Political Science Jobs

Political science is an excellent starting point for many careers and can teach you how to become a responsible and active citizen. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% increase in political science jobs for the next eight years, which means there will be about 93,300 new opportunities available. However, just like looking for jobs in many other sciences, searching through this vast field of possibilities is never easy. To make things easier for you, we managed to compile a filtered list of the top jobs currently on the market. Moreover, beneath the job listing, you’ll find relevant information and genuine insight about starting your career.

What You Need to Know About Political Science

If you are a person who is intrigued and fascinated by current events, wants to make a difference and shape public policies, and feels a great need to serve the people, then a political science major is an ideal choice for you. The best thing about it is that even if you don’t want to be involved in politics, you can consider numerous other careers with a political science degree. This is a field that comprises various subfields, including international relations, public administration, and law. If you do want to be involved in politics, though, you’ll have the opportunity to hone your research and writing skills, learn how comparative structures of governments are built around the world, how campaigns are being waged, how to influence public opinion, and many other valuable and interesting things.

What is Political Science?

Let’s start with a simple clarification. Political science, by definition, is a social science that deals with political thoughts, activities, analysis of political behavior, and systems of governance. This social science studies exactly how laws are made, how governments work, and how their policies affect the community, society, and the economy. It’s a vast field that focuses on shaping society through political policies and changes. There’s a wide variety of careers for political science majors, should you consider going down this path. Depending on your preferences, qualities, and which major you choose to study, lots of career options are available. Let’s take a look at some of the best ones:

Types of Political Science Careers

Due to this social science degree’s versatility, graduates can choose from a range of prospective careers in political science. Not only can students learn laws and politics from these programs, but they can also attain valuable knowledge, as well as communicational and analytical skills. A political science degree unlocks opportunities within local, state, and federal governments, including judicial, legislative, and executive branches, civil society organizations, or work in the private sector. Graduates also have the opportunity for internships and entry-level work, and there are a lot of jobs for political science majors right out of college. We’re going to show you a handful of the best jobs you can get with this social science degree after you graduate:

6 Top Jobs for Political Science Majors

The final decision about your career path and which major to choose to take will ultimately depend on your qualities, personality traits, interests, and what you aspire to become. The following six political science major jobs are perfect for college graduates:

1. Legislative Assistant

Legislative assistants carry out duties of senators, representatives, and other elected government officials. Their job is to respond to inquiries made by constituents, assess their interests, and help with citizen’s problems as much as their jurisdiction allows. The median annual salary for this political science job stands at $40,488, not including additional compensation.

2. Policy Analyst

A policy analyst’s role is to formulate statements about public policy by using their research, writing, and critical-thinking skills. Part of the description for these political jobs is presenting persuasive arguments against or for a specific policy initiative. They can also use their knowledge of legislative processes to seek support from people who can help with their initiatives. For their work, they can expect a yearly median wage of $59,312, and may also receive bonuses or other various forms of compensation.

3. Intelligence Analyst

Intelligence analysts generally work within government agencies like the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) or the National Security Agency (NSA), but they sometimes apply their skills in the private sector. People working at these political science government jobs use their knowledge and understanding of data analysis, businesses, and political groups and climates to assess and evaluate threats and opportunities around for their employers. This information is then used to formulate appropriate responses and give recommendations to policy makers. Knowledge of foreign languages helps in their daily duties, and for their efforts, they receive a generous median salary of about $69,854 per year.

4. Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists, or representatives, are responsible for influencing the public’s opinion about their clients. The duties of people working on these jobs in political science are to create, nurture, and preserve the public image of the individual or the organization they represent. This is one of the common entry-level political science jobs. With entry-level work, you can develop writing skills, form opinions, learn the role of the media, and how to organize and manage press conferences. Public relations specialists earn a median annual salary of $61,150.

5. Political Consultant

Political consultants use their knowledge to understand political processes in order to develop strategies for their candidates. Their task is to help brand their candidate’s image and repair it if necessary. These jobs for political science professionals may also be found within public interests groups where they help their cause by creating strategies. For their work, they earn a median annual salary of $77,368, not including any performance-related bonuses.

6. Political Campaign Staff

Members of a political campaign staff are in charge of creating campaign strategies and overseeing their implementation. They first study trending political issues and then assess how voters react to their candidate’s program. Part of the job description for these political campaign jobs is to draft languages and write press releases. They are also tasked to raise money via fundraising campaigns, train and recruit volunteers, and organize events for media exposure. Due to numerous obligations, these professionals are perhaps underpaid, earning a median annual salary of $59,101. Now, let’s turn our attention toward the highest paying political science careers, what it takes to get employed, and what the future holds for these occupations.

Highest Paying Political Science Jobs

A degree in political sciences is one of the most varied and promising educational opportunities out there. Even though career paths aren’t always precise and well-defined, political science degree jobs are still quite popular among college students. Securing a high-paying position in this field isn’t easy at all. It will depend on the major you select to study, what type of degree you possess after graduating, and which useful skills you have for that particular job. Here’s a list of the most lucrative jobs and their requirements:

1. Lawyers

Lawyers, also called attorneys, represent their clients on disputes and legal issues. They give advice and counsel individuals or businesses about their obligations and legal rights. Going down this political science career path, you need to be an outstanding interlocutor with incredible communication and interpersonal skills. Other than that, lawyers need strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent writing and researching skills to aid them in legal matters. Becoming a lawyer is not easy. It usually takes about 7 years of studying—4 years of undergraduate studying, which are followed by an additional 3 years at a law school. Every lawyer must have a law degree and pass a written bar examination in order to receive a license to practice law. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth for these political science jobs for the next eight years. This means that 50,100 new jobs will be added to the already present 823,900. Lawyers are one of the highest-paid occupations in this field, earning a median hourly pay of $59,11.

• Educational Requirements: Doctoral or Professional Degree
• Employment Growth Outlook: 6% by 2028
• Median Annual Salary: $122,960

Most common workplaces for lawyers are local, state, and federal governments, corporate legal offices, and small private practices. The typical working hours of lawyers are the standard Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. However, those who work in the private sector may work significantly more than 40 hours per week.

2. Political Scientists

These professionals study the origins, operations, and development of political systems. They also conduct research on political ideas and analyze various government establishments, political trends, policies, and other related issues. To work as a political scientist, you need to have magnificent analytical and critical-thinking skills, while also being able to communicate well and present your findings. Before deciding to go for a political scientist career, take note of the fact that you would need a Master’s degree or a PhD in political sciences, public administration, or a related field. It’s an incredibly demanding occupation in terms of education, but the rewards are more than worth the effort, as the political scientist median hourly salary stands at $58,76. The BLS estimates a 5% increase, meaning there will be about 300 new positions available within the next eight years.

• Educational Requirements: Master’s Degree or PhD
• Employment Growth Outlook: 5% by 2028
• Median Annual Salary: $122,220

Political scientist jobs are most commonly found in federal government institutions, and they typically work in an office, clocking in 40 hours per week during standard business days.

3. Judges and Hearing Officers

Judges and hearing officers oversee legal processes in a court, settle administrative disputes, issue legal decisions, handle pretrial hearings, and smooth out opposing parties’ negotiations. These political science careers entail closely listening to the facts that are provided by both parties. Therefore, the most essential skills and qualities that judges and hearing officers need to have are formidable writing, reading, and listening skills, as well as excellent critical-thinking and decision-making abilities. Furthermore, a law degree is a necessity, as is previous working experience as a lawyer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this occupation projects the lowest growth rate on this list, with a 3% increase over the next eight years. This slower than average growth will add about 1,200 new jobs to the already present 45,000 at a median hourly political science salary of $57,74.

• Educational Requirements: Doctoral or Professional Degree
• Employment Growth Outlook: 3% by 2028
• Median Annual Salary: $120,090

All judges and hearing officers work in courts and are employed by local, state, and federal governments. Some may work during evenings or weekends and be available to issue emergency orders at any time of the day.

4. Urban and Regional Planners

Urban and regional planners develop programs and plans for land use to help accommodate the population, create and shape communities, and revitalize facilities in counties, towns, and cities. These political science career options are fascinating since urban and regional planners help improve communities by addressing economic, environmental, and social issues. They also help with sheltering homeless people, plan the creation of new parks, and strive to make the region attractive to businesses. Leadership qualities are of the utmost importance for this occupation. Other notable qualities include strong decision-making and outstanding communication skills. To become an urban or regional planner, you need to have at least a Master’s degree from an accredited program. Experience is not a necessary requirement, although many students might want to consider political science internships to increase their chances of a successful application. This occupation has one of the best-projected growth rates, with the BLS estimating an 11% increase. For the next eight years, there will be about 4,200 new political science job opportunities for those who want to work on urban or regional planning. What’s more, you’ll get paid handsomely, as the median hourly rate currently stands at $35,75.

• Educational Requirements: Master’s Degree
• Employment Growth Outlook: 11% by 2028
• Median Annual Salary: $74,350

Urban and regional planners usually work full-time during standard business hours. Evening or weekend work is rare, but it can still occur as these professionals may need to attend meetings, plan commissions, or convene with neighborhood groups.

5. Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators

People doing these political science jobs act as mediators between disputing parties and facilitate negotiations to help resolve their conflicts without involving the court system. To be able to do your job well, you’d need to be a skillful communicator above all else. This means that you’d need to listen, read, and write with impeccable focus and understanding. Critical-thinking and decision-making abilities are also high on the list of the necessary minimum requirements for people who want to pursue this political science career. Previous related working experience, alongside a Bachelor’s degree in political science, is sufficient to land you one of these jobs. On-the-job training is also available by experienced mentors. There are currently 7,700 arbitrator, mediator, and conciliator positions in the US and about 600 more will become available within the next eight years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected growth rate will see an 8% increase, with professionals earning a median hourly pay of $30,74.

• Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
• Employment Growth Outlook: 8% by 2028
• Median Annual Salary: $63,930

These political science jobs can be found in healthcare, local and state government institutions, legal services agencies, or as self-employed workers.

6. Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Paralegals and legal assistants support lawyers by performing a variety of tasks. These tasks may include organization and maintenance of files and archives, document drafting, and performing legal research. Interpersonal and communication skills are the essential qualities for this occupation. Other than that, candidates need to possess strong organizational and research skills, as well as be skillful with computers. To start your career in political science and work as a paralegal or legal assistant, you only need an Associate’s degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the highest increase of all occupations in this list. Namely, with a projected 12% growth rate, there will be an additional 39,000 new jobs at a median hourly rate of $24,87.

• Educational Requirements: Associate’s Degree
• Employment Growth Outlook: 12% by 2028
• Median Annual Salary: $51,740

Even though people doing these political science jobs receive the lowest salary, they can be found in almost all types of organizations. Typically, though, they work in law firms, government agencies, and in the corporate legal sector. They usually abide by the regular business hours and days, although sometimes overtime work may occur if specific deadlines need to be met.

Political Science Job Outlook

The job outlook for political sciences jobs looks excellent, with all occupations projecting a steady growth rate by 2028. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations in this field are expected to see a 7% increase within the next eight years. This growth will add about 93,300 new jobs for people with political science degrees. Paralegals and legal assistants project the largest increase, with a 12% growth, or about 39,000 additional jobs. However, lawyers are expected to experience the largest growth, with 50,100 new positions even though this occupation projects only a 6% increase. Competition will be fierce due to the fact that there are more student graduates than there are positions available. On the other end of the spectrum, the lowest increase is noticeable in judges and hearing officers, with only a 3% increase, or about 1,200 new positions. Political scientists can expect the lowest amount of new jobs is expected with only 300 new opportunities. To sum up, the future is bright for graduates who are seeking jobs in politics or otherwise jobs that require a political sciences degree.

Political Sciences Work Environment

Almost all of the occupations mentioned above work the standard business days and hours: Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Overtime work, evening, or weekend hours are rare occurrences, and only specific occupations may require availability during these periods. The largest and most common employers are local, state and federal governments, legal services agencies, and corporate legal offices. Political science entry level jobs are also quite frequent, as employers tend to gauge the quality of their employees for further career advancement. Moreover, there are also self-employment options if you are looking at the private sector and want to be your own boss.

Wrap Up

Deciding to study political sciences is not an easy choice to make. You need to be willing to spend years studying and honing your skills and putting in a lot of effort to graduate. However, just having a degree may not be enough to succeed in this field. Your resume needs to be sound too, so that you can stand out from the competition. The BLS projects a 7% increase in political science jobs, which means there will be plenty of opportunities available, but also countless other graduates and individuals who are all looking for the same. Luckily, you can get a head start, as we have attached a filtered list of the finest jobs currently available. Simply scroll back to the beginning of this article and apply for the job that suits your needs!

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