Political Scientist

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.

On the job, you would:

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.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Political scientists often use qualitative and quantitative research methods. They require analytical skills to collect, evaluate, and interpret data.

Communication skills. Political scientists often collaborate with other researchers when writing reports or giving presentations. They must communicate their findings to a wide variety of audiences.

Creativity. Political scientists must continually explore new ideas and information to produce original papers and research. They must stay current on political subjects and come up with new ways to think about and address issues.

Critical-thinking skills. Political scientists must be able to examine and process available information and draw logical conclusions from their findings.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		95%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
		87%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		86%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		86%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		84%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		84%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		82%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		73%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		71%	Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
		68%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
		66%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
		64%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		58%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		54%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		100%	Investigative - Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
		72%	Artistic - Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
		56%	Social - Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		78%	Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
		78%	Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
		72%	Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
		67%	Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		91%	Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
		78%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
		78%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
		75%	Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
		75%	Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
		75%	Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
		72%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
		69%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		66%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		66%	Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
		56%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		53%	Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
		53%	Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
		53%	Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Skills \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		70%	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
		68%	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
		68%	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
		66%	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
		66%	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
		59%	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
		55%	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
		54%	Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
		54%	Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
		54%	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Advise students on academic or career matters.

Advise others on educational matters.

Serve on institutional or departmental committees.

Instruct college students in social sciences or humanities disciplines.

Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.

Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.

Interpret research or operational data.

Conduct research on social issues.

Evaluate civic projects or public policies.

Advise others on matters of public policy.

Prepare information or documentation related to legal or regulatory matters.

Forecast economic, political, or social trends.

Advise others on matters of public policy.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		100%	Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
		96%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		95%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		92%	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
		88%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		83%	Level of Competition - To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
		80%	Public Speaking - How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job?
		76%	Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting?
		73%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		70%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		68%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		65%	Letters and Memos - How often does the job require written letters and memos?
		57%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		52%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		51%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		87%	Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		95%	Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		95%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		92%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		90%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		89%	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
		88%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		87%	Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
		81%	Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
		80%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		78%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		76%	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
		72%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		71%	Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
		71%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		69%	Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		64%	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
		64%	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
		63%	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		62%	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
		62%	Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
		58%	Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
		56%	Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
		56%	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

What Political Scientists Do

Political scientists often present their findings.

Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. They research political ideas and analyze governments, policies, political trends, and related issues.

Duties

Political scientists typically do the following:

Research political subjects, such as the U.S. political system and foreign relations
Collect and analyze data from sources such as public opinion surveys
Develop and test political theories
Evaluate the effects of policies and laws on government, businesses, and people
Monitor current events, policy decisions, and other related issues
Forecast political, economic, and social trends
Submit research results by giving presentations and publishing articles

Political scientists usually conduct research in one of the following areas: national politics, comparative politics, international relations, or political theory.

Often, political scientists use qualitative methods in their research, gathering information from numerous sources. For example, they may use historical documents to analyze past government structures and policies. Political scientists also rely on quantitative methods to develop and research theories. For example, they may analyze voter registration data to identify voting patterns. Political scientists study a wide range of topics such as U.S. political parties, how political structures differ among countries, globalization, and the history of political thought.

Political scientists also work as policy analysts for organizations that have a stake in policy, such as government, labor unions, and political groups. They evaluate current policies and events using public opinion surveys, economic data, and election results. From these sources, they try to anticipate the effects of new policies.

Political scientists often research the effects of government policies on a particular region or population, both domestically and internationally. As a result, they provide information and analysis that help in planning, developing, or carrying out policies.

Many people with a political science background become postsecondary teachers and high school teachers.

Work Environment

Political scientists held about 6,200 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of political scientists were as follows:

Federal government, excluding postal service	61%
Professional, scientific, and technical services	18
Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations	10
Educational services; state, local, and private	5

Work Schedules

Political scientists typically work full time in an office. They may work additional hours to finish reports and meet deadlines.

Getting Started

Education:

88%

Doctoral Degree

Master's Degree

How to Become a Political Scientist

Political scientists learn to analyze quantitative and qualitative data.

To enter the occupation, political scientists typically need at least a master’s degree in political science, public administration, or a related field.

Education

Political scientists typically need to complete either a master’s or Ph.D. program to enter the occupation. Applicants to a graduate program should have completed undergraduate courses in political science, writing, and statistics. They also may benefit from having related work or internship experience.

Political scientists often complete a master of public administration (MPA), master of public policy (MPP), or master of public affairs degree. These programs usually combine several disciplines, and students can choose to concentrate in a specific area of interest. Most offer core courses in research methods, policy formation, program evaluation, and statistics. Some colleges and universities also offer master’s degrees in political science, international relations, or other applied political science specialties.

Some political scientists also complete a Ph.D. program, which requires several years of coursework followed by independent research for a dissertation. Most Ph.D. candidates choose to specialize in one of four primary subfields of political science: national politics, comparative politics, international relations, or political theory.

Jobseekers with a bachelor’s degree in political science usually qualify for entry-level positions in a related occupation, such as assistants in research organizations, political campaigns, or nonprofit organizations. They may also qualify for some government positions. Others work outside of politics and policymaking, such as in business or law.

Other Experience

Entry-level jobseekers can benefit from internships or volunteer work through clubs and political organizations. These activities can give students a chance to apply their academic knowledge in a professional setting and to develop the analytic, research, and writing skills needed for the field.

Job Outlook

Employment of political scientists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 600 openings for political scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Increased demand for public policy analysis will support employment growth for these workers. Political scientists will continue to be needed in government to assess the impact of public policy and proposals, such as service efficiencies, budget changes, and other improvements.

Political organizations, lobbying firms, and labor unions rely on political scientists’ knowledge to manage complex regulations. Political scientists will be needed at research and policy institutes to focus on politics and political theory. Organizations that research or advocate for specific causes, such as healthcare or the environment, need political scientists to analyze policies relating to their field.

Contacts for More Information

For more information about political scientists and political science careers, visit

American Political Science Association

American Association of Political Consultants

For more information about college programs in public affairs and administration, visit

Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of political scientists.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Anthropologists and Archeologists	Anthropologists and archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans.	Master's degree	$63,940
Economists	Economists conduct research, prepare reports, and evaluate issues related to monetary and fiscal policy. They also may collect and analyze statistical data.	Master's degree	$113,940
Market Research Analysts	Market research analysts study consumer preferences, business conditions, and other factors to assess potential sales of a product or service.	Bachelor's degree	$68,230
Postsecondary Teachers	Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.	See How to Become One	$80,840
Sociologists	Sociologists study society and social behavior.	Master's degree	$98,590
Survey Researchers	Survey researchers design and conduct surveys and analyze data.	Master's degree	$60,410
Urban and Regional Planners	Urban and regional planners develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities.	Master's degree	$79,540
Geographers	Geographers study the Earth and the distribution of its land, features, and inhabitants.	Bachelor's degree	$88,900
Historians	Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past by studying historical documents and sources.	Master's degree	$64,540

Political Scientist

What they do: