Political Science at NOVA-Alexandria
Jack Lechelt, PhD
Professor of Political Science
Northern Virginia Community College
Alexandria Campus
Facebook Page: PLS at NOVA-AL (give us a "LIKE")
Dr. Lechelt's Office Hours
Second 8 Weeks of Semester (after Spring Break in March):Mondays: 2:00pm-3:00pm (by appointment)Tuesdays: 12:30pm-3:30pm (by appointment).Wednesdays: 2:00pm-7:00pm (walk-in).Thursdays: 12:30pm-1:30pm (by appointment).Fridays: No office hours.
It is highly recommended that meetings be made by appointment. For advisement, scheduled appointments are mandatory, even where the time is noted as “walk-in.” Appointments for advisement allow Dr. Lechelt to serve the student more efficiently.- Students are always allowed to drop in during the above stated hours. However, I HIGHLY recommend that you email me prior to stopping by to make sure I am free - I may have scheduled an appointment with someone else. For advisement, appointments are mandatory.- To make an appointment, please email Dr. Lechelt at jlechelt@nvcc.edu
A Career in Political Science: What can you do with a degree in PLS?
The American Political Science Association (APSA) has a number of resources for those interested in pursuing careers with political science degrees. Check out their website HERE.
"A bachelor's degree in political science can lead to exciting careers in federal, state and local governments; law; business; international organizations; nonprofit associations and organizations; campaign management and polling; journalism; pre-collegiate education; electoral politics; research and university and college teaching."
At NOVA, you can earn valuable credit for your Associate's degree in a number of politically relevant degrees. These credits, of course, will also help you in your quest for your four year degree.
There are a variety of career sectors for political science graduates. Among those jobs that a political science degree at NOVA or at a four year college or university can prepare you for are the following:
- Activist, Advocate/Organizer
- Administration, Corporate, Government, Non-Profit, etc.
- Archivist, Online Political Data
- Budget Examiner or Analyst
- Attorney
- Banking Analyst or Executive
- Campaign Operative
- Career Counselor
- CIA Analyst or Agent
- City Planner
- City Housing Administrator
- Congressional Office/Committee Staffer
- Coordinator of Federal or State Aid
- Communications Director
- Corporate Analyst
- Corporate Public Affairs Advisor
- Corporate Economist
- Corporate Manager
- Corporate Information Analyst
- Corporate Adviser for Govt'l. Relations
- Corporate Executive
- Corporation Legislative Issues Manager
- Editor, Online Political Journal
- Entrepreneur
- Federal Government Analyst
- Financial Consultant
- Foreign Service Officer
- Foundation President
- Free-lance writer
- High School Government Teacher
- Immigration Officer
- Information Manager
- Intelligence Officer
- International Agency Officer
- International Research Specialist
- Issues Analyst, Corporate Social Policy Div.
- Journalist
- Juvenile Justice Specialist
- Labor Relations Specialist
- Legislative Analyst / Coordinator
- Lobbyist
- Management Analyst
- Mediator
- Plans and Review Officer, USIA
- Policy Analyst
- Political Commentator
- Pollster
- Public Affairs Research Analyst
- Public Opinion Analyst
- Publisher
- Research Analyst
- State Legislator
- Survey Analyst
- Systems Analyst
- Teacher
- University Administrator
- University Professor
- Urban Policy Planner
- Web Content Editor
- A resource to find out about more jobs in political science can be found HERE.
Careers in political science are out there! In fact, the opportunities for a career in political science are improving. Furthermore, the skills a student acquires with a strong political science knowledge base are useful outside of politics.
To see about the forecast for Political Scientists with Master's degrees and higher, see the US Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook.