Introduction to the Major
The Political Science 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.
“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
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.
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Pursue a research opportunity.
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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.
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Participate in talks offered by theInstitute of Governmental Studies (IGS).
First Year
Explore Your Major
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Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
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Familiarize yourself with major and college requirements.
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Explore subfields within the major and start taking Political Science major requirements.
Connect and Build Community
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Get 1:1 mentoring with Berkeley Connect and L&S Mentors Program.
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Find study groups and support at the Student Learning Center and SLC Social Science Program.
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Check out the Basic Needs Center and the Recalibrate website.
Discover Your Passions
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Explore the interdisciplinary Big Ideas courses.
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Attend the Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Fair in October.
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Learn about research opportunities for Political Science majors.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Attend the Calapalooza fair and get involved with a student organization.
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Find service opportunities at the Public Service Center.
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Explore opportunities abroad with Berkeley Study Abroad.
- Check out events at the Commonwealth Club.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Visit Berkeley Career Engagement and the Career Counseling Library.
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Develop a plan for getting career ready.
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Sign up for Handshake and CareerMail.
- Explore career fields in the Career Connections Networking Series or a winter externship.
Second Year
Explore Your Major
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Complete the introductory course requirement (two of the following: PS 1, PS 2, PS 4, PS 5 =) no later than the first semester of your sophomore year to declare the major.
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Complete breadth and American Cultures requirements, and lower division electives.
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Review major guidelines for study abroad and look into Political Science programs.
Connect and Build Community
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Join a student organization such as the Undergraduate Political Science Association.
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Sign up for the Political Science email list and start attending department events.
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Get to know professors and graduate student instructors during their office hours.
Discover Your Passions
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Assist in faculty research through URAP.
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Explore new interests with a certificate, course thread, or summer minor.
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Interested in public policy? Check out the minor and summer institute at the Goldman School of Public Policy.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Look for opportunities to volunteer on campus and in the Berkeley community.
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Get involved in student government to represent your fellow students and develop leadership skills.
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Discuss future study abroad plans with your major advisors.
- Attend the Travers Conference on Ethics and Accountability in Government.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Reflect on your education so far and continue to set goals for yourself.
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Discuss career options and goals with a Career Educator.
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Think about doing an internship and attend an internship fair.
- Learn about graduate and professional school. See Step-by-Step for planning help.
Third Year
Explore Your Major
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Focus on upper division requirements and electives. Complete the distribution and subfield requirements by the end of your junior year.
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Review your degree progress with your major and college advisors.
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Ask your advisor about Junior Seminars and the Honors Program in Political Science.
Connect and Build Community
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Attend department-sponsored lecture series, seminars, and colloquia.
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Pre-Law? Check out the Pre-Law student organizations on campus through CaLlink.
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Explore centers and institutes affiliated with the department.
Discover Your Passions
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Find research and funding opportunities in the OURS database.
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Planning a senior thesis or project? Apply to the Haas Scholars Program or SURF.
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Connect with faculty members who share your research interests.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Study and intern in Washington D.C. with UCDC or Cal in the Capital or in Sacramento with Cal in Sacramento.
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Consider applying for the Travers Family Undergraduate Fellowship.
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Look into the Alternative Breaks program and/or summer internship opportunities.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
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Discuss post-graduate options with advisors and professors.
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Attend career and graduate school fairs.
Fourth Year
Explore Your Major
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Do a degree check to ensure you are on track to graduate.
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Complete any “bucket list” courses and remaining major, college, and campus requirements.
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Participate in the Political Science Commencement Ceremony with your peers.
Connect and Build Community
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Join a professional association such as the American Political Science Association.
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Connect with alumni groups and build your network as you prepare to graduate.
Discover Your Passions
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Teach your own DeCal course.
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Undertake an optional honors thesis or independent study and submit your work to the Berkeley Undergraduate Journal.
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Keep pursuing your interests through a fellowship or gap year after graduation.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Hone your leadership skills with the Peter E. Haas Public Service Leaders program.
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Interested in a public service career? Apply for the John Gardner Fellowship.
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Explore service opportunities after graduation, such as Peace Corps, Teach for America, Americorps or U.S. Department of State.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Utilize job board tools in your job search.
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Ask professors and graduate student instructors for recommendation letters.
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Meet employers at Employer Info Sessions and On-Campus Recruiting.
- Apply to jobs, graduate school, and other opportunities.
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 of recent Berkeley graduates.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit polisci.berkeley.edu for news and updates.
Advising
Students can contact the advising office to schedule an appointment or ask questions at psadvise@berkeley.edu.
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.
