Generations of law students have discovered that political science teaches them how to marry research skills, the interpretation of empirical data, and social theory. With hiring in the public sector on the rise, students are turning to political science to learn about the management of public institutions. New opportunities in consulting, lobbying, polling, journalism, market research and the voluntary sector have opened up and are filled disproportionately by political science graduates.
Global markets are another factor contributing to the contemporary interest in political science.
The globalization of business means that distant military, political, and economic events can have direct impacts on the bottom line of North American companies. Events that have previously been thought of as the academic curiosities of political science are now understood as having practical, business significance. From war to international trade agreements, political science embraces the study of international relations and the making of foreign policy. Political scientists are also engaged in studying elections and voting, the culture and ideas of politics, political communications and the media, race and gender politics, human rights, as well as the institutional interplay of politicians and bureaucrats in formulating and applying government policies. A Political Science degree from Carleton University is a proven road to career achievement in government, Parliament, the research sector, business, and teaching.