Political science is the study of government and politics in the U.S. and around the world. Students learn how governments are run and how political parties influence policy-making. They also learn how voters and the public play a role in the political process.

You turn on the TV, hoping to find a good show, maybe a drama or a comedy. You flip through the channels. There's a show with some people arguing. Nah, keep going. There's a news program about some protest somewhere. Nope, no good. There's another show with some more people arguing. Snooze. Nothing good is on. Just TV shows about politics. You turn the TV off and think to yourself, Politics is boring. It has nothing to do with me.

Wrong! Politics affects us every day – from the fact that we have names on birth certificates to debates about which candidate really won the election. It seems that few things besides politics get so many people's blood boiling. Maybe you should turn the TV back on and listen to those people debating. In many cases these people are political scientists. They're debating big questions about power, authority, and the best way to solve our country's problems. And you might also find some drama (and maybe some comedy) after all.

In political science programs, you take courses in political theory, American politics, international politics, public policy, and social research methods. You also take courses in related areas, such as business, philosophy, and economics. Depending on your interests, you can take courses about issues such as education reform, health care, campaign finance, poverty, and environmental problems. Often you are required to learn a second language.

Graduates from political science programs can work as city administrators, policy analysts, journalists, and researchers. Many work for state and local governments, nonprofit groups, or directly for politicians. Many people pursue a graduate degree in political science, public policy, or law.

Most four-year colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in political science. Most community colleges offer two-year programs that can be transferred to a four-year school. Many schools offer graduate degree programs in political science. These programs take from two to five years after you finish your bachelor's degree. Many people with graduate degrees in political science become professors or researchers.