Political Science: Foundation, Classification, and Opportunities in the Social Sciences

Introduction: Understanding Political Science as a Social Science

Political science is formally recognized as a branch of the social sciences, alongside disciplines such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, and economics. Social scientists study individual and group behavior, examining how societies organize, make decisions, and respond to challenges [1] . Political science, specifically, investigates systems of governance, the allocation of power, political institutions, political thought, and behaviors, as well as constitutions and laws [4] .

The Social Science Classification of Political Science

Political science is grouped within the social sciences in leading classification systems. For example, the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) places political science within the 320s, alongside related disciplines such as sociology (300s), economics (330s), and public administration (350s) [3] . This placement reflects political science’s methodological and conceptual links to other social science fields. The
Interdisciplinary Encyclopedia of Knowledge Organization
also confirms its status, listing political science as a primary social science alongside economics, sociology, and anthropology [2] .

Defining Political Science: Scope and Methodology

Political science is the scientific study of politics, governance, and power. It evaluates how governments and organizations function, analyzes political processes, and explores the role of policies in shaping societies. Political scientists use both qualitative and quantitative research methods to address questions such as:

How are resources distributed within societies?
What mechanisms ensure fair governance?
How do political institutions evolve and interact?

Political science draws from theoretical perspectives developed over decades, such as elite theory , which examines the struggle between elites and ordinary people for influence over government decisions [1] . These frameworks help researchers analyze complex societal dynamics.

Interdisciplinary Nature and Overlap with Other Social Sciences

Political science is inherently interdisciplinary, frequently overlapping with other social sciences. For example:

Sociology: Examines how political structures affect social groups and vice versa.
Economics: Studies the impact of policies on resource allocation and market behavior.
Anthropology: Explores political systems within different cultures.
Psychology: Investigates political attitudes and behaviors at the individual level.

This interdisciplinary approach allows political science to tackle broad questions, such as the consequences of globalization, the effects of migration, and the dynamics of public opinion [3] .

Examples and Real-World Applications

Political science graduates utilize their training in diverse sectors:

Government and Public Administration: Many work as policy analysts, legislative aides, or public servants, helping shape and implement policy.
International Organizations: Political scientists contribute to NGOs, global policy think tanks, and diplomacy efforts.
Political Advocacy: Some advise political parties, campaign organizations, or run for office themselves.
Private Sector: Expertise is valued in corporate government relations, risk analysis, and public relations [4] .
Academia and Research: Political scientists conduct research, teach university courses, and publish scholarly work on governance, political theory, and policy outcomes [5] .

For example, Woodrow Wilson-one of the most prominent U.S. presidents-was a political scientist before his presidency [5] .

How to Access Educational and Career Opportunities in Political Science

If you are interested in pursuing political science, consider the following actionable steps:

Research Accredited Programs: Begin by searching for undergraduate or graduate political science programs at accredited universities. Use search terms such as “political science bachelor’s degree” or “master’s in political science” on university websites. Some universities have dedicated social sciences divisions.
Review Program Curriculum: Examine course offerings, faculty expertise, and available concentrations (e.g., international relations, American government, comparative politics).
Explore Career Resources: The American Political Science Association (APSA) provides extensive career guides and resources. Visit the APSA’s official website and use their career section for guidance on job opportunities, internships, and professional development. You may search “APSA Career Resources” to find up-to-date career pathways.
Connect with Professional Organizations: Engage with political science societies or student associations, which often host conferences, networking events, and research opportunities.
Consider Interdisciplinary Study: Many universities offer double majors or minors in related social science fields. This can broaden your expertise and career prospects.
Seek Mentorship and Advising: Reach out to faculty advisors, career counselors, or alumni in political science departments for personalized guidance.
Pursue Internships: Look for internships with local government agencies, NGOs, or advocacy groups. Contact your institution’s career center for listings or search “political science internships” on reputable job boards and government sites.

Note: If a specific program, organization, or resource is mentioned, always verify its existence and reputation before applying or contacting. When uncertain, use the official website search function or call the department directly for confirmation and additional information.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Like other social sciences, political science faces challenges such as:

Ambiguities in Definition: The boundaries between political science and other social sciences are sometimes unclear, requiring interdisciplinary approaches for complex questions [2] .
Access to Quality Data: Reliable political data can be limited or biased. Solutions include using multiple sources, critically evaluating methodologies, and learning advanced data analysis techniques.
Career Uncertainty: Political science careers can be competitive. To improve prospects, combine political science expertise with skills in data analytics, communication, or languages.

Alternative Approaches to Studying Political Science

If traditional academic pathways are unavailable or do not suit your needs, consider these alternatives:

Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera and edX offer verified courses in political science and related disciplines. Always check for official partnerships with accredited institutions.
Community College Programs: Many community colleges offer introductory courses or associate degrees in social sciences, including political science.
Independent Research: You can pursue self-directed learning by accessing free scholarly articles, open textbooks, and library research guides. Visit your local or university library and search for “political science research guides” or “social sciences collections” [3] .

Summary and Key Takeaways

Political science is unequivocally recognized as a social science, sharing foundational methodologies and subject matter with sociology, economics, anthropology, and psychology. Its interdisciplinary nature equips graduates with analytical skills applicable across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. By pursuing accredited programs, engaging in research, and connecting with professional organizations, you can access a range of educational and career opportunities in this dynamic field. When searching for resources, always use verified institutional websites and official channels to ensure accuracy and reliability.

References

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