Interested in Political Science?
Political science is the study of human behavior as it relates to the theories and practice of government and politics at the local, state, national, and international levels. It involves the examination of institutions, processes, people, ideas, and policies. Political science combines elements of philosophy, economics, history, sociology, and psychology and develops writing, critical thinking, cultural literacy, corporate, legal and administrative knowledge, public speaking, and other broadly transferable skills.
Political science is the empirical study of human behavior as it relates to the theories and practice of government and politics at the local, state, national, and international levels. It involves the examination of institutions, processes, people, ideas and policies. Political science has a longstanding history of combining elements of philosophy, economics, history, sociology, and psychology. The study of political science develops writing, critical thinking, cultural literacy, corporate, legal and administrative knowledge, public speaking, and other broadly transferable skills.
At San Diego City College you will enjoy classes that synthesize ideas from across the four major subfields of political science: American politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, and Political Theory, as well as the applied subfields of public policy, public administration, and public law.
Occupational Overview
Individuals with a sound political science education enjoy a variety of career options, this includes (but is not limited to): public administrator, lawyer, elected or appointed public official, budget analyst, city planner, diplomatic corps member, legislator, legislative aide, legal administration, paralegal, journalist, lobbyist/issue advocate, political scientist, campaign manager or consultant, speechwriter, public opinion surveyor/pollster, social science teacher, and writer.
Those with degrees in political science find work in public policy, business, finance, marketing, education and legal sectors.
Salary Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2016 mean annual wage for political scientists was $112,250
Source: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes193094.htm#(3)
California is #4 for the highest employment level for political scientists.
Political science degrees, particularly advanced degrees (Masters/MA*) frequently appear on lists for top earning and growing careers[1]:
*Forbes No. 8 Best Master's Degree for Jobs: Political Science
*Mid-career median salary: $93,800[2]
*Projected employment growth for jobs associated with this degree: 21%
[1] http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2011/12/08/ten-college-degrees-that-yield-high-paying-jobs.html
[2]https://www.forbes.com/pictures/fjle45gfkg/no-8-best-masters-degree-for-jobs-political-science/#678083922230
SD City College Political Science Alum: Transfer Success
By offering an inclusive community with qualified teachers, San Diego City College has provided me with an environment where I have been able to exceed past my own academic expectations. During my time at SDCC, I noticed that I've become a more logical person, with more developed critical thinking skills. Taking political science classes in particular have provided me with the most amount of personal growth. My classes with Masahiro Omae and Nick Boushee have vastly altered the way that I make decisions, consume information, and construct an argument. In addition, my teachers at San Diego City College were able to provide me with the valuable skills and resources needed to thrive at a four-year university after obtaining my Associate's Degree.
-Cole Reed
I graduated from San Diego City College in May 2017. I was admitted to every UC campus that I applied to, including UC Berkeley and UCLA. I decided to attend UCLA and my major is Political Science with a concentration in International Relations. I really enjoyed my time with the Political Science Department at City College because of the opportunities the department offered outside of lecture such as guest speakers and viewing parties for the presidential debates. Professors Omae and Boushee, really prepare their students to succeed after transfer in their approach to teaching their intellectually robust and rigorous courses. I believe that they're both are uniquely qualified to teach the material, given that both have their PhD's and their instructional background from the University of California. Additionally, both professors are very approachable and knowledgeable about undergraduate and graduate educational paths. I never felt like I struggled in silence and the faculty in the political science department would be the first faculty members that I would go to for advice.
-Trevor Sepulvida
Full-time Faculty
Nicholas Boushee, Ph.D. (American politics & Mass Political Behavior).
Masahiro Omae, Ph.D. (International Relations & Comparative Politics).
Adjunct Faculty
Mark Linsky mlinsky@sdccd.edu
John Mercurio jmercuri@sdccd.edu
Michael Mousseau mmoussea@sdccd.edu