How online MA in Political Science boosts your public service career

If a career in public service is where you find your calling, this blog can help you make an informed choice. You need the right skills and the right education as your first steps. Pursuing an online Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science is the first step to understanding political systems, governance, and policy analysis. These skills hold immense value in public service roles, especially those in advocacy, policy development, and government functions. Learn the various online MA in Political Science benefits in this blog.

Career in public policy: An overview

Let us begin by understanding what a career in public policy entails. Professionals are required to dedicate time and mental energy to analyzing, designing, and executing policies that are aimed at addressing critical and sensitive social issues and improving public welfare at large. 

Professionals in this career are eligible to try out a wide array of job opportunities within the government, NGOs, and the private sector. Some of the key roles of the professionals working in the public policy domain include:

• Public administration
• Policy analysis
• Research
• Policy development
• Advocacy 

Some of the top government jobs to look for include:

• Federal government
• State government
• Local government
• Research organizations
• NGOs

Why choose an MA in political science?

Choosing to pursue a Master of Arts in Political Science can be the best choice to move on to obtain a degree in public policy and eventually a career in the domain. Here are some prominent advantages that highlight the better prospects of entering a public service career with an online MA:

•  The course helps develop research and analytical skills in students, which equips them with the required skills to conduct research based on evidence for framing public policies.

•  Students are enabled to practical hands-on experience via internships in government agencies, international organizations, and NGOs.

• Graduates are presented with a wide array of career prospects in research institutions, think tanks, the public sector, private corporations, and more.

• The course provides a comprehensive understanding of political systems, including knowledge of policy development, government structures, various political theories, and political processes.

What will you learn in MA political science?

Sikkim Manipal University offers online MA programs in Political Science on the Online Manipal platform. Some of the core study areas covered in the online MA Political Science for Public Service include:

Semesters	Subjects covered
1	Major Ideas and Issues in Public Administration, Political Theory, Interpreting Modern India, Indian Government and Politics, Comparative Politics: Concepts and Methods
2	Politics in India, Western Political Thought, Environment & Climate Change, International Politics: Theory and Issues, International Politics: Theory and Issues
3	Governance and Public Policy in India, Modern Indian Political Thought, India’s Foreign Policy, Research Methodology, Theory and Practice of Democracy
4	Indo-Pacific Emerging Trends, Dissertation and Viva Voce, Gender and Politics, International Political Economy

Careers in public policy

We have so far established that Political Science MA is a career boost for students aspiring for a professional path in the domain of public policy and administration. The table below shares some of the top job roles, their responsibilities, and average annual salary for a general reference.

Budget analysts

They assess budget proposals, conduct a thorough analysis of the proposals submitted and are also responsible for regularly monitoring the company’s budget, ensuring that all key objectives are met within the predetermined budget. They are likely to earn an average income of INR 10,50,000 per annum approximately.

Policy analysts

A policy analyst determines the appropriate solutions to societal problems, analyzes policies, and assesses the effectiveness of the designed policies. They are likely to earn an average salary of INR 9,11,345 per annum approximately.

Community relations managers

They are entrusted with the task of designing programs that represent the organization in a positive light and help it achieve its larger goals. They are also responsible for maintaining healthy and effective relations between the organization and the community at large, helping meet the former’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals at its best. The average salary is expected to be approximately INR 8,25,500 per annum.

Public affairs specialists

Public advocacy, designing programs, white papers, and research reports are some of the key tasks entrusted to a public affairs specialist in an organization. Their average salary is estimated to be around INR 7 lakh per annum.

Public relations specialists

These professionals take charge of communicating all new promotional information to the media, internal employees, as well as other external stakeholders on behalf of the organization. They act as the bridge between the company and the media/public at large. Average annual income is estimated at approximately INR 591,795 per annum. 

Why choose an online MA in Political Science from Sikkim Manipal University

For political science aspirants, Sikkim Manipal University presents an exciting opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree for 2 years to gain a comprehensive understanding of the various political systems and structures in India. The course is designed to imbibe students with advanced knowledge in international politics, peace and conflicts, political theory, comparative politics, and much more.

In addition, Sikkim Manipal is a NAAC-accredited institution and its MA in Political Science course is entitled by the UGC.

Conclusion

An online MA in Political Science on the Online Manipal platform has the potential to enhance your career prospects in the field of public service. With the right knowledge and skills to work in areas like policy analysis, government, and public administration, students can progress to chart out a successful career path in the world of politics. Additionally, the degree program is specifically designed to offer flexibility and a perfect balance between studies and work life.