Introduction to the Major
The Political Science(link is external) major is concerned with the exercise of power in its myriad forms and consequences. Students explore central issues such as the ethical problems attendant to the exercise of power; the history of important political ideas; the impact of different forces on the operation of politics; the features of the US political system; and international interactions and the causes of war and peace.
The major is offered by the Charles and Louise Travers Department of Political Science in the College of Letters and Science.
The Undergraduate Program
The undergraduate program is designed for a diverse population of students, including those with a broad but as yet unfocused interest in politics, those aiming to attend law school or business school, and those intending to pursue an advanced graduate degree in political science. Students receive a common substantive and analytical foundation in political science, and are able to pursue diverse interests at the upper division level, most notably through the specialization requirement. Finally, the most ambitious and high-achieving students have the opportunity to undertake advanced research under the close guidance of a faculty member through the junior seminars and senior honors program.
Amplify Your Major
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Get involved with the Undergraduate Political Science Association(link is external).
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Pursue a research opportunity(link is external).
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Enroll in a junior seminar (PS 191), small, faculty-led seminars designed to develop research and writing skills.
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Attend the Travers Conference on Ethics and Accountability in Government(link is external).
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Participate in talks offered by the Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS(link is external)).
Jobs and Employers
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Auditor Evaluator, California State Auditor
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Case Manager, Kerosky Purves & Bogue
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Consultant, PwC
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Data Analyst, Bluelabs
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Legal Assistant, Google
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Paralegal, US Dept. of Justice
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Research Analyst, National Research Group
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Staff Analyst, Ernst and Young LLP
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Staff Assistant, House of Representatives
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Teacher, Fort Bend ISD
Graduate Programs
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Education, MA
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International Relations & Affairs, MA
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Journalism, MA
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Law, JD
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Philosophy, MA
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Political Science, PhD
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Public Policy Analysis, MA
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Public Administration, MA
Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey(link is external) of recent Berkeley graduates.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House(link is external) in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation(link is external) program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit polisci.berkeley.edu(link is external) for news and updates.
Advising
Students can contact the advising office to schedule an appointment or ask questions at psadvise@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail).
Advising Drop-In Hours
Monday - Friday, 9am-12pm, 1:30-4pm
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.