Advantages of Taking Up a Political Science Degree

Most law schools in the United States require an admission criteria consisting of a bachelor's degree, a satisfactory grade point average in the undergraduate degree, and a satisfactory score on the Law School Admission Test. Take note that there is a general misconception that it is preferable for a law school applicant in having an academic major in political science, criminal justice, sociology, or other academic majors or courses related to law. Majority of the law schools in the U.S., would not necessarily consider the specific degree you finished when you apply for admission to a law school.

But as a second year student taking up a bachelor of science in political science, I have learned from reading several articles and materials about my course that there are advantages or benefits that you would get if you take up an academic major in political science aside from using it as a starting point in applying for admission to a law school. So I am sharing with the readers of this blog on the advantages of taking up a degree in political science if you plan in entering law school, which I also plan in doing when I graduate from my course.

The primary advantages of a political science degree is the wide range of career paths or opportunities that you could take when you graduate. I learned that the career opportunities for a political science major include high school teacher or college professor, political consultant, political lobbyist, campaign officer or worker during elections, research assistant, civil servant in federal or state agencies, and other positions in the private and government sectors. Moreover, if you pursue and complete a law school education, then, aside from becoming an attorney or lawyer, you could become a legal assistant, judge, and an officer in a judicial office or agency.

Another benefit of a political science major is the high potential income depending on the job position you would obtain. In my readings, I found out that graduates of political science majors together with postgraduate degrees and specialised work experience could earn anywhere from $40,000 to $80,000 a year depending on the job position and organisation where you are employed.