Political scientists essential career information:
- 2012 median pay: $102,100
- 2012, number of jobs: 5,750
- Employment growth forecast, 2010-2020: 8 percent
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
Political scientists; what they do:
If studying every form of government, political history and learning about vital issues such as health legislation, economic policies and international affairs sounds interesting, then a political science career is in your future. A political scientist researches and studies the structure, origin, and operation of political trends and political systems in all regions of the world.
A political scientist career may include researching political ideologies and systems, gathering and analyzing information from sources such as political opinion polls and election results and developing theories through qualitative and quantitative sources and methods.
A political science career may include predicting political trends, and monitoring current events as well as social and political trends. Political scientists also present their findings in research papers, academic journals and through presentations.
Political scientists also use research theories to analyze data to understand relationships between a particular political system and a certain outcome. For example, they may study issues such as U.S. political parties and globalization.
Political scientists also work as analysts for many organizations that have a stake in policy, such as labor organizations. A political science career may involve gathering information to help organize and implement policies.
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Political scientist job titles:
- International Affairs Vice President
- State-Federal Relations Deputy Director
- Technical Director
- Government Affairs Professional
- Public Policy Advocate
- Business Development Analyst
- Human Rights Specialist
- Policy Analyst
- Senior Public Relations Coordinator
Political Scientists Education, Certification and License Requirements
People typically need a master’s degree such as a Masters of Public Policy (MPP) or Masters of Public Administration (MPA) or a doctoral degree in political science or related major to begin a political scientist career.
A Ph.D., mainly a research degree, typically includes subspecialties such as international relations. Both master’s degree and Ph.D. graduates can acquire teaching positions in colleges and universities.
Internships are important; many students hold intern positions on congressional staffs, in research organizations or political campaigns.
Political scientist programs cover subjects such as:
- Comparative politics
- American politics
- Political thought
- Political science research
- Macroeconomics
- Logic
- Advanced composition
- Practical reasoning
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Political Scientists Job Outlook
Forecast: 8 percent employment growth for political scientists 8 percent between 2010 and 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. This growth stems from interest in public policy and political issues.
Areas such as nonprofit, social and political organizations and lobbying sectors provide the greatest opportunities for political scientists. These organizations need more political scientists due to complex legal issues and regulatory policies.
More focus groups and think tanks are in demand for politics and political theory as well as policy analysis for areas such as healthcare, environmental legislature and immigration.
Political Scientists Salary
- 2012 median annual wage: $102,100
- 2012 workers at the 75th percentile annual wage: $136,140
- 2012, workers at the 25th percentile annual wage: $69,830
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Major Employers
- Government
- Nonprofit organizations
- Colleges and universities
- Political lobbying groups
- Labor organizations
Related Degrees
Learn about an Online
B.S. in Political Science & Public Admin. Degree
Learn about an Online
Master of Public Administration Degree
Learn about an Online
Ph.D. – Public Policy & Admin. Degree
