Careers in Political Science
Make a life. Make a living. Make a Difference.
Our Political Science majors work in a number of meaningful careers or further their education by continuing their education at law or graduate school.
With a degree in Political Science from Fort Hays State University, you'll be prepared for a number of rewarding careers. This list of over 60 career paths from the American Political Science Association provides just a sample of the many jobs Political Science graduates land.
Need a printable list of careers? Click here!
| Start Here | Our Alumni | Law and Graduate School | Resources |
Start Here
Students seeking jobs in Political Science have a bevy of resources at hand when looking for careers, starting on-campus with Career Services. Not only does Career Services offer students resume and cover letter assistance, interview skills and practice, and networking skills, but also online platforms to apply for and land new job opportunities.
Handshake helps students explore full-time and internship listings, resume referrals, alumni networking, and on-campus interviewing opportunities.
GoinGlobal allows students and alumni to job search globally and internationally.
Big Interview provides students with valuable interviewing skills and practice using only a webcam! If practicing with a computer isn't your style, Career Services offers students on-campus mock interview days throughout the semester!
For more resources provided by Career Services, visit their website here.
Our Alumni
Since Political Science Programs began in 1937, it has produced a number of successful graduates working in exciting careers in local, state, and federal government as well as a variety of other fields including non-profit and education.
Here are some examples of careers our graduates have worked:
- Emily Graf ('09), City Manager, City of Kingman
- Ernestor DeLaRosa ('12), Assistant City Manager, Dodge City
- Megan Palmer Scheiderer ('03), Attorney, Husch Blackwell, KC, MO
- Crystal Cook ('07), Attorney, Stueve Siegel Hanson, KC, MO
- Heath Kohl ('09), Political Director, Kansas Republican Party
- Ashley Dopita ('08), Attorney, Wagstaff & Cartmell, LLP
- Yiping Ye ('07), International Program Coordinator, California State University, Fullerton
- Cole Ginther ('12), Legislative Staff, U.S. Representative Kerry Bentivolio (MI)
- Tomi Dechant Schwandt ('07), Coordinator of Veteran Service, St. Charles Community College, Washington D.C.
- Mitchell Hall ('05, POLS/AG/BUS), Kansas rancher, Owner/Manager H2O Drilling, LLC, former VP KANZA Bank, former District Office Manager Congressman Jerry Moran
- Mark Colwell, ('06), Communication & Technology Legislative Aid to Senator Jerry Moran
- Terry Bruce, ('97), Practicing attorney, Kansas Senate Majority Leader
- Sarah Smith ('05), Foreign Service in Qatar, China and Egypt
- Zetta Hamersley ('20) Executive Administrator and Board Liaison, ArtsKC
Law and Graduate School
Thinking about law school or graduate study? While earning a degree in Political Science at FHSU, you'll acquire extraordinary research, reasoning and critical thinking skills-skills that are vital to thriving in graduate or law school.
FHSU is an excellent training ground for law school or other post-graduate studies. Learn more about our Pre-Law Concentration and how we prepare you for success in law school.
Did you know? Political Science majors perform near the top on overall performance on the GRE (the standardized test that is the admissions standard for many graduate schools).
Resources
Fort Hays State University Career Links
FHSU Academic Advising & Career Exploration Center
FHSU Political Science Faculty Advisors
Pre-Law Links
Exploring Legal Careers
Pre-Law Preparation
Law School Application Process
Pre-Law Resources
Government Employment Links
State of Kansas Government Site
USAJOBS (United States Office of Personnel Management)
US State Department Careers (and Internships)
Federal Bureau of Investigation Employment
Peace Corps