#1. Political Science

This one’s kind of a no-brainer. CSU’s Political Science major is designed to give you deep knowledge of government systems, laws, government history and processes, elections, and how it’s all woven into to national and global issues. This is probably what most people think they should major in to work in law or government, and they’re not wrong! If you know you want to work in law or government, political science is a direct path.

However, political science is still a really broad category. Within CSU’s Political Science major, you’ll be able to choose from several concentrations to help you narrow your focus: Environmental Politics and Policy, Global Politics and Policy, Law, Politics and Government, General Political Science, Power, Justice and Democracy, or Public Policy and Service.

Here are just a few of the career options your CSU Political Science degree can lead you to:

• Environmental Policy Analyst, researching and evaluating environmental issues to develop and implement policies that address them.
• Intelligence Operative, gathering, analyzing and disseminating secret or sensitive information to support decisions for government or military bodies.
• Political Consultant or Campaign Manager, helping politicians and campaigns with election strategies, public image, and media management.
• Criminal Investigator, collecting and analyzing evidence through methods like crime scene examination, interviews, and surveillance to determine responsibility for a crime.
• Corporate Lawyer, advising businesses on their legal rights and responsibilities regarding their formation, operation, and compliance.
• Foreign Service Officer or Diplomat, representing your country in global politics. Often stationed abroad.
• Attorney, practicing law at a private firm or working for local/federal offices.

#2. Communication Studies

When you’re interested in a legal or government career path that can go almost anywhere, the Communication Studies major might be for you. The degree gives you broad knowledge in a range of areas, including verbal and written communication, critical thinking, problem solving, global understanding, inclusive teamwork, creativity, and digital proficiency — all skills necessary to be a capable, successful professional in both legal professions and government work. If you want to narrow your focus, you can choose a concentration within the major, such as Relational and Organizational Management, Rhetoric and Civic Engagement, or Film and Media Studies. 

Communication Studies is a popular choice for many students who plan to apply for law school after graduation, thanks to its focus in oral advocacy, persuasive writing, critical analysis, and research. If you hope to do something within the local, state, or federal government, studying communications builds strong skills in areas crucial to public service, such as public speaking, media relations, conflict resolution, and beyond. Here are just a few jobs you can get in law or government with a Communication Studies degree:

• Public Information Officer, communicating important information to the public on behalf of government entities.
• Press Secretary, serving as the primary media spokesperson for a government official.
• Speechwriter, crafting speeches for government officials to deliver their message effectively.
• Government Relations Specialist, working to manage relationships between a government entity and other organizations.
• Social Media Manager, managing a government entity’s social media presence and public engagement on these platforms.

#3. Economics

If you are interested in the data and analysis behind government and legal work, CSU’s Economics major might be for you. In the major, you’ll learn to collect and analyze data in order to research and predict trends, many of which are in crucial areas of society, such as poverty, crime, climate change, inflation, unemployment, and far beyond. Economics students study the biggest issues we face in the world while also looking at the data to learn how these problems can be solved.

Naturally, this combination of skill sets can be easily transferred to a career path in the legal field or government work. Econ majors graduate with a strong background in math, data science, and writing, giving them a unique ability to not only find and understand complex data sets, but also communicate that information in a digestible way for decision makers. Here are some jobs in law and government you might be set up for with a CSU Economics degree:

• Economic Forecaster, using data analysis of key metrics like unemployment and inflation to predict future economic conditions for businesses and policymakers.
• Foreign Service Officer, representing your country abroad, working at embassies and consulates to promote national interests, protect citizens, and facilitate diplomacy.
• International Aid Organization Analyst, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to global humanitarian crises to provide insights and recommendations for effective aid delivery and decision making. 
• Foreign Trade Analyst, researching and analyzing international trade data to ensure compliance with regulations, identify market opportunities, and support strategic planning.
• Public Policy Analyst, researching, evaluating, and proposing solutions for societal challenges, working to influence public policy in areas like healthcare, education, and environmental regulation.

#4. History

The famous quote, “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it” (George Santayana) explains a lot about why you might consider the CSU History major as your path into law or government. History — especially the history of politics and how we got to where we are — is crucial information to have if you hope to succeed in these fields.

Majoring in History at CSU will expand your knowledge about the past, improve your ability to think logically and critically, and evaluate evidence, perspectives, and resources. You’ll learn crucial skills in writing, research, and critical thinking, while gaining deep understanding around historical events. Having these skills will give you the context that’s vital to interpreting the law and working in almost any government setting. While there are five concentrations within the major, a few might be the best path narrow your focus in a legal or government career: Digital and Public History, General History, or Language. Here are just a few jobs in law and government that your history degree can take you:

• Lawyer/Attorney, working in private practice or corporate/government law or litigation. History is currently the most-common undergraduate degree for lawyers.
• Government Policy Advisor, researching and analyzing previous policies to inform the development of new policies, which to help government agencies make informed decisions on issues like healthcare, education, and the economy.
• Public Resource Manager, overseeing the allocation and management of an organization’s resources, which can include natural environments, personnel, and budgets.
• Archivist, appraising, preserving, organizing, and makes historical records and documents accessible, which can include physical materials like letters and photographs, as well as digital files.
• Federal Law Enforcement Officer, investigating violations of federal law, protecting national interests and government officials, and securing federal facilities and proceedings.