Government

Indirect Paths to Government

While some of these majors aren’t direct government programs, they could be paired with a double major, minor, or internship to shape your career path. An academic advisor can help you create a plan that aligns with your goals. If you’re looking for something different, visit Career Paths for more possibilities.

Key

M = Minor available, which is an optional specialization alongside your major
✦ = Accelerated program available
* = A career path that often requires extra schooling or certification beyond a Bachelor's degree (e.g., law, medicine, education)

• Anthropology (M)

  Anthropology (M)

  Anthropology is well suited for careers in cultural resource management, policy analysis, or public affairs.

  Career Paths: Cultural resource manager, international development worker, public health educator, social science researcher 

  Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.

• Education, Society, and Human Development (✦)

  Education, Society, and Human Development (✦)

  Education, Society, and Human Development is for a wide range of government and public sector careers.

  Options: Choose the 4-year Bachelor's degree or the 4-year accelerated program to earn both a Bachelor's degree and a Teaching Credential (the state-issued license required to teach in public schools). Once admitted, customize your major with one of two concentrations:

  • Education for Social Justice Concentration
  • Learning and Behavioral Studies Concentration

  Career Paths: Budget analyst, city manager*, compliance officer, economic development specialist, financial examiner, intelligence analyst, legislative aide, procurement specialist, program analyst, public affairs officer, public finance manager, tax examiner, urban planner*

  See success resources in the School of Education.

• Environmental Engineering

  Environmental Engineering

  Environmental Engineering prepares for careers in environmental policy, sustainability, and regulation.

  Option: Choose a four-year bachelor's degree or get your bachelor's and master's degrees in Chemical and Environmental Engineering with a five-year plan of study.

  Career Paths: Air quality specialist, environmental engineer, environmental impact analyst, environmental planner, government environmental regulator, natural resource manager, water resources manager

  Explore all majors in the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering.

• Environmental Sciences (M)

  Environmental Sciences (M)

  Environmental Sciences is ideal for careers in environmental policy, sustainability, and regulation.

  Career Paths: Climate policy analyst, conservation officer, environmental consultant, environmental impact assessor, natural resource manager, sustainability coordinator, wildlife manager

  Check out other majors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

• Ethnic Studies

  Ethnic Studies

  Ethnic Studies builds competency for public service and social justice careers.

  Choose from: African American Studies (M), Asian American Studies (M), Chicano Studies (M), Ethnic Studies (M), Native American Studies (M)

  Career Paths: Community advocate, equal opportunity officer, government relations specialist, policy analyst*, public affairs coordinator, social justice educator, social services manager*, urban policy planner* 

  Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.

• Gender and Sexuality Studies (M)

  Gender and Sexuality Studies (M)

  Gender and Sexuality Studies supports policy careers in civil rights, public health, and education.

  Career Paths: Civil rights advocate, community organizer, diversity and inclusion specialist, education policy analyst*, healthcare advocate, nonprofit program manager, policy analyst*, public health educator, researcher*

  Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.

• Languages and Literatures

  Languages and Literatures

  Languages and Literatures opens doors for careers in translation, diplomacy, intelligence, and international service.

  Choose from: Chinese (M), Classical Studies (M), Comparative Ancient Civilizations, Comparative Literature, French (M), Germanic Studies (M), Japanese (M), Languages, Russian Studies (M)

  Career Paths: Archivist*, cultural liaison, editor, interpreter*, language instructor*, literary critic*, professor*, public relations specialist, translator*, writer 

  Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.

• Media and Cultural Studies (M)

  Media and Cultural Studies (M)

  Media and Cultural Studies is well suited for careers in public affairs, government communications, and policy advocacy.

  Career Paths: Communications officer, legislative aide, media relations coordinator, policy analyst*, public information officer, public relations specialist, social media strategist, speechwriter

  Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.

• Philosophy (M)

  Philosophy (M)

  Philosophy uses critical thinking and ethics to tackle issues in government, law, and policy.

  Career Paths: Campaign manager, city planner, civil rights advocate, diplomatic service officer, government ethics advisor, intelligence analyst*, public administrator*, public affairs specialist 

  Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.

• Psychology (M)

  Psychology (M)

  Psychology leads to careers in public mental health, program evaluation, or behavioral policy.

  Career Paths: Behavioral analyst*, clinical psychologist*, forensic psychologist*, health program coordinator, mental health counselor*, policy analyst*, probation officer, public health researcher*, rehabilitation specialist, social services manager* 

  Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.

• Sociology (M)

  Sociology (M)

  Sociology prepares for careers in public policy, community programs, and government social services.

  Career Paths: Census analyst, criminal justice specialist, government researcher, legislative assistant, policy analyst, program evaluator, public affairs officer, public health program coordinator, research analyst 

  Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.

• Sociology/Administrative Studies

  Sociology/Administrative Studies

  Sociology/Administrative Studies leads to careers in public programs, urban development, and community outreach.

  Career Paths: Budget analyst, community development coordinator, government relations specialist, human services manager, public administrator*, regulatory compliance officer, social services administrator, urban planner 

  Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.