Regardless of U.S. labor market conditions one constant holds true: Education boosts earnings and reduces unemployment.
According to the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities (APLU) the earnings gap between college graduates and those with less education continues to widen. In 2021, median income for recent graduates reached $52,000 a year for bachelor’s degree holders aged 22–27. For high school graduates the same age, median earnings were $30,000 a year.
Those with a bachelor’s degree earn, on average, 75% more over the course of their lifetime.* In addition to increased earning potential, a bachelor’s degree can provide opportunities for promotion or entry into a new career.
*Georgetown University Center on Education and Workforce
People with a bachelor’s degree earn on average
*National job opportunities data is based on national medians and figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlook handbook.
*Local job opportunities data is based on estimated base pay and figures from Indeed.com.
After earning a degree in political science, many new graduates wonder what sort of careers are available as a comfortable entry into the field. One of the largest preconceptions that new graduates have is that political science careers are limited to state and local government or law positions. The reality is the opposite, as there are a wide range of interesting and fulfilling careers available for new graduates.
The traditional road of government and law
While the options are numerous, many graduates find great careers in the more traditional fields of government and law work. An example of a position in the field of government is Public Policy Specialist, where a graduate could expect to review, analyze and draft policy based on a certain set of criteria. Law is also a common option, with careers as a paralegal or attorney common amongst political science graduates.
Stepping outside the box
If you’re looking for a career outside the more traditional paths, there are a variety of options to choose from. One option is going into media, which includes political commentators. This position allows for nuanced discussion on political matters, balancing information and personal opinion.
The private sector also offers a variety of positions, including research specialist, in which you conduct research, analyze data and produce reports for private corporations, all of which are skills adopted and learned through the EKU Political Science program.
Whether you are interested in traditional or non-traditional career paths, you will find numerous fulfilling career opportunities as a political science graduate.
The EKU Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all of your career and professional development needs. We offer a variety of services to current online EKU students and alumni to help you with your career development, decision-making and job search.
Services include: