Careers in Political Science
UB Career Fair, Alumni Arena
Political science students gain analytical skills, administrative competence and communication abilities valued in a wide spectrum of professional fields.
Career Outlook
Political Science Majors
A bachelor’s degree in political science can lead to exciting careers in federal, state and local governments; law; business; international organizations; nonprofit associations and organizations; campaign management and polling; journalism; precollegiate education; electoral politics; research and university and college teaching.
Our recent graduates have gone on to work for polling firms in D.C., national and local elected officials, large companies like Microsoft, or pursue graduate study at prestigious institutions such as Oxford, the University of California–San Diego and Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Political Science Graduate Students
The Political Science PhD program prepares students to pursue research and/or academic positions in higher education. The MA program introduces students to advanced topics in political science, which often leads to careers in politics, law, non-profit and non-governmental organizations, public service or research fields.
Student Testimonials
“I find that the training that I received in the Department of Political Science has been of great value, especially when dealing with experts, as well as understanding many dynamics in litigation that are largely overlooked by lawyers who were not trained in any scientific discipline. I also believe that the high expectations in the department for quality writing has proved to be invaluable, and indeed was higher than expected in law school. Needless to say, I appreciate the education that I received at UB.”
– Andrew Kennedy, MA in Political Science
Q. How much does a political scientist make?
A. Many factors contribute to a political scientist's earning potential. For the most recent salary figures, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Professional Resources
Where Are They Now?
Our alumni have found successful careers near and far! Meet some of our recent graduates:
- Joshua Meddaugh, PhD, Associate Professor of Political Science, Clayton State University, Morrow, Georgia
- Karen O’Connor, PhD, Jonathan N. Helfat Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Department of Government, American University, Washington, D.C.
- Farida Jalalzai, PhD, Hannah Atkins Endowed Chair, Department of Political Science, University of Oklahoma
- Jessica Edwards, BA, Curator of NEST co-working space, Wyndham Dubai Marina, UAE
- Seymen Atasoy, PhD, Professor of Political Science, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, Turkish Republic of North Cyprus
- David Grover, PhD, Founding Partner, Grover & Fensterock, PC, New York, New York
- Ken Qinxin Wang, PhD, Professor, School of Public Policy, Tsinqhua University, Beijing, China
- Nevin Murchie, BA, Law Office of Nevin F. Murchie, PLLC, Williamsville, New York
- Joseph Stefko, BA, MA, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, CGR, Rochester, New York
- Keith Smith, BA Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Mobilization, National Association of Manufacturers, Washington, D.C.
- Paul Nussbaum, BA, Founder and Chairman of Waramaug Hospitality, Washington, Conn.
- Mark Huddleston, PhD, Retired President, University of New Hampshire