Social Sciences
Political science
Listed by colleges as Political Science and Government
Focuses on the systematic study of political institutions and behavior. Covers political philosophy, political theory, comparative government and politics, political parties and interest groups, public opinion, political research methods, studies of the government and politics of specific countries, and studies of specific political institutions and processes.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under 5 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- Political Science and Government, General
- Focuses on the systematic study of political institutions and behavior. Covers political philosophy, political theory, comparative government and politics, political parties and interest groups, public opinion, political research methods, studies of the government and politics of specific countries, and studies of specific political institutions and processes.
- American Government and Politics (United States)
- Focuses on the systematic study of United States political institutions and behavior. Covers American political theory, political parties and interest groups, state and local governments, Constitutional law, federalism and national institutions, executive and legislative politics, judicial politics, popular attitudes and media influences, political research methods, and applications to the study of specific issues and institutions.
- Canadian Government and Politics
- Focuses on the systematic study of Canadian political institutions and behavior. Covers British and North American political theory, political parties and interest groups, provincial and local governments, Constitutional law, federalism and national institutions, executive and legislative politics, judicial politics, popular attitudes and media influences, political research methods, and applications to the study of specific issues and institutions.
- Political Economy
- Focuses on the interaction between politics and economics in the formation of public policy. Covers microeconomics; macroeconomics; political theory; American, comparative, and international political economy; and quantitative methods.
- Political Science and Government, Other
- Political science and government not listed above.
Also called International Political Economy, Political Economy and Government
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Managers, All Other
- Median pay
- $141,900
- Hiring change through 2035
- 4.9%
- Job openings a year
- 100,900
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career ShrinkingSecondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Median pay
- $72,040
- Hiring change through 2035
- −0.2%
- Job openings a year
- 63,500
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career GrowingSocial Science Research Assistants
- Median pay
- $61,990
- Hiring change through 2035
- 5.0%
- Job openings a year
- 4,900
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyPolitical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $98,070
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.5%
- Job openings a year
- 1,500
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this career ShrinkingPolitical Scientists
- Median pay
- $142,080
- Hiring change through 2035
- −2.0%
- Job openings a year
- 400
To get hiredMaster's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyEconomists
- Median pay
- $124,720
- Hiring change through 2035
- 4.7%
- Job openings a year
- 1,100
To get hiredMaster's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyEconomics Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $123,920
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.4%
- Job openings a year
- 1,000
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it. The figures beside each career are the pay of that work, across everyone doing it. Graduates of this field earn $33,254 one year after completing the program, which is the start of a career rather than the shape of one.
Working style
How and where the work happens
Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.
This field leads to a mix of in-person and computer-based work. About 37 of every 100 openings require working close to other people or spending time on your feet.
College options
Where to study it
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