A number of government occupations, which can range from city planning to legislature to CIA intelligence, are available to those with a political science degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 50% of political scientists worked for the federal government in 2012, though jobs are also available at state and local levels (www.bls.gov).
Some political science degree holders could also choose to advocate or work on behalf of a cause or a community. A thorough knowledge of government policies is necessary for most of these professions, though specific knowledge and particular skills might influence what kind of job one can pursue. Undergraduate political science students can participate in government or nonprofit organizations' internships to prepare for their careers. Additionally, the completion of a graduate degree program can help political scientists stand out in a crowded job market. The BLS reported in 2013 that most political scientists earned between $50,520 and $148,510 per year at that time.