Political Science at WGU
Are You Looking to Get a Political Science Degree?
While it’s true that a political science degree is not offered at WGU, there are many other options outside of becoming a political science major that can put you on the same career path—and may be an even better fit.
If you’re interested in the political world, or considering a political science major, read on to explore some degrees at WGU that lend themselves especially well to a job in politics.
Pathways to a Political Science Career
Maybe you see yourself shaping public policy, lobbying on behalf of nonprofits, creating laws that drive change in your community, or even getting involved in international relations. Whatever sparks your passion for politics, the good news is, there are multiple ways to get your foot in the door.
Many of today’s politicians come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, including business administration, accounting, management, and more. Depending on your specific interests and goals, you might consider the below degree programs related to political science. Each can help you gain a wide range of skills and knowledge that are needed in political careers.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Business Management
A degree in business management can help you thrive in any setting, but it lends itself well to a career in politics.
Courses cover change management, organizational behavior, ethics, emotional and cultural intelligence, and more, which can be applied to a career in politics.
Some of the skills learned in a business management program that can prepare you for a job in politics include:
- Strategic thinking
- Value-based leadership
- Ethics
- Communication
- Problem-solving
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accounting
Every organization and government operation relies on accountants to help meet regulations and achieve financial objectives. If you like working with numbers and want a job in politics, there’s definitely a place for you. Getting a degree in accounting helps you learn about how companies and organizations should budget, invest, and more. A business administration degree focused on accounting will prepare you for roles like a finance manager, staff accountant, campaign manager, political compliance officer, and more.
Some specific skills you’ll learn in this program that directly apply to a career in politics include:
- Financial planning
- Budgeting
- Employment and tax law
- Economics
- Critical thinking
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
A bachelor's degree in psychology opens rewarding career opportunities that utilize evidence-based strategies that address real psychosocial issues. This advanced program prepares students that plan to pursue further education to become a therapist or begin their careers after finishing the degree. Through courses in theories of personality, psycopathology, substance abuse and addiction, neuropsychology, as well as mental health awareness and education, you'll acquire the necessary skills to make a positive impact on others in roles like:
- Behavior technician
- Market research analyst
- Psychiatric technician
- Academic advisor
- Social services specialist
- Patient navigator
- User researcher
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Instead of a degree focused just on American political science, an MBA can give you additional insight and skills in leadership, economics, communication, and more. The curriculum includes principles of effective management and leadership and incorporates teamwork, development, and simulations to help students master the knowledge and skills necessary in many political jobs.
Some specific skills you’ll learn in an MBA program that can directly apply to a career in politics include:
- Budgeting
- Finance
- Performance management
- Economics
- Leadership
Master of Management and Leadership (MSML)
The MSML degree program can help you develop the managerial and leadership skills needed to execute organizational change, drive strategic initiatives, and develop high-performance teams. It teaches leadership theory and ethics, business acumen, leading teams, and strategic and tactical change management. Graduates of the MSML program gain the skills needed to become qualified, capable leaders.
Some specific skills you’ll learn in an MSML program that directly apply to a career in politics include:
- Ethics
- Organizational management
- Communication
- Change management
- Leadership
$58,000
is the average annual salary for those with a business administration degree
$53,000
is the average annual salary for those with a political science degree
Sources: ZipRecruiter and Zippia
Political Science Career Options
You might be surprised to learn that many jobs in politics don’t require a degree in political science or social science. So, based on your career aspirations, an MSML, MBA, or bachelor’s in business administration degree could be a better fit and give you a wider knowledge base to work with. To help you better understand your options, here are some jobs in politics you can potentially land with the degree programs mentioned above.
What does a politician do?
Politicians work in public administration on a local or national scale to propose, support, reject, and create laws. They have influence over various bureaucratic processes and government decisions on behalf of the community they represent.
What does a mayor do?
Mayors oversee a city's main departments, including the police, fire, education, housing, and transportation departments.
What does a senator do?
Senators, along with members of the House of Representatives, propose, author, and vote on federal legislation that touches upon all aspects of U.S. domestic and foreign policy.
What does a county commissioner do?
Commissioners are responsible for overseeing the county's management and administration, and they represent county interests at the state and federal level.
What does a nonprofit director do?
A nonprofit director works to provide the board with the resources it needs to create change and promote growth. They also play a role in selecting board members and act as a liaison between the board and the staff.
What does a political strategist do?
Political strategists work as consultants for politicians. They utilize political theory to handle polling research, fundraising, public relations, speechwriting, etc. All of these tasks are designed to help a candidate win at the voting booth or advance a piece of legislation.
9%
Projected employment growth of political scientists from 2020 to 2030
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
More Political Science Career Options
City managers are local government leaders that serve residents by ensuring that city services run smoothly and efficiently. In most cities, all departments report to the city manager, who reports to the city council.
Members of congress represent the people of their district in the U.S. Congress by holding hearings, as well as developing and voting on legislation.
City councilors are elected officials that make rules and pass ordinances that help preserve health, peace, order, strong public relations, and good government at the city level.
Lobbyists work on behalf of nonprofits and other organizations to voice their concerns to Congress about legislation and how it affects their cause or issue.
Commissioners are responsible for overseeing the county's management and administration, and they represent county interests at the state and federal level.
Why Choose WGU?
Why should you choose WGU’s online marketing or business management degree program over a degree somewhere else? There are several reasons why we’re a great fit for students:
- Affordability - Tuition is charged per six-month term, not per credit hour—which means you can complete more courses in one term without paying more money.
- Acceleration - Competency-based education means you can use your knowledge to your advantage. Move through courses at your own pace, accelerating your program and graduating faster.
- Accessibility - We offer scholarships and financial aid to help with our already affordable tuition, making college education accessible for even more students.
- Marketability - The coursework in our online programs is directly applicable to your career and provides you with a portfolio of relevant work before you even graduate, which can make you even more marketable to future employers.
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another WGU grad.*
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.*
Which Degree Should You Choose?
Both a business management and marketing bachelor's degree at WGU can prepare you for a future career in political science. Choosing either degree is a great alternative to a political science program and can make sure you have training and credentials that will help you succeed.
Business
Business Management – B.S. Business Administration
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:...
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 19 months
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 40 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé this program will teach you include:
- Business communication
- Product development
- Decision making models
- Project management strategies
- Budgeting for business
This online degree program is an excellent choice for kick-starting your organizational management career.
Business
Accounting – B.S. Business Administration
Have a knack for numbers or fine-tuning finances?...
Have a knack for numbers or fine-tuning finances?
- Time: 62% of graduates finish within 24 months
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 41 courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Financial Statements
- Communication
- Detail Oriented
- Research
Take your first step toward CPA certification and learn how to use GAAP, ledgers, and journals.
Business
Master of Business Administration
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management,...
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management, strategy, and leading teams:
- Time: Graduates can finish in 12 months
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Leadership strategies
- Talent management
- Communication
- Data collection and interpretation
- Financial statements
Our competency-based model gives you an innovative learning experience you won't find anywhere else—and our MBA grads tell us they loved accelerating their program to see a faster ROI.
Business
Management and Leadership – M.S.
An online master's degree focused on change management, innovation, and...
An online master's degree focused on change management, innovation, and leading teams:
- Time: 60% of graduates can finish in 17 months.
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé that this program will teach you:
- Leadership
- Management
- Coordinating
- Communications
- Performance Management
- Planning
Develop a comprehensive suite of leadership skills and your confidence to navigate changing business structures.
