Career Options

Political science graduates can have careers in a wide variety of fields, including business, government, media, nonprofits, law, and higher education. Students will gain skills and strengths in analytics, critical thinking, and verbal and written communication much desired in a variety of employment opportunities.

Degree: B.A./B.S. in Political Science

Career Options

(Some occupations may require further education/licensure)
  • Archivist
  • Community Educator
  • Content Manager
  • Curator
  • Attorney/Lawyer
  • Campaign Manager
  • Case Manager
  • Consultant
  • Environmental Law and Policy
  • Legislative Assistant
  • Lobbyist
  • Political Scientist
  • Professor
  • Public Policy and Administration
  • Public Relations

Professional/Graduate Programs:

  • Law School (JD)
  • Master’s in Public Administration (MPA)
  • Master’s in Public Policy (MPP)
  • Ph.D. in Political Science

Where have OSU-Cascades students participated in experiential learning (internships/research/etc.)?

  • CASA of Central Oregon
  • Deschutes County District Attorney 

Where are OSU Political Science alumni working?

(Data obtained from LinkedIn (Link is external))

State of Oregon, Director of Legislative Policy and Research
Change Research, Analyst
Dropbox, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion External Partnerships Manager
FIU Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, Researcher
Willamette University, Program Director – Youth with Incarcerated Parents Project
Deloitte, Consultant
Divine Legacy, LLC, Trauma Informed Implementation Consultant
WA Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Juvenile Justice Researcher
Peraton, Investigator
Freedman Consulting, LLC, Associate
OSU Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy, Interim Director
Box, Legal Intern
Appraisal Institute, Director of Government and External Relations
Offit Kurman, P.A., Litigation Support Specialist
Trident University International, Chair – College of Health and Human Services
California Farm Bureau Federation, Director of Political Affairs
RWI Law, Founder and Lead Attorney
Project HOPE, Sr. Director, Mass Market Fundraising

Job Search

In addition to our general job, internship, and volunteer search resources, below are some industry specific resources to help you search for opportunities in political science. Don't forget the important process of researching employers and networking with professionals in companies/organizations that you are interested in.

Niche Boards

American Political Science Association (Link is external)
Foundation List (Link is external)
Nonprofit Association of Oregon (Link is external)
Political Job Hunt (Link is external)
TraverseJobs (Link is external)
Idealist (Link is external)
National Nonprofits (Link is external)
Council of Nonprofits (Link is external)
HigherEdJobs (Link is external)
USA Jobs (Link is external)
U.S. Department of State (Link is external)

Graduate School

In addition to our general Graduate/Professional School resources, utilize the following resources for researching advanced degrees in political science.

American Bar Association – Approved Law Schools (Link is external)

Professional Associations

Involvement in professional associations can expand your network, keep you up to date on current trends in the field, and give you access to additional job and internship opportunities.

Additional Resources

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center is here to help you navigate your future path.

Contact Career Development Center