Political Science

The Political Science major explores government, policy, and politics in the U.S. and around the world. Students may specialize their curriculum by selecting from degree options in legal studies, national security, and political theory. The legal studies option focuses on U.S. and international law as well as the roles of lawyers and judges in society. The national security option examines current and future threats to individual, national, and global security. The political theory option considers difficult questions of law, justice, freedom, and equality through the study of ancient to contemporary political philosophy.

Career Options

• Policy Analyst 
• Attorney 
• Teacher/Professor 
• Policy Staff Adviser 
• Research Analyst 
• Governmental or NonGovernmental Organization Staffer at Local, State, National, Regional, and/or International Levels 
• Intelligence Analyst 
• Diplomat 
• Military Officer 
• Journalist/Political Correspondent 
• Consultant 
• Civil Servant 
• Campaign Staffer 
• Advocate/Activist/Organizer 
• Lobbyist 
• Governmental Relations Staffer

Interesting Fact: Students in the Hokies on the Hill program earn 12 credits while working on Capitol Hill!