What They Do
Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. They may research topics such as public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology. They also may analyze the structure of governments and political entities.
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 public opinion surveys and other sources
- Develop and test political theories
- Evaluate the effects of policies and laws on government, businesses, and people
- Monitor current events, policy decisions, and related issues
- Forecast political, economic, and social trends
- Share research results by giving presentations and publishing articles
Political scientists conduct research in many areas, such as national politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.
Political scientists gather and analyze information from numerous sources. They evaluate current policies and events and try to anticipate the effects of new policies. For example, they may use historical documents to study past government structures and policies. Or they may review voter registration data to identify voting patterns.
Political scientists may have other job titles, such as government affairs specialist, political consultant, and political research scientist. Their research on domestic or international policies that affect a particular region or population may help in planning and development.
Work Environment
Political scientists held about 6,500 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of political scientists were as follows:
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 67% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 15 |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 6 |
| Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations | 3 |
Work Schedules
Most political scientists work full time. They sometimes work additional hours to finish reports and meet deadlines.
How to Become One
To enter the occupation, political scientists typically need a master’s degree in political science, public administration, or a related field. However, some employers consider candidates who have a bachelor’s degree; others may prefer a Ph.D.
Pay
The median annual wage for political scientists was $139,380 in May 2024.
Job Outlook
Employment of political scientists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, decline.
About 500 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.