What can you do with a political science degree? This is aquestion a lot of prospective poli sci students find themselves pondering. Althoughpolitical science is a popular major at many colleges and universities aroundthe country, career paths for graduates aren't always clear-cut. Even so, it ispossible to secure a lucrative position in the field when you know what youroptions are. In this article, we'll explore the seven highest paying politicalscience jobs.
Featured Programs
Lawyer
What can you do with a political science degree? A commonanswer to that question is "lawyer." These high-profile positions are oftenassociated with academic backgrounds in law and political science. Alsoreferred to as attorneys, lawyers rely on their extensive knowledge of the lawand legal system in order to represent their client's best legal interests in avariety of civil and criminal matters.
Lawyers and attorneys often specialize in a specific area oflaw. These specialty areas include family law, environmental law, tax law,corporate law, and more. The particular duties of a lawyer may vary based ontheir chosen specialty. Generally speaking, though, lawyers are tasked withconducting legal research, gathering facts on a case, writing legal briefs,advising clients, and providing legal representation in a court of law.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that jobs forlawyers and attorneys are currently growing at a steady rate. Still, there aremore law school graduates each year than there are available positions, socompetition will be strong.
To become a lawyer, students must complete a bachelor'sdegree program in political science or a related field as well as a JurisDoctor (JD) program from an ABA-accredited law school. Prospective attorneysmust also pass the bar exam in order to practice law officially.
For students interested in this potentially lucrative career path, the University of Missouri-St. Louis offers a flexible Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science that can be completed on campus, online, or via a hybrid format. The program's core curriculum is comprised of course titles such as Introduction to American Politics, Political Analysis, World Politics, and Introduction to Comparative Politics. Students must also complete a senior seminar in political science prior to graduation.
For those who prefer an online program, the University of Central Florida offers a complete BA in Political Science that can be completed entirely via distance education. Coursework for the program covers topics such as international relations, government, political theory, and policy, for example. Internships are also available to eligible students.
Postsecondary Political Science Teacher
Those pondering the question "what can you do with apolitical science degree" should carefully consider the role of a postsecondarypolitical science teacher, especially if they're interested in earning ahandsome salary. Though these professionals work in an academic setting, theymust have a high level of expertise in the field of political science. Thisexpertise can be gained through formal training in a bachelor's degree programas well as a postgraduate degree program in political science. Mostuniversities require their political science instructors to hold a doctoral degree.Community colleges, however, may accept applicants with just a master'scredential.
No matter what school they're employed by, the duties requiredof a political science professor go beyond classroom instruction. They may alsobe tasked with developing curricula in a sub-field of political science,advising students on academic and career goals, and conducting scholarlyresearch in their field. Auxiliary duties may also be required, depending onthe terms of employment.
Positions for political science professors are growingfaster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).Prospects for part-time instructors will be strongest, however, and thecompetition for full-time employment in the field will be stiff.
The University of Illinois-Chicago offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science for individuals interested in teaching political science at the university level. Students enrolled in this terminal degree program have the option to choose from among five distinct specialty areas: comparative politics, American politics, urban politics, political theory, and international relations.
Students who want to teach political science in a community college setting may be interested in the Master of Arts in Political Science offering from Sam Houston State University. The program includes both thesis and non-thesis options as well as a credential-only track for students who already hold a master's degree. Scholarships are available to eligible students.
Judges and Hearing Officers
Still wondering what can you do with a political sciencedegree? Another obvious answer to the question is that you can pursue a careeras a judge or hearing officer. These top legal professionals act as authoritiesin the courtroom and are tasked with objectively applying the law to myriadcivil and criminal cases. Their responsibilities can include conductingin-depth legal research, presiding over court procedures, writing judicialopinions and decisions, and sentencing convicted criminals.
The path to becoming a judge or hearing officer is notalways clear-cut, however. Most of these legal professionals have advanceddegrees in law and/or political science as well as extensive work experience inthe field. In addition, some candidates may have to pass examinations in orderto become licensed to work in this capacity.
Moreover, competition for these positions is highlycompetitive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that positions forjudges and hearing officers will be scarce in the foreseeable future, growingat a rate of just 3% over the next eight years.
Most judges and hearing officers hold a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Yale University's Juris Doctor offering one of the very best in the nation. Once accepted into the program, students can choose an area of interest such as environmental law, human rights law, criminal justice, legal history, and international law, for example.
Students who desire more flexibility may want to consider the University of Dayton's hybrid Juris Doctor program. Approved by the American Bar Association, the four-year program is comprised of weekly live-streamed classes as well as intermittent on-campus intensives.
Political Scientist
Perhaps the most obvious answer to the question "what canyou do with a political science degree?" is to become a political scientist. Theseprofessionals are immersed in politics, researching political concepts andtheories and tracking political trends. Political scientists typicallyspecialize in a specific sub-field of politics such as national politics,international theory, or comparative politics, for example. Some politicalscientists find work as policy analysts for political groups and government agencies.
Jobs for political scientists are growing about as fast asaverage, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Competitions for thesepositions will be strong, however, as there are a greater number of projectedapplicants than job openings. Students who hold master's degrees in politicalscience or a closely related field will have the best chances for secureemployment. Internships and volunteer work may also increase a candidate'semployability.
Students interested in pursuing a career as a political scientist may want to consider Florida International University's undergraduate major in political science. Offered through the university's Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs and the Department of Politics & International Relations, the comprehensive 120-credit hour program requires courses in international politics, political theory, and American politics.
A good option for students who wish to earn their political science credentials online is the University of Illinois- Springfield's online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. This robust offering mirrors the school's on-campus program and can be completed entirely online. An internship is required but can be completed in the student's local area.
Arbitrator
Another career option for political science majors is theposition of an arbitrator. Arbitrators act as objective third parties in legaldisputes, helping the individuals or organizations resolve the issue withoutgoing to court. Their specific duties may vary from case to case but generallyinvolve helping the parties communicate their concerns and expectations, negotiatingsettlements, interviewing witnesses, and preparing legal documents.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), thedemand for arbitrators is currently growing faster than average, so jobprospects for qualified candidates should be good. Still, applicants withadvanced legal degrees or those with expertise in a particular legal field willfare the best.
Salisbury University offers a highly targeted bachelor's degree program for prospective arbitrators. Its Bachelor of Arts in Conflict Analysis & Dispute Resolution is a multidisciplinary option that features three distinct tracks: International, Intergroup/Organizational, and Interpersonal. Students enrolled in the program will take courses such as Dynamics of Social Conflict, Studies in Conflict Analysis and Dispute, and Dispute Systems Design, for example.
The University of North Carolina-Greensboro offers a similar online option. Its BA in Peace and Conflict Studies uses an asynchronous content delivery model and can be completed entirely via distance education. Courses comprising the program's curriculum include Introduction to Conflict and Peace Studies, Working Through Interpersonal Conflicts, and Managing Conflicts in Professional Contexts. Individual study options are available, and a senior seminar in Peace and Conflict Studies is required.
Urban and Regional Planner
"What can you do with a political science degree" you might ask? Another potentially lucrative career path for "poli sci" majors is the one that leads to a position as an urban and regional planner. These professionals help communities decide how to best use the land at their disposal, encouraging economic growth and community development. Their many duties include conducting research on economic and environmental issues, presenting development and land use plans, conducting meetings with public officials, and analyzing building codes and environmental regulations, for instance.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the jobprospects for urban and regional planners are currently growing much fasterthan average, so now is a good time to enter the field.
Because of the complex nature of their occupations, urbanand regional planners are typically required to hold a master's degree in urbanor regional planning. Most have undergraduate backgrounds in political scienceor a closely related field, however.
The University of Arizona offers an MS in Urban Planning program that is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB). Offered through its College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture, the program is versatile, enabling students to concentrate their studies in sub-fields like environmental planning, real estate and urban development, heritage conservation, and urban transportation planning.
A similar online program is offered by the University of Florida's College of Design, Construction, and Planning. This master's in urban and regional planning option enables students to specialize in Sustainability or Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Required courses include Land Use Planning Law, Planning Research Design, Urban Land Economics, and Transportation Policy & Planning.
Paralegal
While some may think of the position of a paralegal as the last answer to the question "what can you do with a political science degree?" it actually has the potential to be a high-paying option for poli sci majors.
Paralegals assist lawyers and attorneys with administrativeduties and case building in legal disputes. Their responsibilities may varybased on their employer and work environment, but they generally includeconducting legal research, preparing official legal documents, writing legalbriefs, and filing court documents.
The demand for paralegals and legal assistants is currently growingat a rapid pace, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Still, jobprospects will be best for those individuals with strong computer and technicalskills. Experience in database management is particularly desirable foremployers.
To become a paralegal, you'll need either an associate's orbachelor's degree as well as a certificate in paralegal studies. This formal preparationensures that professionals have the legal background and skills necessary toperform their duties proficiently.
Liberty University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies. This 3 ½- year offering features course titles such as Foundations of Law, Criminal Practice and Procedures, and Family Law.
For students looking for a quicker route to a career as a paralegal, Keiser University offers an Associate of Arts degree program in Paralegal Studies. This flexible program can be completed on campus, online, or via a blended learning format.
Frequently-Asked Questions About Political Science
Degrees
If you're seriously pondering the question "what can you dowith a political science degree," then you're likely to have a lot of otherquestions as well. After all, it's wise to gather as much information aspossible before embarking on such a big educational pursuit. Below, we'll fieldsome of the common inquiries we receive about degrees in political science.
Q: What kind of degree do I need to work in political science?A: The majority of entry-level jobs in political sciencerequire just a bachelor's degree, and a few are attainable with an associate'scredential. Some of the positions highlighted in this ranking, such as those inurban planning and postsecondary instruction, for instance, require an advanceddegree.
Q: Are job prospects good for political science majors?A: Yes! Most of the occupations featured in our ranking aregrowing steadily, faster than average, or even much faster than average,according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The only occupation notcurrently experiencing a boom is that of judges and hearing officers.
Q: Can I earn a political science degree online?A: Yes. Many colleges and universities are offeringpolitical science degrees via distance education. It is possible to find onlineprograms in poli sci at virtually every level of postsecondary education. Someof these offerings are highlighted in this very article.
Q: Will I make a lot of money with a political science degree?A: As demonstrated in this ranking, it is possible to earn a six-figure salary with a political science degree. Not all positions in the field will yield such high earnings, however. Your exact salary will depend on your specific degree, employer, and years of experience in the field.