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Political Scientists
Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.
Other titles employers use
Government Affairs Researcher · Government Affairs Specialist · Local Governance and Citizen Participation Specialist · Political Consultant · Political Research Scientist · Political Researcher
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Teach political science.
- Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
- Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to analytical, creative and persuading work.
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Creative
- Making, designing, writing, or performing without one set answer
- Persuading
- Leading, selling, starting projects, or making a case
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
Subjects to know
- Law and Government
- English Language
- Education and Training
- History and Archeology
- Mathematics
Useful strengths
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Inductive Reasoning
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.3 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 2.4 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.5 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 1.2 | Little of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a master's degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A doctorate or professional degree 92%
- A master's degree 8%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Analytical or scientific software
- Document management software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Electronic mail software
- Web platform development software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 4,180
- Job openings each year
- 340
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- —
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 4,180 | 340 | — |
| Virginia | 820 | 70 | 9.3% |
| Washington | 290 | 40 | 31.8% |
| Pennsylvania | 160 | 10 | — |
| Indiana | 140 | 10 | 16.7% |
| Maryland | 110 | 10 | 10.0% |
| Arizona | 100 | 10 | 11.1% |
| Florida | 50 | 10 | 25.0% |
| New Hampshire | 50 | 0 | 25.0% |
| Maine | 40 | 0 | — |
| Ohio | 30 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
University of California-Los Angeles
- Degrees each year
- 816
- Admit rate
- 9%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
George Washington University
- Degrees each year
- 816
- Admit rate
- 44%
- Annual cost after aid
- $22,000
Florida State University
- Degrees each year
- 697
- Admit rate
- 25%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
University of California-San Diego
- Degrees each year
- 899
- Admit rate
- 25%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
Florida International University
- Degrees each year
- 608
- Admit rate
- 59%
- Annual cost after aid
- $11,000
Georgetown University
- Degrees each year
- 589
- Admit rate
- 13%
- Annual cost after aid
- $18,000
American University
- Degrees each year
- 603
- Admit rate
- 47%
- Annual cost after aid
- $26,000
University of California-Berkeley
- Degrees each year
- 498
- Admit rate
- 12%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
Compare every college offering political science and government