Careers
A Master’s degree in Political Science opens a wide range of options when it comes to future career opportunities.
- Education. The UTRGV Master’s degree in Political Science provides the necessary preparation for pursing a career in secondary education and/or higher education. With a teaching certificate and a Master’s degree in Political Science, you can advance in the teaching profession as a Social Studies or Civics instructors. With a Master’s degree, you are also qualified to teach political science at a community college or as a lecturer at a university-level institution. You may also qualify as a professional research associate at the many public opinion and public policy research centers in the university, non-profit, and for-profit sectors.
- Government and Politics. The UTRGV Master’s degree in Political Science will also prepare you for more advanced in government, politics, as well as in non-governmental and international organizations. You will be prepared support decision-making and public policy formation working as a legislative or executive brank staff associate or as a research associate, policy analyst, or manager in various government bureaus. You can also work for non-governmental and international organizations that deal with issues such as immigration, cross-border trade, economic development, and poverty. Other careers in politics include working for lobbying and campaign organizations or for private sector consulting firms involved in any of these areas. In preparing for these careers, you will not only develop substantive expertise in one or more areas, but you learn transferrable skills such as the art of policy communication, how to write policy reports, how to make an effective PowerPoint presentation, and how to testify before legislative and regulatory agencies for maximum effect.
- Journalism and Public Relations. The UTRGV Master’s degree in Political Science will also prepare you for a career in political journalism or public relations. You will develop an understanding of political climates, international and global trends, and above all you will learn how to write and present concise, sharp, and informative reports about complex issues and political events.