Political Scientists

Also Called:

What Political Scientists do

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.

  • Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
  • Teach political science.
  • Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
Industry Areas:

Renewable Resources and Energy

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Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work
  • Freedom to Make Decisions
  • Duration of Typical Work Week
  • Face-to-Face Discussions

Tools

  • Audioconferencing systems
  • Notebook computers
  • Digital voice recorders
  • Digital video disk players or recorders
  • Overhead projectors

Technology

Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Information retrieval or search software
EBSCO Publishing Political Science Complete
Sage Reference Online

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing

Knowledge

Safety and Government
law and government
Arts and Humanities
English language
history and archeology
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Math and Science
sociology and anthropology

Education

  • 73% Doctoral degree
  • 13% Master's degree
  • 7% Bachelor's degree

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Artistic (Creator)
  • Investigative (Thinker)
  • Social (Helper)

Work Styles

  • Analytical Thinking
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Independence
  • Integrity
  • Initiative
  • Persistence

Values

  • Achievement
  • Working Conditions
  • Recognition

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic

This is what Political Scientists across the country typically make.

$34.84 / hour
$72,470 /year

Entry Level

$63.63 / hour
$132,350 /year

Median Level

$88.22 / hour
$183,500 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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