Political Science – Concentration in American Politics – Bachelor’s Degree Program
STUDY POLITICAL SCIENCE – AMERICAN POLITICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA
Earn your degree in political science, with a concentration in American politics, and prepare for careers in government, law, military, business, nonprofit organizations, and more. If you have a passion for national politics, this program is designed for you.
As a political science major at the University of Montana, you’ll learn to apply a critical lens to politics past and present, while gaining advanced skills in communication, analytical thinking and research — all among the most sought-after skills by employers. You’ll also have exciting opportunities for real-world learning, including internships and field experiences with governmental organizations at the state and national levels.
in departmental scholarships awarded to 17 of our students in 2022
of UM political science majors participate in an internship related to politics, policy or law, earning course credits.
estimated average salary of UM political science bachelor’s degree graduates
Other degree options for political science at UM
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science – Concentration in Public Administration and Public Policy
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science – Concentration in Public Law
Master of Arts in Political Science
What can you do with a political science degree?
The major in political science, with an emphasis in American politics, prepares you for careers in politics, policy, media and more. Many of our graduates work in state government, including as a Montana state representative and three spokespersons for Montana statewide elected officials. Another graduate serves as chief of staff for a United States senator. Other alumni of our program include lawyers, researchers, policy analysts and advocates, campaign professionals, leaders and important staff in nonprofit organizations and businesses, teachers, military officers and business owners.
Our graduates achieve great things in diverse fields. Over the last four years, seven of the sixteen UM Distinguished Alumni graduated from the political science department. They include a judge, the head of a major DC lobby, a key figure in environmental policy in the western US, and the founder and CEO of a major Australian grocery chain.
What is political science?
Political science is the study of power - how individuals and institutions exercise, seek, and resist power - and how nations and communities are governed. Our political structures influence almost every facet of our lives — from the economy to education and health care, and other critical current issues. The study of political science teaches you to assess the strengths and limitations of governing bodies, and the forces that ultimately create and destroy political movements.
Political science and American politics jobs
What are some of the most popular political science degree careers? With an American politics major, you might pursue jobs such as:
- Lobbyist
- Lawyer
- Government official
- Teacher
- Diplomat
- Research and Advocacy Staff in US Nonprofits
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Policy Advocate
- Writer
- Journalist
- Business executive, researcher, and consultant
- Research analyst and campaign organizer
Political science and American politics salaries
Political science jobs are wide-ranging, so it’s tough to put a number on how much you can earn. However, professionals with a bachelor’s degree in political science earn an average salary of $63,000 — according to Payscale.com
Experiential learning in the political science program
Our program is designed to help you develop career skills you can use to hit the ground running when you graduate. UM’s Montana Model United Nations conference, for example, gives you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international affairs and public policy, working with our award-winning traveling team. Many more active learning experiences are built directly into political science courses, giving you the chance to build skills in research, writing, public speaking, service-learning opportunities, and more.
Political science and American politics internships
Earn academic credit while gaining on-the-job experience that will help you stand out in a competitive marketplace. We offer exciting internship opportunities with local, state and national government entities, political organizations, law firms, nonprofits, think tanks, advocacy groups, and other businesses. Recent examples for political science and American politics majors include:
- The White House
- US senators’ offices
- US Senate Finance Committee
- Research think tanks in Washington DC
- US embassies
- World Affairs Council of Montana
- State legislature
- US House and Senate district field offices in Montana
UM’s Baucus Leaders program and other scholarships provide financial support for student internships
Study abroad for political science majors
Overseas study offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and gain new experiences that will enrich your life and education. For political science majors, gaining some international experience can also be a professional asset post-graduation. UM has agreements with many international universities where UM students can study for a semester or year paying only their regular UM tuition and fees. Explore study abroad programs at the University of Montana.
Career development in the political science major
Our political science majors are natural leaders, and we give you every opportunity to get involved, make a difference in your community and build professional connections as you learn.
Our students often serve as student government leaders – presidents, other executive officers, and senators. They lead campus political clubs and the Political Science Honor Society. They’ve even successfully run for state and local elected offices (one of our recent graduates is currently a Montana State House Representative).
Political science scholarships
Each year, we award tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to political science majors — including incoming UM students who excelled in the Montana Model UN High School Conference.
Our majors are competitive for national and international scholarships – UM’s last two Truman Scholars were political science majors including a winner last year, and this year two students were finalists for the Mitchell and Rhodes scholarships, and one of our political science majors was awarded a prestigious Marshall Scholarship.
Learn more about scholarship opportunities in the political science program.
Political science degree requirements
The American politics concentration provides a solid background in the US political system, its core institutions, public policy and the political behavior of American citizens. Courses explore topics such as American foreign policy, political parties and elections, state and local government systems, media and polling, political participation and polarization courts and judicial politics, constitutional law, civil rights, political psychology, and other aspects of our national politics.