Political Science

Undergraduate Program

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

Poli Sci develops analytical capacities to critically think about how to address social issues and articulate how to implement ideas about state-society relations.
Political Science Major

Four-Year Student Timeline

What Can I Do With My Major?

Jobs and Employers

  • Auditor Evaluator, California State Auditor

  • Case Manager, Kerosky Purves & Bogue

  • Consultant, PwC

  • Data Analyst, Bluelabs

  • Legal Assistant, Google

  • Paralegal, US Dept. of Justice

  • Research Analyst, National Research Group

  • Staff Analyst, Ernst and Young LLP 

  • Staff Assistant, House of Representatives

  • Teacher, Fort Bend ISD

Graduate Programs

  • Education, MA

  • International Relations & Affairs, MA

  • Journalism, MA

  • Law, JD

  • Philosophy, MA

  • Political Science, PhD

  • Public Policy Analysis, MA

  • Public Administration, MA

Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey(link is external) of recent Berkeley graduates.

Learn More

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.