About the Political Science Program
Are you enamored with current events and tracking the state of world affairs? Do you stay up all night to watch as poll numbers are reported from across the United States? Does the idea of working with and for the public excite you? If you answered “yes” to any of the previous questions, TROY’s bachelor’s degree in political science could be your ticket to an amazing future in politics!
A world of opportunity
TROY’s political science program is split into two concentrations — American politics and public administration and international politics — that will provide you with critical thinking skills necessary to thrive in the political, commercial, educational and government worlds. This expertise has given graduates opportunities to move into government work in Washington, D.C., go into state or local government and work for political campaigns. This program also provides a great foundation for those planning to pursue law school or another doctoral program, while others focus on developing their writing and research skills to work as journalists or in other enterprises.
Students graduating with a political science degree are qualified to work in the following areas:
- Foreign service
- Government work
- International security
- Journalism
- Law
- Nonprofits
- Private-enterprise businesses
Dedicated to your success
Led by a group of committed and experienced faculty members, TROY’s political science department helps prepare students for fulfilling careers in the field they enjoy. Whether you’re dreaming of a future in law, American and world politics, public administration or international relations, these respected faculty members will not only bring expertise to their classrooms, they will also help you build your resume to be competitive when you graduate.
What to expect
Students who go through TROY’s political science program develop their competency and expertise to contribute to the world and thrive in the global economy. This is done through exposure to interdisciplinary learning, writing and research skills and knowledge of the political world. These essential skills will help students understand the contemporary commercial, governmental and cultural environment. As part of this program, students will choose a concentration in American politics or international relations. TROY also provides an Ambassador-in-Residence program that allows you to spend a week with a retired American diplomat.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2018 the national median salary for political scientists was $117,570 annually. Typically, students who wish to work in government go on to earn a master’s degree in public administration. Students wishing to pursue advanced military careers or exciting jobs with U.S. government agencies go on to earn a master’s degree in international relations. Both of these degrees are offered at Troy University.
Program Options
Accelerated Law Option Available
In 2015, TROY partnered with Thomas Goode Jones and Cumberland schools of law to become the first college in the state of Alabama to offer its students a way to complete their bachelor’s and Juris Doctor degrees within six years. Today, as part of this major studying within the University’s accelerated law program, you will begin an academic journey leading you to your junior year where, upon the careful consideration of your GPA and LSAT scores, you will have the opportunity to apply to law school at Thomas Goode Jones School of Law in Montgomery, Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham and now to the Mississippi College of Law. Programs are highly selective, and once chosen by one of the schools, you will begin your legal studies there. After your first year of law school, your GPA at Jones, Cumberland or Mississippi will be evaluated, and if there are no objections, you will receive your bachelor’s degree from TROY as if you’d been attending our classes throughout your senior year. At this point, only two years of law school remain before you sit for the Alabama State Bar exam. Now, that’s a deal, and it can only be found at Troy University.
Courses
Interested in Applying to TROY?
Program Locations
- Troy Campus
- TROY Online