualitative evidence
• Multiple levels of abstraction
• Deductive, inductive, and abductive reasoning
• Quantitative (e.g., regression analysis), qualitative (e.g., content analysis), and computational (e.g., network analysis) methods

Where and how we teach this threshold concept:  We teach this threshold concept through a scaffolded curriculum that leads students through critical reading, writing, speaking, and data analysis to produce an integrated understanding of collective action that acknowledges, reflects on, and critiques multiple positions, compositions, and dynamics of power.

Threshold Concept 2: Institutions are both material and discursive structures

“so you’re taking a political science course”: a description of writing characteristics valued in political science.

Political scientists use behavioral, institutional, and cultural models to conduct critical analyses of power. We value systematic (rather than partisan) argumentation, and this value is reflected in what and how we write.

We tend to write in  genres such as policy analyses, research articles, response memos, and monographs . We rarely write genres such as ethnography or laboratory reports. The writing genres of political science tend to require both substantive knowledge of a collective action problem and application of a rigorous design and analytic method. Students can expect to be exposed to these general forms, as well as more specific genres and expectations within their major (i.e., political science, public administration, diplomacy and global politics).

Professional writers in our field are understood to be  credible  when they  situate their arguments within existing literature and provide evidence for their claims . We understand evidence to include  administrative data, field research, case studies, and coded datasets . We generally do not expect or accept opinion, anecdote, or personal experience as evidence. Effective writing is grounded in methodical use of evidence, minimizes jargon, and advances a logically sound argument.

We tend to use APSA, APA, or Chicago citation styles in our formal writing. These citation practices reflect our values; as a field, we prioritize honoring scholarly lineages and contributions, while also positioning ourselves within a conversation with those scholars. Political scientists rarely quote directly or at length. Instead, we tend to paraphrase ideas and contributions with attributions to the original authors. We do this because we value synthesis and novel use of existing ideas as features of scholarship.

Expectations for Writing in Political Science Courses

Not every student in our classes needs to be able to write the way professional writers in political science do, nor will all students make it through the uncomfortable process of mastering threshold concepts. However, all students learning to write in our field will benefit from practice, feedback, and revision. Depending on why you are taking our courses, you should expect writing that focuses on different objectives.

• Undergraduates taking Miami Plan or introductory courses in political science  should learn to recognize the argumentative style of our writing and practice systematic, evidence (not just value) -based persuasion. Evidence-based persuasion is relevant to multiple fields and occupations and is thus a useful practice to develop among all students in our courses.
• Undergraduates majoring in political science  (as well as PA and DGP) should recognize the centrality of the connection between theory and method in our writing and practice critical, systematic inquiry across all political science genres (e.g., policy memos, research papers). Over time they will need to become skilled at a range of both qualitative and quantitative methods (e.g., comparative case studies, regression analysis) and theoretical frameworks (e.g., political economy, organizational theory) in order to meet different objectives and speak to different audiences both inside and outside the discipline.
• Graduate students in political science , in addition to mastering the skills required of undergraduate majors, should recognize the need to situate their arguments in scholarly debates about our writing. By graduation, they need to be able to contribute to an existing scholarly debate by providing new insights through argumentation and evidence because one demonstrates mastery through participation in knowledge production.

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Why Political Science Is A Great Major for Understanding the World

February 16th, 2023 by JWU

Many people ask the question: is political science a good major? The short answer is yes, yet the reasons are many and varied. Read on to learn more about the many benefits of a political science major, including how it can help you develop a broader perspective and more meaningful understanding of the world.

What Is Political Science?

Political science is an exciting and complex field of study, focused on examining how power is distributed within societies, both domestically and internationally. It takes a deep dive into how political systems (governments) operate and impact society at large and provides analytical tools to anticipate the outcomes of various types of government policy. Political scientists study history and culture to gain a deeper understanding of politics, economics, law, philosophy, sociology, and psychology. From this interdisciplinary approach, they develop knowledge and theories to explain current global issues such as migration, poverty alleviation, and resource scarcity.

Is a Political Science Major Right for You?

If you’re passionate about learning about the inner workings of the political world, then a political science degree might be just what you need! This fascinating area of study offers an in-depth look at modern politics and international relations, giving you a detailed understanding of how governments and social systems work. You’ll gain knowledge on a wide range of topics, including research methods, media and public policy, allowing you to gain insight into how decisions are made and why they have the effects they do. While many political science majors go on to become policymakers or legal analysts, those skills are valuable in many other careers, as well. So if you’re looking for a major that will equip you with pertinent knowledge and sharpen your critical-thinking skills while providing career opportunities both inside and outside politics, political science may be the right fit for you!

Political Science Major Curriculum

By obtaining a political science degree, students can explore the complexities of power dynamics and learn to assess issues pertaining to governance, justice, and injustice on both a domestic and global scale. This course offers a rigorous and thorough curriculum that develops students’ analytical, critical, and ethical thinking skills – essential attributes for anyone looking to work in the field of politics or public service. Political science majors dive into the ever-changing, intricate realm of politics by studying a rigorous core sequence that focuses on political awareness and articulation, civic and international involvement, moral choice-making, and applying theory to current world affairs.

What Can You Do with a Political Science Major?

• Upon completion of a bachelor’s degree in political science, graduates are expected to be able to:
• Examine various political systems, movements, and topics to understand the ever-changing international landscape.
• Put political theory into practice to better understand politics.
• Demonstrate fluency and skill in the essential concepts of political communications, regardless of the professional environment or situation.
• Utilize qualitative and quantitative research methods as necessary to meet data requirements.
• Articulate and incorporate essential ethical values and norms that define public service and the professional discipline of political science.

These skills can be applied to a wide range of career opportunities, including:

Policy Analyst

A policy analyst researches and analyzes public policies, legislation, and procedures to understand their impact on organizations, industries, communities, and individuals. They use their expertise in economics, political science, international relations, law, or other related fields to understand the implications of policy decisions. Policy analysts specialize in examining data and making recommendations for changes to existing policies or the implementation of new ones based on their research. They use a variety of tools including analytics software and databases to synthesize their findings before creating presentations that summarize their conclusions for stakeholders. Policy analysts may focus on a particular field, such as healthcare, education, national security, or the economy. As policy analysts work towards finding the best strategies, they must stay informed of current events and consider the potential effects their conclusions may have on people, businesses, and communities.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not classify policy analysts as a separate occupation from political scientists, who they estimate to make a median salary of $122,510 per year. However, according to GlassDoor.com , policy analysts make an average base salary of $69,689, with PayScale providing an even more conservative estimate of $62,689 per year.

Market Research Analyst

A market research analyst plays a vital role in the success of a business by evaluating the demand and overall effectiveness of products, services, and strategies. They assess market conditions to pinpoint trends and estimate sales opportunities more accurately. To do this, a market research analyst studies demographics and gathers data from customer surveys, interviews, or focus groups. They then assemble this data into reports that show which products and services are performing well or need improvement. Finally, they provide insights for business decisions based on their findings. If you’re looking for a career where you can shape the trajectory of businesses with sound research and analysis skills, being a market research analyst may be the ideal fit for you.

According to the BLS , market research analysts earn a median salary of $63,920 as of 2021, with a projected job outlook of 19%, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists help create and maintain a positive image for their company or client. They are responsible for creating goodwill that attracts interest in their organization or clients and helps maintain their reputation. A public relations specialist’s job is to help convey stories about the company or organization’s mission, services, products, and more through different communication platforms. Public relations specialists may create press releases, pitch articles to media outlets, manage media interviews, research trending topics that could be relevant to their clients, update websites and social media channels with relevant stories, work with external influencers and advocates to promote the company’s brand story on a larger scale, build relationships with local and national stakeholders – the list goes on. These activities are bundled into one uniquely impressive job: creating positive interactions between companies or organizations and their target audiences.

The BLS estimates a median annual salary of $62,800 for public relations specialists, with an 8% projected job growth (faster than average).

Campaign Staffer

A campaign staffer is an individual who works with a political campaign, usually for a specific candidate. Their job is to ensure that all aspects of the campaign run smoothly throughout the entire process, which can start months to years in advance. They may be responsible for any number of tasks, including:

• Recruitment
• Media outreach
• Policy research
• Researching opponents or policies
• Fundraising
• Setting up events or rallies
• Talking to potential voters
• Operational support

Campaign staffers can have many different roles which require an assortment of skills: communication prowess, problem-solving ability, administrative efficacy, and an ability to thrive under pressure. In short, they are critical players in ensuring a campaign runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. It’s also essential to remain adaptive and flexible as the political landscape changes quickly due to external events or shifts in polling numbers. If you’re looking for an exciting career path that serves your community while providing unique opportunities to make a real difference, becoming a campaign staffer could be ideal!

The BLS does not separate campaign staffers from the broader category of public relations managers, so salary statistics are unavailable. However, ZipRecruiter estimates an average salary of $37,137 for campaign staffers, and salary.com provides a median salary of $63,941 for political campaign managers. This means your expected salary could fall anywhere in this relatively broad range, depending on factors such as job title, years of experience, and location.

Intelligence Analyst

An intelligence analyst’s job is to use critical thinking and modern technology to collect and analyze political, financial, criminal, or military data. This analysis requires understanding cultural and regional differences and the complex dynamics of current events to draw accurate conclusions. These analysts pay acute attention to detail to interpret complex data about their target and provide valuable insights. They must often synthesize large amounts of information from multiple sources, utilizing advanced knowledge of their subject matter. Intelligence analysts utilize the latest methods of analysis and technology to interpret the information into meaningful recommendations. Higher-level decision-makers use the collected data to make more informed decisions about policy planning and implementation. It is a crucial position demanding high levels of expertise that dramatically impacts national and global security.

The BLS categorizes intelligence analysts with information security analysts, making the median salary estimates too broad. Glassdoor.com provides an estimate of $70,567 as the average salary of intelligence analysts, while PayScale estimates a slightly higher average base salary of $74,618.

Legal Assistant

A legal assistant assists lawyers and other legal personnel with the daily operations of a law firm. Legal assistants can do tasks like research, preparation of documents, and even some limited forms of client communication. Since technology has advanced, many legal assistants have specialized skills related to the latest software used by their firms. Legal assistants also have knowledge of different legal topics depending on the industry they work in—from family law to civil litigation or bankruptcy. They support attorneys, which helps law firms function efficiently and effectively while allowing attorneys to focus more on their cases. With the right experience and training, a legal assistant can be a valuable part of a successful legal team.

According to the BLS , legal assistants make a median annual salary of $56,230, with a job outlook of 14%, or much faster than average.

Importance of Political Science in the World

Political science is one of the most important fields of study in a constantly changing world. By studying and understanding politics, both locally and globally, we can make informed decisions on a wide range of topics – including international relations, public policy, legal systems, human rights, and economic development. Political science also provides valuable perspectives on gender issues, social movements, minority rights, and civil society throughout the world. Ultimately, it serves as an invaluable tool for understanding our ever-evolving global political environment and how individuals and governments interact within it. Studying the complexities of political science has allowed us to build bridges across differences and create more sustainable paths toward peace, diversity, stability, and justice.

Local Community/Societal Impact

Political science can significantly impact our local communities, regardless of how small. It affects the politics and policies that determine everything from what neighborhoods we live in, to how our schools are run, to the opportunities available to us locally. From understanding the political dynamics of a city council meeting to comprehending the economic implications behind different public initiatives, understanding political science enables citizens to better understand their own country from a local level all the way up. It is paramount for people in a society to be informed and aware of the political systems shaping their lives, whether voting for a mayor or being part of protests against unjust policies.

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Why i chose political science as my major, and why you should consider it, too..

A common question every college student gets asked on the daily is what they have chosen to major in. Among my friends, I'm the only one who ever answers 'Political Science.' Following this answer I'm usually given a look of confusion followed by the question of.. "Why?" This is something I don't mind answering, although I feel like I shouldn't have to.

On the first day of my first political science class, my professor asked us to write down what we thought 'politics' meant. We were then asked to read aloud our answers. As we went around the room, answer varied, no two people had written even remotely the same definition. This is because politics is everywhere, and we can all see it in different ways each and every day.

This is why I major in politics, because it's everywhere and I don't know if people get this.. but it's also not going anywhere. This means my degree will prepare me for with a set of skills applicable for a job that is imperishable. I won't wake up one morning to a phone call from my boss telling me that my job has been replaced with technology.

When I say political science, most people think.. right versus left.. liberal versus conservative.. but believe me when I say, it's SO much more than that. Political science majors study American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. This means we read, research, write, and research some more.

Research is so underrated, and I think this is because it intimidates people. I was encouraged to participate in undergraduate research last semester, and it opened so many doors for myself. So if you are ever given the opportunity, PLEASE participate in undergrad research. You will not regret it.

Political science is not an applied science, therefore it teaches tactics and skills that can be applied to better society and everything around us in every way. I sit in classes beside the future leaders of our country. I study with future journalists, attorneys, senators, officials, and to know that they received the skills necessary to run this country is important to me. It should be important to you too!

Political science teaches vital skills like critical thinking but always allows for individual interpretation and thought. We are given the resources and knowledge necessary to formulate our own ideas and bring them to the table so that though a little debate we can create a better tomorrow. (You will never be bored in classroom full of debate.)

Another important reason I chose to major in political science, was to give myself a voice. It has required me to think for myself. It is preparing me to voice my own well-developed opinion, as well as give a voice to those who are not as fortunate. It sounds cliché to say that I want to change the world, so I won't say that, but I will say I want to make a difference. My degree in political science is giving me everything I need to do so.

If you can't tell yet.. it's not a 'useless' major like some question. There are plenty of jobs out there housing political science majors and some of the most successful people known have a deep understanding of political science. So if you're questioning your major or undecided, know that a degree in political science is waiting for you!

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7 types of students you will meet in college, you wish you could be #5, but you know you're probably a #6..

There are thousands of universities around the world, and each school boasts its own traditions and slogans. Some schools pride themselves on sports , while others emphasize their research facilities. While there is a myriad of differences among each and every school, there will always these seven types of students in class.

1. The one who sits in the front row

2. the one who is always online shopping.

It doesn't matter whether it's fall, winter, spring or summer - these people are online shopping every single lecture. They usually sit a row or few in front of you, and while the professor is lecturing, instead of taking notes or even trying to act like they're listening, they just aimlessly scroll through Aritzia, Forever 21 and Zara. The only time their eyes ever leave their computer screen is when class ends, so they're basically just there for giggles.

3. The one who always falls asleep

This person comes to class every day, but somehow never stays awake for more than 20 minutes. You can sometimes hear the occasional snore from a corner of a large lecture hall, or catch their heads nodding like a pendulum near the front of the class if they're the studious type . But let's be real here: we've all been one of those students at some point.

4. The one who never pays attention

This category of students is probably the most common. Sure, they'll go to class, but all they do is surf through memes on Facebook or watch others play Fortnite. These people are in class for the attendance grade, not to learn. On occasion, they may raise their hand in class to ask a generic, vague question that has already been covered but hey, gotta get that participation grade. They're just doing everything they can to survive college, and honestly, it's a mood.

5. The one who never studies (but still aces the class)

Standing as probably the most frustrating category of people in this list, these students won't know about a midterm until two days before. The day before the exam, they'll be chilling in Malibu and partying at night. They go to class every once in a while when the class time doesn't clash with one of their many elaborate social plans, but never pay attention. Somehow, they still ace all their exams and end up with the top grade in the class.

6. The one who is always stressed

These people will start studying for a midterm at least two weeks before hand, and will be so stressed about homework and classes that they spend more time worrying about the workload than actually doing the work itself. They're in desperate need of a relaxing vacation that they're too stressed to plan, and they disappear from the outside world for weeks at a time. You can usually find them in a study room in a library, where they probably have been in for the past week.

7. The one you've never seen before

You didn't even know that they were in your class to begin with because they never show up until it's exam week. Are they too smart for the class or struggling too hard to care ? The world may never know. Maybe they're just straight chilling in their apartments being lazy, but most of time, they probably didn't even put this class on their schedules. Catch them going to Disneyland on a weekday at least once a month, which is more than the frequency that they attend class.

15 Rhyme Without Reason Greek Life Function Ideas

When you have no ideas for what to wear to this date function.

I am going to a rhyme without reason date function and I have looked at so many different rhyming words and I figured there need to be a new list of words. At these functions, there are usually at least two rockers and boxers and an umpteenth amount of dogs and frogs. I have come up with a list of creative and unique ideas for these functions.

If you like what you see, get a shopping cart going with these costumes .

1. Dime and a Mime

I think that this one would be super cute except one of the dates would have to not talk the entire function which would be extremely difficult.

2. Ramp and a Lamp

This is my personal favorite except it would be difficult to dress up like a ramp.

3. Hooters and Shooters

For this you could have one person dress up like hooter's girl and have one person wear plastic shot glasses with color glue in them.

4. Sherlock and Woodstock

For this one person could wear a cape and a Sherlock hat with a magnifying glass and the other person could dress up like the bird Woodstock or the festival.

5. Spaghetti and a Yeti

StableDiffusion

This would be the coolest idea to do. To dress up like a bowl of spaghetti and a Yeti. The only thing you would have to watch would to make sure that the Yeti didn't eat the spaghetti.

6. Whale and snail

This would be very cute. You could use a backpack or a laundry basket for the shell.

7. Ladder and Bladder

I don't know if you have seen the bladder cartoon but just imagine someone dressed up like that. Wouldn't that be so cute?

8. Rake and Snake

The snake could use the rake. This would be a very easy to dress up for.

9. Jam and Ham

You could dress up like a thing of jam or like a dollop of jam and just wear a single color.

10. Pig and a Twig

You could dress with pink and then the other person could dress with brown.

11. Banana and Nana

All you need for this one is a banana costume and old lady clothes

12. Dairy and Fairy

One person would dress up as a milk carton and the other as any kind of fairy.

13. Hibachi and Versace

I think that this is the most creative pairing that has ever been thought of. The hibachi person would definitely have to have one of those tall hats they wear.

14. Trash bag and American Flag

You could put your arms through the straps that come out of the trash bag and just wrap an American flag around yourself (as long as it doesn't touch the floor).

15. Gumball Machine and American Dream

This would be super cute if the person who was the gumball put puffballs onto their shirt and wore silver pants.

What is a rhyme without reason date function?

A rhyme without reason date function is a social gathering when partners show up wearing outfits that rhyme with each other. It opens up an opportunity for creativity. It is most popular on college campuses, though it can be extended to other parts of society as a fun way to play dress-up. It also gains additional popularity around Halloween time, given the interest in costumes and dressing up for that holiday.

What are some top ideas for a rhyme without reason?

There are so many options: A Dog and a Frog could be fun. A Ramp and a Lamp, a Whale and a Snail, a Rake and a Snake, a Trash Bag and a Flag, and Bob Ross and Dental Floss are just some ideas for a rhyme without reason date function. Using your own creativity, you could think of countless more options and if you explore the web, you'll find lists out there to provide inspiration . Rhyming without reason at the end of the day is all about having fun.

What are some sources of rhyme without reason inspiration?

For starters, TikTok has a whole collection of rhyme without reason ideas. You could browse those for quite some time and find plenty of inspiration. You might also look toward Her Campus for plenty more ideas or our handy list . There's no shortage of options around the web, but some of the best ideas may come from you. Start with the rhyming perspective and then think about what fun pairings would be for a real-life rhyme without reason costume party.

A long over due thank you note to my greatest passion.

Dearest Yoga,

You deserve a great thank you.

Never would I have thought a few years ago that I would be such a huge yoga fanatic, that I would be hitting the gym almost every day to get to class, and that I would be forming all these amazing relationships with so many incredible people who also share a love for you. You've enhanced my way of life in numerous ways that I need to thank you for.

Thank you for showing me my true strength. Not only physical strength, but more importantly mental strength. You've shown me that I am more than what others may think of me, and that I can rise above any obstacle that comes through my path.

Thank you for helping me to walk through life with grace and passion. To love what I do and love the life that I share with those around me. Before experiencing yoga, I never truly understood what it was like to be passionate about something. Now that I have, not only do I know what it's like to be passionate, but also have a willing to be passionate.

Thank you for teaching me what it is like to appreciate the small things in life. Which has only helped me more to appreciate the big things. You've shown me to not only appreciate the life around me, but also to give myself the appreciation that I deserve. And more importantly, give others the appreciation that they deserve.

Thank you for allowing me to let go. Whenever I feel as if I need a break from the world, the yoga studio is the first place I think of. As soon as I enter the studio, the outside world leaves my mind. You've allowed me an escape that I will be forever thankful for.

Thank you for turning me into a mindful person. Having mindfulness is harder than it seems, especially here in today's society. Over the past couple years, I have become more mindful to the world around me, I have been able to truly be myself and let everyone else be themselves -- all thanks to yoga.

And lastly, thank you for allowing me to breathe. As simple as it sounds, breathing is the one thing that I carry around most with me off the mat. Deep breaths are what get me through the day. Throughout tough situations, emotional battles, and stressful times, I always know to come back to my yoga, to come back to my breath.

I only hope that those around me feel the same way as I do about you, yoga. You have truly transformed my life in the best way imaginable. It is a gift and a great privilege to be able to experience the practice. Thanks to you, I have grown as a person, proved to myself the true strength I have, become more aware and have ultimately started living a better life.

You're the best,

Your Yoga-Obsessed Friend

Epic Creation Myths: Norse Origins Unveiled

What happened in the beginning, and how the heavens were set in motion..

Now, I have the everlasting joy of explaining the Norse creation myth. To be honest, it can be a bit kooky, so talking about it is always fun. The entire cosmos is included in this creation myth, not just the earth but the sun and the moon as well. This will be a short retelling, a summary of the creation myth, somewhat like I did with Hermod's ride to Hel.

The Norse cosmos began with two worlds, Niflheim and Muspellheim. These two worlds, the worlds of primordial cold and fire , were separated by a great fissure called Ginnungagap. The waters from the well Hvergelmir, at the center of Niflheim, by many rivers flowed into Ginnungagap and "when those rivers, which are called Elivagar, came so far from their source, the poisonous flow hardened like a slag of cinders running from a furnace, and became ice. ...Then layer by layer, the ice grew within Ginnungagap" (Byock 13). The northernmost regions of the gap filled with hoar frost and rime, but the southernmost were "the regions bordering on Muspell [and] were warm and bright" (Byock 13). Where the cold of Niflheim's ice and the warmth of Muspellheim's fire met in Ginnungagap the ice thawed, and "there was a quickening in these flowing drops and life sprang up" (Byock 14). From the ice came Ymir, known as Aurgelmir by the giants, the origin of all frost giants. As the wise giant Vafthruthnir says, "'down from Elivagar did venom drop, / And waxed till a giant it was; / And thence arose our giants' race, / And thus so fierce are we found'" (Bellows 76-77).

25 Throwback Songs You Forgot About

But you know you still know every word..

We all scroll through the radio stations in the car every once in a while, whether its because we lost signal to our favorite one or we are just bored with the same ol' songs every day. You know when you're going through and you hear a song where you're just like "I forgot this existed!" and before you know it, you're singing every word? Yeah, me too. Like, 95% of the time. If you're like me and LOVE some good throwback music, here's a list of songs from every genre that have gotten lost in time, but never truly forgotten.

1. "Big Pimpin'" - Jay-Z ft. UGK

Jay-Z gives us a ballad about, you guessed it, pimpin' big in NYC. Jay-Z's rhymes paired with that catchy beat is just bound to get stuck in your head for the rest of the night.

2. "Mr. Brightside" - The Killers

If you say that you don't know any of the words to this song, you're the worst kind of person... a liar. This classic has left stamps of its lyrics on 99% of the population, and has a forever spot in my soul.

3. "Lose Yourself" - Eminem

This song always leaves me feeling like I could sign a record deal and launch my career as a rap/hip-hop legend... and craving spaghetti.

4. "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American) - Toby Keith

A ballad for the ages that brings the overly patriotic American badass out of all of us.

5. "Drop It Like It's Hot" - Snoop Dogg ft. Pharrell Williams

SNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!

6. "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" - Green Day

This song makes me want to walk down a lonely road, preferably a dark one, and reflect on all of my life choices. Nevertheless, it's still a fantastic song.

7. "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" - Panic! At The Disco

If your friends don't "chime in" by screaming the chorus at the top of their lungs in the car with you, it's time to leave them there and find new friends. Also, did anyone ever tell the groom what his bride has been up to?

8. "Semi-Charmed Life" - Third Eye Blind

A life anthem for all of us. Third Eye Blind has recently released another album. My inner child is tingling.

9. "Baby Got Back" - Sir Mix A Lot

Nicki Minaj sampled this in her song "Anaconda" in 2014. Take a minute to realize that some people have heard that, but not the REAL jam that the sample came from. Now, cry.

10. "Get Low" - Lil Jon ft. Ying Yang Twinz

The real question is which version is better: Lil Jon's or Sandra Bullock's?

11. "Check Yes Or No" - George Strait

You don't have to be a country lover to know this song. My hardcore rocker/screamo friend even knows the chorus. Don't try and tell me you don't. I don't like liars.

12. "Ride Wit Me" - Nelly

"Ayyyyye, must be the monaaayyy!" - frequently screamed lyric

13. "Pony" - Ginuwine

Even though I can't hear this song without seeing Channing Tatum's half naked body in my mind, it's still one of my favorite songs to hear. Instant day brightener when I hear that funky beat at the beginning.

14. "Cleanin' Out My Closet" - Eminem

As sad as these lyrics are, Eminem really hit this one out of the park.

15. "Gangstas Paradise" - Coolio

10/10 would recommend listening to Weird Al's parody of this song.

16. "It Was A Good Day" - Ice Cube

The first time I heard this may have been on Grand Theft Auto, but that doesn't mean that it isn't a great song.

17. "What's Your Fantasy" - Ludacris

Another song that I knew most of the lyrics to that I probably shouldn't have at a young age.

18. "Everybody (Backstreets Back)" - Backstreet Boys

They really were back, and we all wish they had stayed.

19. "Misery Business" - Paramore

I can't tell if I want to be Hayley Williams or be ON Hayley Williams. I'd be okay with either. #girlcrush

20. "Steal My Sunshine" - Len

This feel good song makes me want to rip open a popsicle and ride my bicycle around town.

21. "Fly" - Sugar Ray

As repetitive as this is, this song will never get old.

22. "Song 2" - Blur

23. "buddy holly" - weezer.

Weezer may have hated this song, but we are glad they recorded it.

24. "No Rain" - Blind Melon

Maybe it's just me who is obsessed with this song, but if you haven't heard it, I highly recommend.

25. "99 Problems" - Jay-Z

I have 99 problems, and this playlist solves all of them.

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Political Science

What this handout is about.

This handout will help you to recognize and to follow writing standards in political science. The first step toward accomplishing this goal is to develop a basic understanding of political science and the kind of work political scientists do.

Defining politics and political science

Political scientist Harold Laswell said it best: at its most basic level, politics is the struggle of “who gets what, when, how.” This struggle may be as modest as competing interest groups fighting over control of a small municipal budget or as overwhelming as a military stand-off between international superpowers. Political scientists study such struggles, both small and large, in an effort to develop general principles or theories about the way the world of politics works. Think about the title of your course or re-read the course description in your syllabus. You’ll find that your course covers a particular sector of the large world of “politics” and brings with it a set of topics, issues, and approaches to information that may be helpful to consider as you begin a writing assignment. The diverse structure of political science reflects the diverse kinds of problems the discipline attempts to analyze and explain. In fact, political science includes at least eight major sub-fields:

• American politics examines political behavior and institutions in the United States.
• Comparative politics analyzes and compares political systems within and across different geographic regions.
• International relations investigates relations among nation states and the activities of international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and NATO, as well as international actors such as terrorists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and multi-national corporations (MNCs).
• Political theory analyzes fundamental political concepts such as power and democracy and foundational questions, like “How should the individual and the state relate?”
• Political methodology deals with the ways that political scientists ask and investigate questions.
• Public policy examines the process by which governments make public decisions.
• Public administration studies the ways that government policies are implemented.
• Public law focuses on the role of law and courts in the political process.

What is scientific about political science?

Investigating relationships.

Although political scientists are prone to debate and disagreement, the majority view the discipline as a genuine science. As a result, political scientists generally strive to emulate the objectivity as well as the conceptual and methodological rigor typically associated with the so-called “hard” sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, and physics). They see themselves as engaged in revealing the relationships underlying political events and conditions. Based on these revelations, they attempt to state general principles about the way the world of politics works. Given these aims, it is important for political scientists’ writing to be conceptually precise, free from bias, and well-substantiated by empirical evidence. Knowing that political scientists value objectivity may help you in making decisions about how to write your paper and what to put in it.

Political theory is an important exception to this empirical approach. You can learn more about writing for political theory classes in the section “Writing in Political Theory” below.

Building theories

Since theory-building serves as the cornerstone of the discipline, it may be useful to see how it works. You may be wrestling with theories or proposing your own as you write your paper. Consider how political scientists have arrived at the theories you are reading and discussing in your course. Most political scientists adhere to a simple model of scientific inquiry when building theories. The key to building precise and persuasive theories is to develop and test hypotheses. Hypotheses are statements that researchers construct for the purpose of testing whether or not a certain relationship exists between two phenomena. To see how political scientists use hypotheses, and to imagine how you might use a hypothesis to develop a thesis for your paper, consider the following example. Suppose that we want to know whether presidential elections are affected by economic conditions. We could formulate this question into the following hypothesis:

“When the national unemployment rate is greater than 7 percent at the time of the election, presidential incumbents are not reelected.”

Collecting data

In the research model designed to test this hypothesis, the dependent variable (the phenomenon that is affected by other variables) would be the reelection of incumbent presidents; the independent variable (the phenomenon that may have some effect on the dependent variable) would be the national unemployment rate. You could test the relationship between the independent and dependent variables by collecting data on unemployment rates and the reelection of incumbent presidents and comparing the two sets of information. If you found that in every instance that the national unemployment rate was greater than 7 percent at the time of a presidential election the incumbent lost, you would have significant support for our hypothesis.

However, research in political science seldom yields immediately conclusive results. In this case, for example, although in most recent presidential elections our hypothesis holds true, President Franklin Roosevelt was reelected in 1936 despite the fact that the national unemployment rate was 17%. To explain this important exception and to make certain that other factors besides high unemployment rates were not primarily responsible for the defeat of incumbent presidents in other election years, you would need to do further research. So you can see how political scientists use the scientific method to build ever more precise and persuasive theories and how you might begin to think about the topics that interest you as you write your paper.

Clear, consistent, objective writing

Since political scientists construct and assess theories in accordance with the principles of the scientific method, writing in the field conveys the rigor, objectivity, and logical consistency that characterize this method. Thus political scientists avoid the use of impressionistic or metaphorical language, or language which appeals primarily to our senses, emotions, or moral beliefs. In other words, rather than persuade you with the elegance of their prose or the moral virtue of their beliefs, political scientists persuade through their command of the facts and their ability to relate those facts to theories that can withstand the test of empirical investigation. In writing of this sort, clarity and concision are at a premium. To achieve such clarity and concision, political scientists precisely define any terms or concepts that are important to the arguments that they make. This precision often requires that they “operationalize” key terms or concepts. “Operationalizing” simply means that important—but possibly vague or abstract—concepts like “justice” are defined in ways that allow them to be measured or tested through scientific investigation.

Fortunately, you will generally not be expected to devise or operationalize key concepts entirely on your own. In most cases, your professor or the authors of assigned readings will already have defined and/or operationalized concepts that are important to your research. And in the event that someone hasn’t already come up with precisely the definition you need, other political scientists will in all likelihood have written enough on the topic that you’re investigating to give you some clear guidance on how to proceed. For this reason, it is always a good idea to explore what research has already been done on your topic before you begin to construct your own argument. See our handout on making an academic argument .

Example of an operationalized term

To give you an example of the kind of rigor and objectivity political scientists aim for in their writing, let’s examine how someone might operationalize a term. Reading through this example should clarify the level of analysis and precision that you will be expected to employ in your writing. Here’s how you might define key concepts in a way that allows us to measure them.

We are all familiar with the term “democracy.” If you were asked to define this term, you might make a statement like the following:

“Democracy is government by the people.”

You would, of course, be correct—democracy is government by the people. But, in order to evaluate whether or not a particular government is fully democratic or is more or less democratic when compared with other governments, we would need to have more precise criteria with which to measure or assess democracy. For example, here are some criteria that political scientists have suggested are indicators of democracy:

• Freedom to form and join organizations
• Freedom of expression
• Right to vote
• Eligibility for public office
• Right of political leaders to compete for support
• Right of political leaders to compete for votes
• Alternative sources of information
• Free and fair elections
• Institutions for making government policies depend on votes and other expressions of preference

If we adopt these nine criteria, we now have a definition that will allow us to measure democracy empirically. Thus, if you want to determine whether Brazil is more democratic than Sweden, you can evaluate each country in terms of the degree to which it fulfills the above criteria.

What counts as good writing in political science?

While rigor, clarity, and concision will be valued in any piece of writing in political science, knowing the kind of writing task you’ve been assigned will help you to write a good paper. Two of the most common kinds of writing assignments in political science are the research paper and the theory paper.

Writing political science research papers

Your instructors use research paper assignments as a means of assessing your ability to understand a complex problem in the field, to develop a perspective on this problem, and to make a persuasive argument in favor of your perspective. In order for you to successfully meet this challenge, your research paper should include the following components:

• An introduction
• A problem statement
• A discussion of methodology
• A literature review
• A description and evaluation of your research findings
• A summary of your findings

Here’s a brief description of each component.

In the introduction of your research paper, you need to give the reader some basic background information on your topic that suggests why the question you are investigating is interesting and important. You will also need to provide the reader with a statement of the research problem you are attempting to address and a basic outline of your paper as a whole. The problem statement presents not only the general research problem you will address but also the hypotheses that you will consider. In the methodology section, you will explain to the reader the research methods you used to investigate your research topic and to test the hypotheses that you have formulated. For example, did you conduct interviews, use statistical analysis, rely upon previous research studies, or some combination of all of these methodological approaches?

Before you can develop each of the above components of your research paper, you will need to conduct a literature review. A literature review involves reading and analyzing what other researchers have written on your topic before going on to do research of your own. There are some very pragmatic reasons for doing this work. First, as insightful as your ideas may be, someone else may have had similar ideas and have already done research to test them. By reading what they have written on your topic, you can ensure that you don’t repeat, but rather learn from, work that has already been done. Second, to demonstrate the soundness of your hypotheses and methodology, you will need to indicate how you have borrowed from and/or improved upon the ideas of others.

By referring to what other researchers have found on your topic, you will have established a frame of reference that enables the reader to understand the full significance of your research results. Thus, once you have conducted your literature review, you will be in a position to present your research findings. In presenting these findings, you will need to refer back to your original hypotheses and explain the manner and degree to which your results fit with what you anticipated you would find. If you see strong support for your argument or perhaps some unexpected results that your original hypotheses cannot account for, this section is the place to convey such important information to your reader. This is also the place to suggest further lines of research that will help refine, clarify inconsistencies with, or provide additional support for your hypotheses. Finally, in the summary section of your paper, reiterate the significance of your research and your research findings and speculate upon the path that future research efforts should take.

Writing in political theory

Political theory differs from other subfields in political science in that it deals primarily with historical and normative, rather than empirical, analysis. In other words, political theorists are less concerned with the scientific measurement of political phenomena than with understanding how important political ideas develop over time. And they are less concerned with evaluating how things are than in debating how they should be. A return to our democracy example will make these distinctions clearer and give you some clues about how to write well in political theory.

Earlier, we talked about how to define democracy empirically so that it can be measured and tested in accordance with scientific principles. Political theorists also define democracy, but they use a different standard of measurement. Their definitions of democracy reflect their interest in political ideals—for example, liberty, equality, and citizenship—rather than scientific measurement. So, when writing about democracy from the perspective of a political theorist, you may be asked to make an argument about the proper way to define citizenship in a democratic society. Should citizens of a democratic society be expected to engage in decision-making and administration of government, or should they be satisfied with casting votes every couple of years?

In order to substantiate your position on such questions, you will need to pay special attention to two interrelated components of your writing: (1) the logical consistency of your ideas and (2) the manner in which you use the arguments of other theorists to support your own. First, you need to make sure that your conclusion and all points leading up to it follow from your original premises or assumptions. If, for example, you argue that democracy is a system of government through which citizens develop their full capacities as human beings, then your notion of citizenship will somehow need to support this broad definition of democracy. A narrow view of citizenship based exclusively or primarily on voting probably will not do. Whatever you argue, however, you will need to be sure to demonstrate in your analysis that you have considered the arguments of other theorists who have written about these issues. In some cases, their arguments will provide support for your own; in others, they will raise criticisms and concerns that you will need to address if you are going to make a convincing case for your point of view.

Drafting your paper

If you have used material from outside sources in your paper, be sure to cite them appropriately in your paper. In political science, writers most often use the APA or Turabian (a version of the Chicago Manual of Style) style guides when formatting references. Check with your instructor if they have not specified a citation style in the assignment. For more information on constructing citations, see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial.

Although all assignments are different, the preceding outlines provide a clear and simple guide that should help you in writing papers in any sub-field of political science. If you find that you need more assistance than this short guide provides, refer to the list of additional resources below or make an appointment to see a tutor at the Writing Center.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Becker, Howard S. 2007. Writing for Social Scientists: How to Start and Finish Your Thesis, Book, or Article , 2nd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Cuba, Lee. 2002. A Short Guide to Writing About Social Science , 4th ed. New York: Longman.

Lasswell, Harold Dwight. 1936. Politics: Who Gets What, When, How . New York: McGraw-Hill.

Scott, Gregory M., and Stephen M. Garrison. 1998. The Political Science Student Writer’s Manual , 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Turabian, Kate. 2018. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, Dissertations , 9th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Department of Political Science

Senior Essays in Political Science

Introduction, summer research, the advising process, the one-term senior essays in conjunction with a seminar, the independent, one-term senior essay course (plsc 480), length and format of one-term senior essays, year-long senior essays, the intensive senior essay, the qualities of a good senior essay, an important note research on human subjects, submitting the essay, penalties for late submission, senior essay grades and grade submission.

• Senior Essay Prizes  

One of the requirements of the Political Science major is the senior essay. The senior essay is an opportunity to go more deeply into a topic or puzzle than you ordinarily would on a final assignment for a course. At first, this may seem like a daunting task. This document is designed to allay some of that anxiety as well as familiarize you with things you need to know about the essay requirement.

Most Political Science majors write their senior essays in conjunction with a one-semester seminar. A small number of students write it in the independent, one-term senior essay course (PLSC 480), the year-long senior essay courses (PLSC 490 and 491), or the intensive senior essay courses (PLSC 490 and 493). More information can be found on these various options below

Whatever the venue in which you write your senior essay, you will have to develop a research topic, formulate specific questions that your essay will try to answer, and offer a strong motivation for the project – make the case to your readers that something valuable would be lost if your research questions were not answered. Your adviser will be your most important resource in helping you to develop the topic, questions, and motivation. There are also published guides that can help. A good one is:

• Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. 2008. The Craft of Research. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Another valuable resource is reference librarians, both in the Social Science library and elsewhere in the Yale library system. Many useful sources are now available on-line; the reference librarians will often be more up-to-date about how to access these resources than your adviser.

During part or all of the summer between their junior and senior years, some students choose to conduct research related to their eventual senior essay project. Some carry out research in the United States, others abroad. The Political Science Department distributes, on a competitive basis, Frank M. Patterson grants for such research (Patterson grants also support summer internships). Application deadlines are posted on our Undergraduate Funds Page . Yale supports summer undergraduate research through several other programs; the link to the “Grants and Fellowships Database” is on the website.

There are several settings you can enroll in for the writing of your essay, as described in the next sections. Common to all of them, however, is the need for a close working relationship with an adviser, be it the instructor of the senior seminar in which you write your essay or an adviser for your independent research. Of absolute importance is for you to make and appear at regular appointments, and to submit drafts of your ongoing work on time. This means that, at the outset, you need to make an agreement with your adviser about a schedule for meetings and preliminary drafts. You will find some suggestions about a schedule below. Do not wait for your adviser to bring up this matter or suggest a schedule. Having a set of deadlines can have an important effect on your time management and the ultimate quality of your essay.

If you are unsure about whom to recruit as an adviser and which seminar to take, use the Political Science website to get more information about our faculty and their interests . Although the ideal adviser is someone with whom you have taken courses and interacted in the past, many students have good experiences working with instructors with whom they have never worked before. Most importantly, you will want to select someone whose research and teaching interests overlap with your own. (It’s not that he/she has to have published on your topic, but you usually would not ask an international relations expert to advise you on an essay in, say, political philosophy.)

When thinking about the faculty adviser, keep in mind that the Department requires that this person be an instructor in Political Science. Such an instructor may, for example, be in the Sociology department, but teach a course that is cross-listed with Political Science. The objective behind this rule is to have students approach their topic as a Political Scientist would. Please feel free to turn to Yale instructors who have no connection to the Political Science Department for informal advice, but your formal adviser must be an instructor in the Department. If you have any questions about whether an instructor is qualified to advise you, please consult with the DUS.

When you are in the process of recruiting an adviser, give him or her the sense that you are hard-working, committed, and independent. Yale faculty are committed to research and enjoy guiding students through what is usually their first research experience. But keep in mind that Yale professors are also very busy people, with multiple responsibilities. Email is not the most effective way to initially contact a potential adviser; they receive dozens each day and yours may fall through the cracks. A better strategy is to visit the instructor during her or his office hours , describe your thoughts on the project, and explain why you hope to work with them. In advance of the meeting, review the information on the faculty member’s personal web page, so that you are familiar with their research and how their areas of expertise relate to your topic.

You should plan to meet with your adviser regularly over the course of the semester and we recommend that you meet at least once every three weeks. In many ways, the most crucial meetings will be the early ones, when she or he helps you to develop a topic and identify sources. Furthermore, many seniors incorporate primary materials into their essay, and/or analyze publically-available information in new and inventive ways. Your adviser can help you to develop an understanding of what the relevant primary materials might be for your chosen topic, and how to go about finding, assembling, and analyzing them. While your adviser can make suggestions on your research design and suggest relevant sources, it is your responsibility to conduct the research on your topic and gather the relevant literature. In addition, your adviser can provide written and oral commentary on your drafts and give you constructive criticism on your arguments and evidence. However, keep in mind that your adviser is not responsible for providing you with an answer to your research question; it is up to you to decide upon the argument you would like to make. Please know that the best senior essays at Yale make exceptionally creative arguments or depend on extensive and sometimes original data collection or field research.

We also recommend that you elect three deadlines to help pace your progress throughout the semester. The first should be for an essay proposal of 1-2 pages. Your proposal should identify a specific question, give a provisional answer to the question, and include a specific plan of research. The proposal deadline should fall around the third week of classes. The second and third deadlines should be for drafts of your essay. By “draft,” we mean a complete essay, including all elements (introduction, body, conclusion, full references, etc.). The first draft deadline should be approximately six weeks prior to the final essay deadline; the second should be around three weeks prior to the deadline.

If you are like most Yale students, your senior essay will be the longest paper you have written to date. It would be a big mistake to attempt to write it at the last minute. Remember that a bad process often results in a weak paper. The key to writing a strong senior essay is to start early, work steadily, and seek feedback well ahead of the final deadline. Start writing as soon as possible, even well before you really feel ready to do so. Often you will find that you are more ready than you suspect. Writing can also help you identify gaps in your research or argument. Also, it will be much easier for your adviser to give you useful feedback on an actual piece of writing than on an idea expressed verbally in a meeting.

This is the most common way that students write their essays. Ideally, you will write an essay in conjunction with a seminar on a topic about which you have done some prior coursework, and/or taught by an instructor with whom you have worked in the past. If you plan to write your senior essay in a seminar, review the course offerings for the full year and identify two or three potential seminars. Of course, the seminars being offered during the semester in which you plan to write the essay, and the availability of slots in these courses, may affect your choices and decisions. You may have good reasons to write your essay in one semester, but flexibility can also be an advantage. If the perfect course (for you) on African politics or the U.S. presidency is only offered in the fall, it may be worth it to change your plan and write your essay in the fall. If the ideal seminar isn’t being offered, we encourage you to broaden the list of seminars you would consider taking. Surely your interest can be sparked by a topic that is new to you at the beginning of the term and you can still write a satisfying one-term essay in this case.

Be sure to take advantage of the pre-registration process and apply for a slot in the seminars that interest you. Keep in mind that senior majors are accepted into seminars at higher rates than other students, especially when applying through pre-registration. Pre-registration is a great opportunity to make a case for yourself. In the form that the DUS provides to you, explain your background, previous coursework, and any relevant experiences you have had. You should also indicate that you would like to write your senior essay in his or her course. In other words, applying to a seminar is the first step in recruiting your adviser.

Once you have secured a slot in the seminar, be sure to meet with the instructor early, confirm his/her willingness to advise you on the essay, and have a full, substantive discussion about your topic and how to proceed. Again, office hours are a better setting for such discussions than classrooms crowded with students trying to get into that seminar. Please also have a discussion with your instructor early in the semester about his or her expectations for your senior essay and the course’s other assignments. Often, a term paper will be the final assignment in the seminar and your senior essay will be an extension of this paper. In fact, a senior essay differs from a term paper in that it is generally a bigger, more ambitious project. Whether you will produce a separate term paper as well as a senior essay is up to your instructor. In some seminars, the final project will not be a term paper; here again, it is up to your course instructor/essay adviser whether (if at all) your requirements in the course will be modified, in light of your work on the essay. What’s important is that you find out early in the term how the instructor wants to handle your course assignments.

Occasionally, students take a seminar with the intention of writing a senior essay and then, during the semester, change their minds. If you find yourself in this situation and would like to opt out, you should contact your instructor, the DUS, and the DUS Assistant.

Note: Seniors cannot take the course in which they write their senior essay Credit/D/Fail.

Some majors have a long-standing interest in a topic or a problem related to politics or public policy about which they want to write, but no seminar is offered that is related to their topic. Such students will frequently have worked with a faculty member in the past in a related course or project, and may have already taken the relevant seminars before their senior year. For these students, writing a senior essay in the context of the independent, one-term senior essay course (480a in the fall, 480b in the spring) is a good option. In order to pursue this option, they must recruit an adviser who is willing to work with them to develop a reading list and fulfill all of the other tasks involved in writing the essay. It is very important, if you want to fulfill your essay requirement this way, to approach a professor in the Department with your ideas and obtain her or his agreement to work with you before the term starts. For a fall essay, it would be best to do this in the spring of your junior year; for a spring essay, make arrangements during the fall of your senior year.

Please note that PLSC 480 counts as a course credit toward the total number of credits that a major is required to have. It does not, however, count as a seminar. Seniors writing their essays in this course also need to take a seminar during their senior year.

Whether you write your essay in a seminar or in PLSC 480, one-term senior essays should be double-spaced and at least 25 pages long using Times New Roman 12 and one-inch margins. This amounts to about 6,250 words, excluding long verbatim quotations, bibliography, tables and figures, or other appendices. You should include a title page with the title of your essay, your name, your adviser’s name, and the date. You must number the pages.

You are required to pay careful attention to footnoting or end-noting. You must have a bibliography or reference section. There is no single correct format for any of these, but you should choose a standard citation format and adhere consistently to it throughout.

You may want to consult your adviser to see if he or she has any specific requirements about the format. If you and your adviser agree that you may depart from the above requirements (other than length), you must indicate that in a note attached to the essay. If you and your adviser wish to reduce the minimum length, please contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies well in advance of submission for possible approval.

Some students elect to use the senior-essay requirement to take on a more extensive and substantial research project than could be carried out in a single semester. A small number of students write year-long senior essays. Many such students conduct related research during the summer between their junior and senior years. (This is by no means a requirement. See the section about sources of funding for summer research.) Year-long essays are expected to be substantially longer than a regular term paper. While there is no fixed length, the year-long senior essay is usually about 50-60 pages in length.

To write a year-long senior essay, students must apply during the spring term of their junior year. The application is usually due at the end of March. (Check the website for exact deadlines ). Students should submit to the DUS Office: (1) the yearlong senior essay prospectus form signed by the faculty adviser who has agreed to supervise the student’s essay, (2) a two-page statement of project, and (3) an up-to-date transcript. Normally a successful candidate will have at least an A- average in Political Science and a B+ average outside the major. It is expected that no more than fifteen students will be admitted.

Students who are admitted take two courses related to their essay. In the fall of their senior year, they take PLSC 490a, The Senior Colloquium, a course designed to hone their research skills. In this course, they develop a research prospectus for the senior essay, begin their research, and share their progress on a weekly basis with their instructor and their fellow classmates. (Note that 490a counts as a senior-year seminar.) In the spring, they take PLSC 491b, The Senior Essay, in which they work closely with their adviser to complete the essay. Please know that students receive a temporary grade of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory in 490a. Once they have completed the senior essay, they receive a letter grade, which applies retroactively to 490a and to 491b.

During their junior year, a small number of students are accepted into a version of the major called the Intensive Major. To be accepted into this major, students need to apply in November of their junior year. (Check the website for exact deadlines ). During the spring of their junior year, Intensive Majors take PLSC 474b, Directed Reading and Research for Junior Intensive Majors. In the fall term of their senior year, they take PLSC 490a, The Senior Colloquium, and in the spring term they take PLSC 493b, Senior Essay for Intensive Majors. By taking PLSC490a/493b, Intensive Majors pursue a year-long independent study in partnership with their adviser. The intensive senior essay is similar to the year-long senior essay in scope and length.

There is no single standard or set of standards for what constitutes an excellent senior essay. For specific guidance, rely on your adviser. For a political science essay, of course, you should situate your essay within the best and most important literature on the politics of the question being examined (including political science literature), engage with the relevant ideas and controversies (both public and academic), bring to light important relevant evidence (with due research diligence), and engage the reader with an original, distinct, and hopefully even distinguished argument.

Rarely does an excellent essay rely exclusively on articles, especially journalistic ones, found on the internet with a search engine. Read and rely on a few scholarly books too, as well as academic journal articles. A good way to get leads on what those might be is to trace the published sources identified in footnotes of interesting books or articles you have already found. Be sure to consult your adviser about the quantity and quality of sources you are using.

Needless to say, good writing is an essential element to a good essay—that is to say an essay that is clear, engaging, and otherwise “a good read.” Strive for a captivating introduction, and a satisfying conclusion. Write, re-write, and re-write again, until the argument develops and flows from paragraph to paragraph, from beginning to end. You should, by all means, seek advice from resources in the Yale University Center for Teaching and learning (CTL) writing labs .

If you use a source for your essay, you must acknowledge it. It hardly needs saying that evidence of plagiarism can result in a failing grade for your senior essay and a delay of graduation. Plagiarism is the use of someone else’s work, words, or ideas as if they were your own. You must make clear in your written work where you have borrowed from others—whether data, opinions, questions, ideas, or specific language. This obligation holds whether the sources are published or unpublished. What counts as a source varies greatly, but the list certainly includes readings, lectures, Web sites, conversations, interviews, and other students’ papers. For more information see the  Center for Teaching and Learning’s ‘What is Plagarism?’ page .

Ethical concerns incorporated in university rules require prior approval from Yale’s Human Subjects Committee for research involving gathering information from human subjects (a living person about whom an investigator gets identifiable private information through either a direct interaction with the person or through access to private data sources) in interviews, participant observation, experimental, medical and other personal records and potentially other kinds of research. Material gathered through such research cannot be included in your senior essay unless you received prior approval. Be sure to discuss this matter early with your adviser, and both of you should consult the Yale Human Research Protection Program and review the Educational Resources available on their website.

Upon completion of your essay, you must deliver a hard copy to your adviser. We recommend that you have your thesis bound, but this is not required. (If you choose to bind it, we recommend TYCO Printing, DocuPrint & Imaging, or Staples.) At the very least, it should be stapled. You may want to ask your instructor what he or she prefers.

You also need to email an electronic copy, in Word or PDF, to the DUS Office (send to undergrad.polisci@yale.edu ). You must include the entire essay (all text, tables, bibliography, etc.) in one electronic file. Please name the electronic version of your essay as follows: Last name_First name.

Note: You must submit a hard copy to your adviser, but we ask that you do not deliver a copy to the DUS Office as well. Instead, please send an electronic copy only to undergrad.polisci@yale.edu .

Your Senior Essay Prospectus form is due during Shopping Period of the semester in which you plan to write the essay. This form will outline your plans for completing the essay and, like all Political Science forms, it is available on the Political Science website ( http://www.yale.edu/polisci/undergrad/forms.html ). Please submit a hard copy of this form to the DUS Assistant in Rosenkranz Hall, Room 130. Check the Political Science website to see the exact date it is due ( http://www.yale.edu/polisci/undergrad/deadlines.html ).

NEW: the independent essay courses (PLSC 480, 490, 491, 493) now carry red permission keys. Students who enroll in PLSC 480 will not be able to seal their schedules until they have submitted the Senior Essay Prospectus form by the Department’s deadline. Once the DUS has signed your form, you will receive a green permission key and will be allowed to seal your schedule. Students who enroll in PLSC 490, 491, and 493 will automatically receive a green key before schedules are due.

Mid-way through the semester, the DUS Assistant will ask you to submit your tentative essay title. Please respond promptly. The title should give a clear idea of what your research is about. We need working titles early on to help the staff assign appropriate second readers to your essays. You are free to modify the title before final submission.

Please check the Undergraduate Program Deadlines Page to learn the date the senior essay is due and know that it is due no later than 4:00 p.m. on that day. By 4:00 p.m., you must give a hard copy to your adviser. You must also send an electronic copy to the DUS Office ( undergrad.polisci@yale.edu ). (Please do not deliver a hard copy to the DUS Office.)

We understand that in rare cases, unexpected or extenuating circumstances interfere with a student’s plans to complete his or her essay on time. Please know that extensions can only be granted by your residential college dean. Instructors cannot grant an extension unless the residential college dean has authorized one. In the event that you receive an extension, please submit a Dean’s Excuse to your adviser and the DUS Office that explains why the essay is late.

A late essay, for which there is no authorized extension, is penalized one half letter grade (e.g., A to A-) for each three days the essay is late.

Your faculty adviser will serve as the first reader of your senior essay, and will assign it a letter grade. The DUS will also appoint an anonymous second reader, who will assign a grade of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. (The second reader’s grade does not average into your final grade.) In the rare case of a failing grade from the first reader or an Unsatisfactory grade from the second reader, you will be asked to revise the essay and resubmit it.

Note that in order to graduate from Yale College, a student majoring in Political Science must achieve a passing grade on the senior essay.

If the essay is written for PLSC 480, the grade on the essay is the grade for the course. Instructors will be asked to report that grade to the DUS Office who will submit the grades on the Faculty Grading Submission site (FGS). If the essay is written in a seminar, the adviser will report the essay grade to the DUS Office and will calculate the grade for the seminar based on the essay and the other course requirements. Seminar instructors will be asked to submit their course grades on FGS. Please consult your adviser (not the DUS Office) for your final essay grade.

Your essay grade helps determine whether you will receive distinction in the major. To graduate with distinction in Political Science (as in all majors), you must receive an A or A- on your senior essay (as well as course grades of A or A- in 75% of your Political Science courses).

Senior Essay Prizes

Faculty advisers (and second readers) may nominate senior essays, whether written in the fall or spring semester or as year-long projects, for the following prizes:

• James Gordon Bennett Prize for the best senior essay in International Relations.
• Philo S. Bennett Prize for the best senior essay in Political Philosophy.
• Charles W. Clark Prize for the best senior essay in Comparative Government or Politics.
• Frank M. Patterson Prize for the best senior essay on the American Political System.
• Percival N. Clement Prize for the best senior essay in support of the principles of the American Constitution and its first ten amendments.

At the end of the academic year, all of the majors and all faculty members will be notified of the recipients of these prizes. In addition, these essays will be posted on the Department’s website.  YOu can see previous years award winner and their essays on the Prizes Page .

Political Science Essay Example

Get Inspired with these Amazing Political Science Essay Examples

Published on: May 8, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

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Many students struggle to write effective political science essays that meet the expectations of their professors. They may have difficulty organizing their thoughts, conducting research, or making persuasive arguments.

One way to improve your political science essay writing skills is to study examples of successful essays in this field. 

By analyzing the structure, and content of these essays, you can learn valuable lessons that will help you write better essays.

In this blog, we provide examples of high-quality political science essays in different different areas of the field. 

Whether you're a beginner or an advanced student, you'll find valuable insights to help you succeed in your coursework.

Let’s get started!

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What is a Political Science Essay? Understanding the Basics

A political science essay explores a particular topic or issue within the field of political science. It typically requires students to conduct research, analyze data, and make persuasive arguments based on their findings.

These essays can take many different forms, depending on the specific requirements of the assignment. They can be comparative essays that examine the similarities and differences between two or more political systems.

They can also be theoretical essays that explore different political theories that analyze real-world political phenomena.

Regardless of its specific type, all such essays should adhere to certain basic principles. They should have a clear thesis statement, use evidence to support their arguments, and be written in clear and concise language.

Political Science Essay Examples

Now that we have a basic understanding of these essays, let's take a closer look at some of its examples.

By analyzing these essays, you can gain valuable insights into how to write political essays.

Political Science Paper Example

Political Science Research Paper Example

Political Science Analysis Paper Example

Political Science Term Paper Examples

Political Science Essay Example for Different Fields

Political science is a diverse and dynamic field that encompasses a wide range of topics and perspectives. 

To gain a comprehensive understanding, it's important to study the examples that explore different areas of research and inquiry.

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The examples given below will help you understand the richness and complexity of political science research.

Political Essay About Poverty

Political Science

The Impact Of Social Movements On National Security

Characteristics Of Political Science

American Political Science

The Political Reform of Japan

The United States and Terrorism

The Role of Political Parties and Political Figures in Shaping Political Landscapes

Kosovo protests 2022

Rishi sunak's political career

Political Essay on Politics and Political Decisions

Tips To Write A Write A Compelling Political Science Essay 

To write an effective essay, it is important to approach the topic with care and attention to detail. Consider the following tips for writing a political essay that stands out:

• Define your Topic: Be clear about the focus of your essay and ensure that it is relevant and interesting to your readers.
• Conduct Thorough Research: Gather information from credible sources, including academic journals, government reports, and news outlets, to ensure that your arguments are well-supported.
• Develop A Clear Thesis Statement: Your thesis should be concise and clearly state your argument or position on the topic.
• Organize Your Essay Effectively: Use clear and logical structure to ensure that your arguments are presented in a coherent and convincing manner.
• Use Evidence To Support Your Arguments: Incorporate relevant data and examples to support your arguments, and ensure that they are credible and well-sourced.
• Consider Opposing Viewpoints: Acknowledge and address counterarguments to your position to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the topic.
• Write Clearly And Concisely : Use simple and direct language to convey your ideas, and avoid unnecessary jargon or technical terms.

Pitfalls To Avoid While Writing A Political Science Essay

To write a strong political essay, it is important to not only follow best practices, but also avoid common pitfalls. 

By keeping these pitfalls in mind, you can create a thoughtful and thorough essay that engages your readers.

• Oversimplification

Political science is a complex field that deals with multifaceted political issues. Avoid oversimplifying the topic or argument in your essay, and make sure to provide a nuanced and in-depth analysis.

These essays should be objective and free from personal biases. Avoid using emotionally charged language or cherry-picking evidence to support a preconceived conclusion.

• Using Vague Language

Political essays should be precise and clear in their language. Avoid using vague terms or generalizations, and strive to use concrete and specific language.

• Ignoring Counterarguments

To write a convincing political science essay, it is important to consider and address counterarguments. Avoid ignoring opposing viewpoints, and make sure to provide a thorough analysis of alternative perspectives.

In conclusion, writing political science essays is a great way to explore important political issues. It can also help you in learning about how power and governance work. 

By looking at examples, and writing tips, you can write a strong essay that contributes to the field. 

Whether you're a student, a policy analyst, or just interested in politics, political essays help you understand how decisions get made.

If you need help writing your essay, CollegeEssay.org has an AI essay generator that can assist you. 

Our political science essay writing service can help you write a well-organized essay that meets your needs.

So what are you waiting for? Reach out to us and request ' write me an essay ' to get started!

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Why Should We Study Political Science? Scope Importance & More

Political science is a fascinating field that deals with the study of politics, government, and public policy. It examines the processes and institutions that shape the lives of individuals and communities, both locally and globally. As we navigate the complexities of modern society, the importance of studying political science cannot be overstated.

In this blog, we will explore the scope, importance, and relevance of political science in today’s world, with a specific focus on India. 

What is Political Science? 

Political science is a social science discipline that focuses on the study of politics, government, and public policy. It encompasses a wide range of subfields, including comparative politics, international relations, political philosophy, and political economy. Political scientists use various methods, such as quantitative analysis, case studies, and theoretical models, to understand and explain political phenomena. 

Scope of Political Science 

The scope of political science is vast and diverse. It includes the study of political systems, political ideologies, political institutions, and political behavior. Political scientists examine the role of government in society, the interactions between different branches of government, and the relationships between governments and civil society actors. They also study the impact of globalization, regionalization, and international organizations on national and local politics. In India, specifically, political science is an especially relevant field of study. 

As a rapidly developing country with a diverse population and a complex political system, India presents a rich terrain for political scientists to explore. From the study of political parties and elections to the analysis of public policy and governance, there is much to be learned about the Indian political landscape.

Reasons for Studying Political Science- Why is it Important to Study Political Science?

 So, why should I study political science? Here are some compelling reasons: 

• Understand the World Around Us: Political science helps us understand the world around us. By studying political systems, institutions, and policies, we gain insight into how power operates and how decisions are made that affect our daily lives. 
• Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Political science fosters critical thinking skills. It encourages us to question assumptions, evaluate evidence, and think logically about complex issues. These skills are valuable in a variety of careers, from law and journalism to business and public service. 
• Informed Citizenship: Political science educates us about our roles and responsibilities as citizens. By studying political systems and processes, we become better equipped to participate in civic life, engage in public discourse, and hold our leaders accountable. 
• Prepare for Careers in Politics and Governance: For those interested in careers in politics, government, or public service, political science provides a strong foundation. It offers insights into the workings of political systems, introduces key concepts and theories, and hones skills in analysis, communication, and problem-solving. 
• Enhance Empathy and Cultural Understanding: Political science helps us appreciate different perspectives and cultures. By studying political systems and ideologies across countries and regions, we broaden our horizons and cultivate empathy for diverse viewpoints. 

Importance and Impact of Political Science in India

In India, political science has never been more relevant than it is today. As the country navigates the complexities of economic development, social justice, and political reform, the study of political science offers valuable insights and expertise. Here are some ways in which political science contributes to India’s growth and development:

• Promoting Good Governance: Political science informs our understanding of good governance practices. By analyzing the effectiveness of different political institutions and policies, we can identify areas for improvement and work towards building a more efficient, transparent, and accountable government. 
• Advancing Social Justice: Political science highlights the importance of social justice and human rights. By studying the intersection of politics and social inequality, we can identify strategies to promote greater fairness and equal opportunity in Indian society. 
• Strengthening Democracy: Political science is vital for the sustenance and strengthening of democracy in India. By monitoring the health of democratic institutions, evaluating electoral processes, and encouraging citizen participation, we can ensure that India remains a thriving democracy. 
• Shaping Foreign Policy: Political science plays a critical role in shaping India’s foreign policy. By analyzing international relations, geopolitical trends, and diplomatic strategies, we can advance India’s interests and position it as a leader on the global stage.

Q: Why should we study political science?

A: When talking about why we study political science it can be infered, studying political science helps us understand the world around us, develop critical thinking skills, prepare for careers in politics and governance, enhance empathy and cultural understanding, and contribute to the advancement of social justice and human rights.

Q: What is the scope of political science?

A: The scope of political science is vast and diverse, covering topics such as political systems, institutions, and policies, comparative politics, international relations, political philosophy, and political economy.

Q: What are the career options available for political science graduates?

A: Political science graduates can pursue careers in government, civil society organizations, media, academia, and the private sector. They can work as policymakers, political analysts, consultants, journalists, teachers, and researchers.

Q: Can you name some prominent political scientists?

A: Some prominent political scientists include Aristotle, Machiavelli, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Samuel Huntington.

Q: How does the study of political science contribute to the advancement of social justice and human rights?

A: The study of political science helps us understand the factors that contribute to social injustice and human rights violations. It enables us to analyze policies and institutions that perpetuate inequality and oppression, and develop strategies to promote greater fairness and equal opportunity.

Why choose O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) for BA in Political Science? 

Let us now discuss the B.A. Political Science program at OP Jindal University’s Jindal School of International Affairs. This program offers a comprehensive education in political science, focusing on the study of political systems, institutions, and policies. The curriculum covers a range of topics, including comparative politics, international relations, political philosophy, and political economy.

The program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in careers related to politics and governance. The faculty members are experts in their fields and bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the classroom. The program also offers opportunities for internships, research, and extracurricular activities that help students develop their skills and network with professionals in the field.

Overall, the B.A. Political Science program at OP Jindal University’s Jindal School of International Affairs is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in politics and governance. Its comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and opportunities for hands-on learning make it an ideal platform for launching a successful career in this exciting and dynamic field.

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Why Study Political Science - Job?

Checked : Abigail C. , Priscilla M.

Latest Update 19 Jan, 2024

Table of content

Why Study Political Science?

Career and job scopes in studying political science, skills gained in studying political science.

Having a clear understanding and knowledge of the political infrastructures of the country one is residing in becomes very crucial in many careers. Moreover, some business executives also need to keep themselves updated regarding the political status in other countries, including the USA, China, Europe, Russia and others.

Political science   is a discipline and a branch of knowledge that deals with the scientific study and analysis of the political activity and behaviour of a state or country. It not only deals with the systems of governance but also studies the economic stature, international relations and political theory or methodology.

The purpose of studying political science is to get a more in-depth insight into one of the major forces that govern the corporations and communities as well as the public in general. It is important to keep oneself updated regarding the latest practices of the government as it helps to analyse the methods that one needs to follow to carry out business operations efficiently.

Keeping a fair idea about the politics of several countries helps one to make better business decisions related to the investment and finances, the law and management, and so much more. Field of studies like economics, sociology, law, history, geography, anthropology, psychology and neurosciences also requires one to have enough knowledge about the political structures at the local, state, national as well as international levels.

Studying   political science   is beneficial for every business - from small companies and start-ups to large enterprises. What strategies should you plan out? How should you implement them? What if a plan fails? How to safeguard or improve the economic structure of your business? What are the possibilities to grow your business?

The answers to all such questions lie with the proper study of political science and comparative politics. Before taking each step, one should know about its circumstances and the benefits it might give in the long run. Political science also enhances the analytical thinking of an individual, thus enabling him or her to make wiser and more informed decisions.

Ranging from journalism to law, the study of political science helps to broaden the spectrum of career opportunities. Studying the political behaviour of a country allows students to develop their general skills, and aids them in choosing the right course of study, career options and employment in the future.

Apart from learning about the government and politics, students can also gain the necessary analytical communication proficiency and research skills. These are high-value skills that act as the major driving force of developing the learner's aptitudes and talents to be implemented in the fields of politics and governances, as well as other industries.

Being a versatile branch of social science study, political science opens wide the future scopes of the pursuer. While some students choose to take entry-level political jobs, others prefer jobs in education, business or law. Other options include media, government relations, public relations, international relations, or marketing.

Some students choose to go for the non-governmental sector to promote their policies and interests. Others prefer jobs related to analysing policy proposals, managing contracts, and writing and preparing position papers. As far as teaching jobs are concerned, students of political science can also develop their teaching skills in various academic branches like civics, social science, history, geography, political science, ethical studies, philosophy and the like, at both the higher secondary and graduation levels.

At the graduate level, students can conduct research and analyse various political documents. They can even choose to publish their research work and findings. It will build their self-confidence and the areas they need to improve based on public feedback. It further prepares them for management-level posts and job roles in government relations or politics. Students can, therefore, develop their skills and responsibilities as a senior manager, analyst or consultant.

Following is a guide to walk you through the various political skills through which you can find yourself a rewarding and fulfilling career after your graduation.

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From doing research work, reading a variety of documents to participating in debates and building arguments, students pursuing a political science degree can gain strong analytical and other intrapersonal skills. Through internships and coursework, they acquire valuable capabilities that help them succeed in diverse fields. Let's have a look at them.

• Communication Skills   - Political science involves writing research papers and participating in group projects, debates and in-class discussions. It helps students to improve both their verbal and written communication skills. They learn how to frame and put forward complex arguments and statements to have an impactful effect on the intended audience.
• Personal Ethics   - Students of political science study ethics as an integral part of the political theory. They study documents that record the role played by ethics in politics. Learning about ethical rules enables them to apply them to the current political events. This, therefore, enhances their knowledge regarding the value of personal ethics.
• Research Skills   - Various class assignments, projects, dissertations and other research works develop the research, analytical, persuasive and thinking power of the students. They learn how to conduct their research procedures with the help of several authoritative sources like scholarly books, articles, newspaper archives, court records, diaries and journals. Apart from these, other activities like performing surveys, taking interviews and doing fieldwork can also help a great deal in improving the research skills of the degree-pursuer.
• Analytical Skills   - Basing one's research work through the above-mentioned sources increases the persuasive and analytical skills of the students. They analyse these documents thoroughly to gain valuable insights into the methods and means one might apply to put up a convincing and winning argument. Reading numerous reports and in-class discussions also strengthen the analytical skills of the students.
• Writing Skills   - Many fields and industries require writing skills, and a political science degree enhances the students' writing abilities through research-based papers, thesis, and other assignments. Some political science classes also involve writing essays or other articles. These academic structures help develop the persuasive writing skills that largely benefit students in various business sectors.

So while you are pursuing a degree in political science, it is advisable to consider and plan out your career goals and then prepare yourself for the job market. A little research about the career options associated with political science studies can help you visualise your future more effectively.

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Why study political science? Political Science Department

Why study political science.

• Are you interested in global issues and affairs?
• American politics?
• Critical issues such as public policy, globalization, terrorism, the environment, civil rights, political development, or foreign policy?
• Theories concerning the ideal government and how power and resources are allocated in society?
• Do you want to study these subjects and pursue a career based on them?

If so, political science is the major for you.

Political science delves into the study of governments, public policies, and political behavior. It is a social science which uses both humanistic perspectives and scientific skills to examine the United States and all countries and regions of the world.

Political Science is excellent preparation for advanced study.

• As a political science major, you will hone the writing, communication, analytical, and data skills that are fundamental to a liberal arts education.
• This kind of education will prepare you to think critically and independently, help you appreciate differing points of view, and broaden your knowledge of current affairs.
• The study of political science serves as excellent preparation for graduate school or law school.
• Political Science is the undergraduate major of most students pursuing a degree in law.
• In addition, political science majors often pursue graduate degrees in fields in political science such as public policy or in closely related fields such as public administration.

Political Science is excellent preparation for a career.

Majoring in political science can qualify you for many different careers in private, for-profit, and non-profit organizations, as well as the public sector.

• The study of political science prepares students for a variety of careers including law, journalism, international affairs, elementary and secondary education, and positions in government agencies and political offices.

Political Science is excellent preparation for effective citizenship.

Studying political science grounds students in the importance of political participation and prepares them to take part in the political life of their communities and the nation.

A Well Instructed People Alone Can Be Permanently A Free People

— James Madison

“The critical analysis skills, public speaking abilities, and research methods that I learned from the Political Science curriculum and faculty were extremely valuable in preparing me to undertake a satisfying and successful professional career in the legal and public policy arenas.”

— Quanah Spencer Political Science Major and Graduate of Fort Lewis College