Careers In Political Science

A bachelor's degree in political science can lead to exciting careers in federal, state and local governments; law; business; international organizations; nonprofit associations and organizations; campaign management and polling; journalism; precollegiate education; electoral politics; research and university and college teaching.
Political science majors gain analytical skills, administrative competence and communication abilities that are valued in a wide spectrum of potential career areas.

Potential Earnings for Political Science Majors

On May 24, 2011, the Georgetown University Center for Education and Workforce released a report entitled “What’s it Worth? The Economic Value of College Majors”, by P. Carnevale, Jeff Strohl, and Michelle Melton.  This report is based upon US Census Data and examines 171 majors. The findings indicate that there is a great deal of variation in projected median earnings among different majors. Earnings prospects for graduate degree holders are also discussed. To see where an undergraduate or a graduate degree in political science ranks in terms of potential future earnings, please view the full report and the social science chapter, in particular at http://cew.georgetown.edu/whatsitworth/

Examples of Careers for Political Scientists

The following are small sample of careers for political scientists.  For more on the career potential for those with degrees in political science, check out the career booklets and pamphlets available from APSA. 

Activist, Advocate/Organizer
Administration, Corporate, Government, Non-Profit, etc.
Archivist, Online Political Data
Budget Examiner or Analyst
Attorney
Banking Analyst or Executive
Campaign Operative
Career Counselor
CIA Analyst or Agent
City Planner
City Housing Administrator
Congressional Office/Committee Staffer
Coordinator of Federal or State Aid
Communications Director
Corporate Analyst
Corporate Public Affairs Advisor
Corporate Economist
Corporate Manager
Corporate Information Analyst
Corporate Adviser for Govt'l. Relations
Corporate Executive
Corporation Legislative Issues Manager
Customs Officer
Editor, Online Political Journal
Entrepreneur
Federal Government Analyst
Financial Consultant
Foreign Service Officer
Foundation President
Free-lance writer
High School Government Teacher
Immigration Officer
Information Manager
Intelligence Officer
International Agency Officer
International Research Specialist
Issues Analyst, Corporate Social Policy Div.
Journalist
Juvenile Justice Specialist
Labor Relations Specialist
Legislative Analyst / Coordinator
Lobbyist
Management Analyst
Mediator
Plans and Review Officer, USIA
Policy Analyst
Political Commentator
Pollster
Public Affairs Research Analyst
Public Opinion Analyst
Publisher
Research Analyst
State Legislator
Survey Analyst
Systems Analyst
Teacher
University Administrator
University Professor
Urban Policy Planner
Web Content Editor