M.A. in Political Science: Scope and Employment Opportunities

As a Political Science (M.A.) graduate, you will have access to some of the most respectable career options, such as:

1. Teaching 

A career in academia is perfect for people who are passionate about teaching and grooming students on matters related to Political Science, Politics, and Polity. You can either be a schoolteacher or a lecturer/professor in colleges and universities. While teaching at the school level demands a B.Ed. degree for teaching at the college/university level, you must clear the UGC NET examination. 

2. Journalism

Since a substantial portion of modern journalism covers politics and political matters, journalism is an excellent field for Political Science graduates. Having a thorough understanding of politics, political systems, and the national/international political environment makes Political Science graduates ideal candidates for roles like Political Journalist/Editor or Political Correspondents.

3. Law

While pursuing an M.A. course in Political Science, candidates develop and hone analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. These skills are immensely valued in Law. However, to enter into Law, you need to complete a 3-year LLB course and clear the All-India Bar examination administered by the Bar Council of India.

4. Politics

Politics makes up a crucial aspect of every nation, and it is an obvious choice for Political Science students. After getting an M.A. degree in Political Science, you can start working under a Political leader or directly begin your political journey as a Politician/Political Analyst/Political Advisor.

5. Civil Services

The Indian Civil Services is undoubtedly the most prestigious and respectable career choice for young aspirants. As for Political Science graduates, IAS (Indian Administrative Service) and IFS (Indian Foreign Services) are the two most popular choices.
Since the general science paper of both the preliminary and main exams of Civil Services contain several Political Science questions, Political Science students certainly have the edge over candidates from other streams.

Jobs for M.A. Political Science Candidates

An M.A. in Political Science promises many high-paying job profiles, including:

1. Government Affairs Director

As the name suggests, Government Affairs Directors supervise and direct public relations team and manage policies related to local, state, and central government matters. They build and maintain beneficial relationships with relevant government agencies, committees, and legislative bodies.
They design corporate policies, strategies, and plans as per government laws and regulations. They examine how the new and updated government regulations affect businesses and offer befitting suggestions to help the company navigate through the changes.

2. Political Consultant

Political Consultants have extensive knowledge of the political process. Their primary responsibility is to devise effective political strategies and campaigns for electoral candidates to influence voters and gain support from the majority.

Political Consultants also create favorable stories about political candidates to paint them in a positive light and influence their media image. Sometimes, they also conduct surveys to understand the inclinations and reactions of voters towards political candidates.  

3. Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialists handle the responsibility for maintaining and improving the reputation of a company or an organization. Their job is mainly media-centric. Thus, they work closely with media agencies and journalists to place favorable news and stories about their clients before the common mass.
Public Relations Specialists draft press releases, write blog posts, manage social media accounts, and organize press conferences and other events to attract media attention and promote their client. They are master negotiators and orators who are always up to date with the industry’s current affairs, policies, and laws. 

4. Political Scientist

Political Scientists focus on studying the origin, development, and operation of political systems around the world. They also learn and research political ideas and policies, political trends, and analyze governments. Their research usually pertains to the four core areas – political theory, national politics, comparative politics, and international relations.
While Political Scientists use qualitative methods to gather information from disparate sources, they use different quantitative methods to develop political theories. Political Scientists may sometimes don the role of a Policy Analyst for organizations with labor unions and political groups.

5. Intelligence Analyst

Intelligence Analysts are employed by high-level government intelligence agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Department of Criminal Intelligence, Directorate of Military Intelligence, Defence Intelligence Agency, Indian Political Intelligence Office, and National Investigation Agency, to name a few.
They intensively study the behavior and actions of groups that are considered security threats, analyze leadership patterns in such groups, and gather information from multiple sources. Intelligence Analysts present their findings in detailed reports and briefs to agency executives and political leaders. 

6. Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts are primarily responsible for changing, adjusting, and implementing new public policies, laws, and regulations. They may either work under a government or for NGOs and for-profit companies.
Policy Analysts policy design a sound thesis and compelling draft arguments for/against adopting a particular policy or law. They may specialize in specific areas (corporate policy, public policy, energy policy, etc.), or they may focus on a government or organization’s general political functions. 
 

Admission Process

Kindly follow the steps mentioned below to complete your Admission process

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates applying for admission in MA course will need to fit the eligibility criteria before applying. Aspirants who are ineligible will be rejected at any time of the admission process and will not be entertained further. The following points are the eligibility criteria which is to be met by the candidate.
• Candidates should have successfully completed their Bachelor's degree (preferably arts) of a minimum 3 or 4-year duration with its equivalent (10+2+3 or 10+2+4). The bachelor's or master's degree should be from a university that is recognized by the UGC (University Grants Commission) of India.
• Before applying, candidates studying a three-year degree program will have needed to pass all subjects from the 1st to 4th semester, while applicants who pursued a four-year course, should have passed in all subjects from the 1st to 6th semester.
• Candidates need to note that if the information provided on the application is incorrect or misleading at any point of the admission process, the candidate's admission will be canceled.