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Political Scientist

Overview and Key Facts

political scientist
Education
Education
Master's degree
Median Pay
Median Pay
$139,380
Job Growth
Job Growth
-3.10%
(Below US Average)
Jobs in 2034
Jobs in 2034
6,300

What Do They Do?

A political scientist could...

 
supreme court
Study how recent decisions by the Supreme Court will affect healthcare.
ballot box
Monitor the elections of a newly formed government.
factories
Help governments decide how much pollution industries can release into the air and water.
mayoral candidate
Advise local mayors about the best way to convince voters to reelect them.
 
supreme court ballot box factories mayoral candidate

Overview Listen to this section

Do you watch the news and wonder why and how the governments of different countries make decisions, especially decisions that seem contrary to what you'd expect? You might be a political scientist in the making! Political science is the study of governments, public policies and political processes, systems, and political behavior. Political scientists use both humanistic and scientific perspectives and tools to examine the processes and political dynamics of all of the countries of the world.
Watch Juan describe what it meant for him to be part of the team that represented the United States of America during a meeting with the President of Colombia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGBmKVeJow0

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Political Scientist?


  1. Reading Comprehension: ?
  2. Active Listening: ?
  3. Speaking: ?
  4. Active Learning: ?
  5. Writing: ?
More skills...

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Political Scientist might do:
  • Teach political science.
  • Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
  • Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
  • Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
  • Advise political science students.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
  • Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations.
  • Identify issues for research and analysis.
  • Serve on committees.
  • Forecast political, economic, and social trends.

Salary & Job Openings

Median Salary (Yearly Pay)

Tap or scroll over map to see median salaries for each state
No data available for some states (white on the map)

Future Jobs

Blast-Off:

How Will Political Scientist Jobs Grow by 2034?
Projected % Growth
Rapid growth
(10% or higher)
Much faster than average
(7% - 10%)
Faster than average
(5% - 7%)
About as fast as average
(3% - 5%)
Slower than average
(0% - 3%)
Decreasing
Average of all U.S. jobs (5.3%)
Political Scientist jobs (-3.10%)
Source: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm

Steps to Get There: Becoming a Political Scientist

High School Subjects to Study

Aim to study the yellow-shaded subjects.
Math
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Statistics
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Environmental Science
Physiology
Bio-Medical / Biotech
IT &
Engineering
Computer Science
Applied Technology
Drafting & CAD Training
Core
English
Foreign Language
Business
Psychology / Sociology

Career Pathway Listen to this section

The educational attainment of political scientists is among the highest of all occupations, with most positions requiring a master's or a PhD degree.

Many social science students also benefit from internships or field experience. Numerous local museums, historical societies, government agencies, non-profit, and other organizations offer internships or volunteer research opportunities.

Education- Typical Degree Needed After High School Listen to this section

Degree
Post
high school credential
AA
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctoral or Professional Degree

Typical degree for an entry-level position: Master's degree ? Types of Degrees and Credentials

Graduates with master's degrees in applied specialties are usually qualified for positions outside of colleges and universities, although requirements vary by field. A PhD degree may be required for higher-level positions. Bachelor's degree holders have limited opportunities and do not qualify for most of the occupations discussed above. A bachelor's degree does, however, provide a suitable background for many different kinds of entry-level jobs in related occupations, such as research assistant, writer, management trainee, or market analyst.

Companies That Hire Political Scientists

Try it Out with an Activity or Project

STEM Activities

STEM activities are fun hands-on explorations that usually take from 10 minutes to one hour and use readily available household or classroom materials while introducing you to STEM concepts common in this career.

Science Project Ideas

Project Ideas are in-depth STEM explorations that have a strong focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data suitable for investigating the scientific method or the engineering design process.

On the Job

Role Models

Jim Cupples saw a problem, elections where only one candidate or even no candidates ran for particular offices, and decided to work to change it with a technology project.
In the last two elections that I voted in, there were 26 races and in only 8 of those races was there actually a choice, meaning more than one candidate for the position. ... I thought that was crazy and undemocratic. 
Jim Cupples

Nature of the Work

Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems and public policy. They conduct research on a wide range of subjects, such as relations between the United States and other countries, the institutions and political life of nations, the politics of small towns or major metropolises, and the decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. Studying topics such as public opinion, political decision making, ideology, and public policy, they analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. Depending on the topic, a political scientist might conduct a public-opinion survey, analyze election results or public documents, or interview public officials.

Work Environment

Most political scientists have regular hours. Generally working behind a desk, either alone or in collaboration with other social scientists, they read and write research articles or reports. Many experience the pressures of writing and publishing, as well as those associated with deadlines and tight schedules. Sometimes they must work overtime, for which they are usually not compensated. Political scientists often work as an integral part of a research team. Travel may be necessary to collect information or attend meetings. Social scientists on foreign assignment must adjust to unfamiliar cultures, climates, and languages.

Political scientists employed by colleges and universities usually have flexible work schedules, often dividing their time among teaching, research, writing, consulting, and administrative responsibilities. Those who teach in these settings are classified as postsecondary teachers.

More Information

Ask Questions

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