Political Science is the default option for any young person hoping for success in public life. Among all the political majors, it is the broadest study of national and state government, political parties, campaigns and elections, the legislative process and comparative government. Most academic programs also emphasize the role of the courts and non-governmental institutions. In recent years, due to the explosion of new technologies, statistical and geographic research are core requirements for completing a degree in political science.
This major is analogous to a business major, however its focus is on government agencies as opposed to corporate structures. Public administration courses are heavy on organization and management. In addition to organs of government, these classes examine non-profit institutions and labor unions. Communication courses for administrators and public affairs staff are increasing. Moreover, the expanding role of computers and technology occupies the content of many credit hours, as students apply these skills to research and communication.
International relations centers on the interplay between and among sovereign global powers. Students majoring in this field learn the histories of current nation-states, how their cultures developed and how their boundaries were drawn. Furthermore, these classes inform students about the present conditions under which each country functions, such as economic pressures, political parties and religious life. Finally, those who major in this specialty learn about the power and limits of supra-national agencies like the United Nations and International Monetary Fund.
By its very nature, journalism is a political major. Government is dependent on the media, the Fourth Estate, to disseminate information about policies under consideration, laws passed, candidates elected and troops deployed. Reporters and broadcasters must be schooled in the language and processes of governing if they are to execute their duties to the public effectively. Journalism majors will, by necessity, need to know what type of reporting receives under constitutional protection and when the constitutional line is crossed. While a career in media need not include politics, most professionals will find themselves on a political beat at some point in their career.