A political science degree can be a stepping stone into a career in nonprofit work, politics, policy, media, business, or even education. Political science is a versatile degree that can help you start a career in public or private sectors.
Attending a community college or university to study political science can be a great first step down your lucrative career path. However, the jobs available at each level of education may slightly differ.
Politics is about more than just choosing people to lead a country or reading about policies. Politics is an integral part of society and understanding how government works takes years of study and dedication. After graduating, there are many jobs for political science majors.
If you love current events, public policy, and have an interest in the world of politics and how it works, then a political science major is the first step toward a lucrative career. Below is a guide to the best-paying political science jobs.
What Is Political Science?
Political science is the study of practices and theories of government. The study covers every level of government, from local councils to international organizations. Political science students gain a stronger understanding of the way state institutions work.
Upon completing a political science degree program, students will have developed their research, writing, and communication skills to a professional level. Even with a bachelor’s degree, political science graduates often work in career fields with high salaries with several opportunities for advancement.
What Is a Political Science Major?
A political science major is a discipline studied in universities and colleges. This degree path covers topics such as international relations, political theory, and comparative politics. Students who major in political science enter a wide range of careers depending on the level of education they pursue.
How to Become a Political Scientist: Political Science Education Options
To become a political scientist, you need to get a degree. The field requires an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree. Every degree option opens up different tiers of career opportunities. This list provides some of the best institutions to pursue an education in political science.
Political Science Associate Degree
A political science associate degree typically requires students to complete 60 credits, which usually takes two years. The coursework of these programs prepares students for a career in nonprofit organizations, business, or government. Some topics covered include world politics, government systems, and political ideologies.
Best Associate Degree Programs in Political Science
- Associate of Science (AS) in Social Science – Northern Virginia Community College
- Associate of Arts (AA) in Political Science – Foothill College
- Associate of Arts (AA) in Political Science – University of North Georgia
- Associate of Arts (AA) in Political Science – Casper College
- Associate of Arts (AA) in Political Science – Georgia Highlands College
Political Science Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in political science requires students to complete 120 credits, which usually takes four years. The coursework focuses on global political economy, law, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and government. Students also develop strong communication skills, analytical skills, and writing skills.
Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Political Science
- Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science – Arizona State University
- Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science – Columbia College (Missouri)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science – University of Wisconsin Whitewater
- Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science – Northern Illinois University
- Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science – University of Hawaii at Mānoa
Political Science Master’s Degree
In order to apply for a master’s degree program, you are required to have completed a four-year degree, although it doesn’t have to have been in the same field. A political science master’s degree typically takes two years to complete, and often covers advanced education in topics like political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and government.
The program can be project or thesis-based depending on the preference of the student. Students are expected to submit complex, original projects at the end of the program before they are awarded their master’s degree. This degree also qualifies you for more advanced jobs in the field.
Best Master’s Degree Programs in Political Science
- Master’s Degree in Political Science – Duke University
- Master’s Degree in Political Science – Case Western University
- Master’s Degree in Political Science – University of Florida
- Master’s Degree in Political Science – George Washington University
- Master’s Degree in Political Science – New York University
Political Science Career Overview: Is a Political Science Career Worth It?
Political Science Job Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), political science careers are projected to grow by nine percent from 2020 to 2030. Additionally, around 700 political science-related jobs are expected to become available every year. The job growth statistics will vary depending on the specific field you enter.
Political Science Salaries
According to the same report by BLS, the median annual salary for these experts was $125,350 in May 2020. However, the potential salary for different sectors may differ slightly. Some of the highest paying positions available to students at different educational levels are listed below.
Best Jobs for Political Science Majors: What Can You Do with a Political Science Degree?
With a degree in political science, you are qualified for a variety of jobs in many sectors. Some common jobs for political science graduates include policy analysts, political consultants, legislative assistants, political campaign staff, and public relations specialists.
Best Jobs for Political Science Associate Degree Majors
| Job Title | Recommended School | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Political Consultant | Casper College (Wyoming) | $139,000 |
| Policy Analyst | Georgia Highlands College | $124,000 |
| Public Relations Specialist | Columbia College (Missouri) | $118,210 |
| Legislative Assistants | Northern Virginia Community College | $81,000 |
| Political Campaign Staff | University of North Georgia | $63,000 |
Highest-Paying Jobs for Political Science Majors
A political science major gives you the skills necessary to explore several career paths. In a political science degree program, students develop stronger research, analytical, and communication skills. The more advanced the study, the better students become at writing papers, conducting research, and discussing government and politics.
Below are the highest-paying positions for political science majors and just a few of the career paths available to those with this degree.
Political Consultant
- Average Salary: $54,525
- Job Outlook: nine percent
Political consultants work with political candidates by coming up with strategies to influence the voters. Their role may be centered on branding and repairing the image of the political candidate. They may also use media coverage to sway voters to the side of the candidate.
Working in politics is no easy task. Being able to appeal to thousands – if not millions – of people requires charisma, knowledge, and strong communication skills. A politician is only as successful as their staff, which is why political consultants are important in the field.
Political consultants use their knowledge and understanding of government to come up with political strategies for the candidates they work for. These strategies can influence votes and make a candidate more appealing to voters.
Political consultants must have a strong understanding of how people view a candidate, what the media says about the person, and what policies the candidate must focus on to successfully win office.
Graduates with a political science degree have the potential to excel in this field due to the extensive amount of studying and analyzing done on politics, campaigns, government policies, and opinion polls.
Policy Analyst
- Average Salary: $74,335
- Job Outlook: nine percent*
Policy analysts work with the legislative arm of government. They come up with persuasive arguments for the adoption of current policies and devise a thesis to support it. Policy analysts also identify any issues that arise, and create solutions. They use their knowledge of political science to research how policy ideas could affect the public and suggest sustainable solutions.
Public Relations Specialist
- Average Salary: $62,810
- Job Outlook: 11 percent
These experts are responsible for organizing and publicizing events and press conferences for political leaders or important organizations. Their role is to keep the public informed about their clients and gain recognition. This role is suitable for political science graduates because their coursework covers the mechanics of public appearances and campaign organization for public bodies.
Legislative Assistants
- Average Salary: $51,755
- Job Outlook: 12 percent
These experts work with government law and policymakers. They are responsible for researching policy issues, surveying legislators, and tracking legislation. Legislative assistants prepare briefings, participate in assessing constituent interest in political issues, and sometimes, present legislators’ views to members of the public.
With a political science major, there are several entry-level and advanced positions in politics and government available to you. One such position is as a legislative assistant. From aiding senators to representatives and assembly members, legislative assistants work with civil servants at all levels of government.
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The duties of a legislative assistant vary wildly based on their employer, but some of the common tasks for an assistant include assessing the interest of constituents. Legislative assistants also answer constituent questions and aid in resolving issues with voters in their jurisdiction.
Other duties of legislative assistants include tracking bills, researching policy issues, and surveying the political opinions of legislators. Know that a legislative assistant also prepares briefings for office staff and their legislator.
Political Campaign Staff
- Average Salary: $35,994
- Job Outlook: 13 percent
Political campaign staff formulate and follow through on a campaign strategy. Their main goal is to build a favorable image for a brand or political candidate. These experts handle public image by drafting press releases and speeches for the brand or candidate. Political campaign staff may also handle the social media pages of the candidate and organize events that increase the candidate’s reach.
*Job outlook information from BLS report on political scientists.
Best Jobs for Political Science Bachelor’s Degree Majors
| Job Title | Recommended School | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Manager | University of Wisconsin Whitewater | $208,000 |
| Political Scientist | Columbia College (Missouri) | $170,800 |
| Arbitrator | Arizona State University | $131,210 |
| Community Service Manager | University of Hawaii at Mānoa | $115,800 |
| Survey Researcher | Northern Illinois University | $110,910 |
Public Relations Manager
- Average Salary: $118,430
- Job Outlook: 13 percent
Public relations managers handle one of the most important jobs in the political sphere. They are in charge of fundraising and public relations. These experts plan and handle efforts to maintain an organization’s image. A large part of their responsibility involves interacting with the media.
Political Scientist
- Average Salary: $125,350
- Job Outlook: nine percent
Political scientists work in public and private sectors. Their duties may include the collection and analysis of data, researching political subjects, and evaluating the effects of policies. They also study government structure to find partial solutions to political problems. Their research primarily focuses on foreign relations, political campaigns, elections, welfare reform, and immigration.
Political science isn’t just a field of study. Many people go on to work as a political scientist, oftentimes for the state. This government position involves researching political subjects, evaluating the effectiveness of certain policies, and collecting data.
It is perhaps one of the easier careers to transition into for a political science major. However, there are some details to keep in mind. You generally need a master’s degree to work in this field and there isn’t a significant amount of job growth in this position.
Arbitrator
- Average Salary: $66,130
- Job Outlook: 10 percent
Arbitrators help feuding parties come to a mutual understanding. They play a neutral role in order to make decisions on disputes based on the evidence presented by the feuding parties. However, the arbitrator’s decision is not legally binding, and both parties can still choose to seek legal action if the outcome isn’t favorable.
An arbitrator is a highly-paid political science professional serving as a third party in a legal dispute. Arbitrators help individuals and organizations resolve legal issues without the need of going to court.
Due to the varying nature of each dispute case, the specific duties and responsibilities of an arbitrator can change. Arbitrators typically aid parties with communicating their concerns, interviewing witnesses related to the dispute, preparing legal documentation, and performing negotiations.
Community Service Manager
- Average Salary: $69,600
- Job Outlook: 15 percent
Community service managers are responsible for supervising and coordinating community organizations and social services. They also work with members of the community to develop new programs, write proposals, analyze data, and organize staff. Community service managers review current community programs and assess them.
Survey Researcher
- Average Salary: $59,870
- Job Outlook: four percent
Survey researchers design surveys for research purposes. In the political sphere, they conduct surveys to determine public opinion on a candidate or policy. They then analyze data from the surveys and make recommendations based on the results. In some cases, the surveys will cover topics like health, government, education, and social sciences.
Best Jobs for Political Science Master’s Degree Majors
| Job Title | Recommended School | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Manager | University of Wisconsin Whitewater | $208,000 |
| Political Scientist | Columbia College (Missouri) | $170,800 |
| Arbitrator | Arizona State University | $131,210 |
| Community Service Manager | University of Hawaii at Mānoa | $115,800 |
| Survey Researcher | Northern Illinois University | $110,910 |
Lawyer
- Average Salary: $126,930
- Job Outlook: nine percent
Lawyers, also known as attorneys, specialize in different areas of law. Some of the specialties include tax law, environmental law, family law, immigration law, and corporate law. Lawyers are responsible for gathering the facts of a case, conducting legal research, advising clients, preparing briefs, and representing clients in court. You’re required to pass the bar exam in order to practice law.
Among the highest-paying careers for political science majors is that of a lawyer. While political science majors must attend law school to work in this field, the lifelong career path and high salary potential make it worth it.
As a lawyer, your knowledge of the law is used to represent clients in criminal and civil cases. A lawyer’s job is varied and multifaceted. Most legal professionals specialize in a type of law practice, such as corporate, family, or tax.
No matter what their specialty may be, a lawyer’s job is to gather facts for each case, perform legal research, write legal briefs, advise clients, and provide representation in court.
Economist
- Average Salary: $108,350
- Job Outlook: 13 percent
Economists work in both the public sector and private enterprises. They advise government bodies and organizations on economic policies, issues, and programs. They also conduct research on economic policies and stay updated on global and national economic issues. Economists focus on issues relating to wages, employment, business cycles, energy, and healthcare.
An economist’s job is to study the distribution of money. They analyze several aspects of this, such as goods and services, production, demand, and government policy. In addition to analyzing the way money moves, economists also spend a great deal of time analyzing financial data, making market trend forecasts, and conducting surveys.
The duties of an economist strongly align with the efforts of a political scientist. From the government policies to analyzing the way money moves in current market situations, the skills a student earns when majoring in political science come in handy.
Intelligence Analyst
- Average Salary: $66,915
- Job Outlook: 25 percent
Intelligence analysts work in public and private government sectors. They are in charge of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information that is used to develop future policies. Based on their analysis, they present their conclusions to policy-makers and stakeholders through detailed reports, presentations, or other avenues of communication.
Urban and Regional Planner
- Average Salary: $75,950
- Job Outlook: seven percent
Urban and regional planners are responsible for revitalizing communities through economic, social, and environmental solutions. These experts oversee project budgets and ensure that they meet the standard of community development, historical preservation, and land use. Urban and regional planners also consult the public to get opinions on problems, projects, and solutions.
An urban and regional planner is a lucrative job position for political science professionals. In this career path, professionals help decide the best ways to utilize land. The decisions made here aid in community development initiatives and the growth of a local economy.
There are several responsibilities associated with this position, such as conducting research on the environmental and economic issues in the area, holding meetings with public officials, developing and presenting plans to use the land, analyzing environmental regulations, and ensuring buildings are up to code.
Lobbyist
- Average Salary: $67,784
- Job Outlook: nine percent*
Lobbyists are responsible for legally negotiating with government officials in an attempt to influence their policies to favor their organization or client. These negotiations involve a variety of concerns, including laws, actions, or decisions
*Job outlook information from BLS report on political scientists.
Three Final Tips to Get a Job in Political Science
- Work on your resume. The first and most important tip is to work on your resume. Your resume acts as your first impression to the employer, and will decide whether you’ll land an interview. Make sure it’s updated, well-organized, and provides all of the relevant information.
- Participate in an internship. Internships are an excellent way to gain working experience in politics, which is important since employers tend to prefer candidates with some experience in the field. There are also plenty of assistant positions that will allow you to gain relevant experience.
- Get an advanced degree. While you can get a job in political science with an associate degree, you have a much better chance of securing a higher-paying job with an advanced degree. In most cases, master’s degree holders earn more than those with bachelor’s degrees.
Start Your Political Science Career
As you can see, there are several jobs for political science graduates. These positions aren’t all about politics or government, either. While political science degree programs do prepare you for a position in government and politics, the skills you obtain throughout the program can be used in other fields.
If you have an interest in politics, government policy, and analyzing the way people respond to these things, then a political science major is right for you. You’ll be happy to know that several career opportunities are waiting for you upon earning your degree.
Political science is a particularly versatile degree that can open up opportunities in a variety of fields. If you are interested in working in government, law, or in a nonprofit, gaining the right level of education is a good first step. You can even earn a political science degree online that will set you on the right track toward your dream career.
An Extra Job in Political Science to Explore
Market Research Analyst
A market research analyst has the responsibility of analyzing how consumers respond to a new service or product. This is similar to how political science majors examine the way voters react to new policies and candidates running for office.
Market research analysts must analyze data and use current research standards to come up with viable studies that allow them to accurately predict marketing trends. The communication skills of political science majors also support an analyst’s ability to communicate their findings accurately to clients.
The strong analytical skills political science majors develop in school make them candidates for positions in marketing.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a market research analyst is $63,790 per year. Political science majors only need a bachelor’s degree to get this position.
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