Political science is the branch of the social sciences that examines the implementation and impact of government, legislation and bureaucracy at the local, state, federal and international levels. Political scientists often act as intermediaries between elected officials, lobbyists, diplomats and other figures within the political arena. They also administer polls and surveys to gauge various political interests among the general public, use historical documents to evaluate the current political climate in a given district and present their findings using formal reports and quantitative data. Students who are curious about this field should explore open courses in political science, which are instructed by professors and faculty members from higher-learning institutions across the globe and offered online free-of-charge.
In addition to people who wish to pursue a career in politics as elected officials, this field of study is suitable for historians, journalists and educators; many attorneys and legal professionals also study political science as undergraduates before applying to law school. Most undergraduate and graduate programs in political science take a glance at the political systems found in different nations and states, as well as the various functions of the branches of government.
Sample Courses
Most introductory political science courses (administered in the first two years of undergraduate studies) discuss fundamentals of the field, such as political theory, international relations, U.S. and world history and public policy. Upper-level political science courses will delve into specific areas of these core subjects, often focusing on particular periods of history or regions of the country/world, and will often incorporate academic and quantitative research into the curriculum.
Possible Specializations
Specializations in political science, common to graduate-level programs across the country, include: american politics, international politics/relations, political theory, public policy, and comparative politics (a field that studies the similarities and differences between political systems at all geographic levels). Some schools may offer additional specializations in political science unique to their institutions, such as the "Indigenous Politics" concentration, offered at the University of Hawaii.
Degree Types
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists the master's degree as the optimal credential for political scientists, but other positions can be attained with lesser degrees. Here is a look at the four most common degrees awarded to political science students:
Associate
An associate degree is usually awarded by community colleges, and emphasizes introductory courses in core math, science, English and history-related subjects. This credential is typically insufficient for obtaining anything more than entry-level employment, but political science courses at this level will expose students to the fundamentals of the field and help them decide if this path of study is right for them.
Bachelor's
Bachelor's-level political science programs generally cover a wide range of related topics, and some colleges allow students to earn double majors along with another field like economics or philosophy. Although aspiring political scientists are encouraged to proceed into a master's program after finishing their undergraduate studies, a bachelor's degree may help them secure employment with government agencies, political campaign or party offices, or non-profit organizations.
Master's
Political science at the master's level requires students to use statistics and research methods to monitor and evaluate political systems and policies. Many graduate-level political science programs additionally allow students to earn joint degrees in related fields such as public administration or public affairs.
Ph.D.
Doctoral programs in political science typically consist of two years of coursework and a political dissertation presented prior to graduation. This credential will be required for most professors and faculty members who wish to teach political science at the collegiate level, as well as researchers, theorists and other academics whose work is used to inform laws and political decisions both domestically and abroad.
Ideal Candidates for Political Science
Political science is a data- and research-driven field, so candidates should feel comfortable working with numbers and be willing to spend a lot of time in the library. Objectivity is also crucial, particularly when dealing with issues and policies that can encourage partisanship; successful political science majors must put their biases aside in order to produce high-quality, useful work and research. The political sphere is vibrant and socially driven, so networking and communication skills will come in handy, as well.
Career Pathways
The BLS notes that political scientists who have received a master's degree earned a median salary of $102,000 in 2012. In addition to the high pay, the 10-year outlook for this profession is also promising. The BLS projects that political scientist jobs will grow 21% between 2012 and 2022, which is much faster than the estimated rate of growth for all fields. However, since the current field is only comprised of 6,600 individuals, this percentage figures to an increase of roughly 1,100 new positions; this means that "there will likely be many qualified candidates for relatively few positions."
According to the BLS, political science teachers at the postsecondary level also earned high salaries compared to other professions; the average earnings for a professor in this field at a four-year university was $85,640 in 2011, while the average junior college instructor earned $62,630 during the same year.
Virtually every accredited college and university in the U.S. maintains an active student government and hosts a handful of student associations dedicated to political science, theory and activism. These groups are a great starting point for political science students who want to network with like-minded peers and build their political knowledge base. Volunteering with local campaigns can be another great foot-in-the-door, especially during election season.
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Journals
American Journal of Political Science
This quarterly publication of the Midwest Political Science Association includes research across the political science spectrum including political methodology and theory.
American Political Science Review
Peer-reviewed and rigorous, this academic journal includes articles and reviews from diverse political science fields including public policy, administration and comparative politics.
This quarterly academic journal "publishes theoretically innovative and methodologically diverse research" in a wide range of fields including domestic politics and international relations.
This double blind referred journal strives to provide a forum for a "broad and synthetic discussion" between the political science profession, academia and the public.
Publishing quarterly, this peer-reviewed academic journal includes rigorous, original research across the discipline and theoretical and methodological frameworks.
Trade Magazines
Offering "tough, fair and fun coverage of politics and government," Politico covers the latest in the political world and breaks issues up by topics including…
Since 1865, The Nation has approached "political and social questions" critically and today covers the latest in political news from a liberal, progressive…
TNR "covers politics, culture and big ideas from an unbiased and thought-provoking perspective" that encompasses issues of global concern as well as domestic…
National and international news are covered with longer articles, must clicks, feature stories, photo blogs and links to the most popular articles.
American and global politics from the right are offered in this trade publication with contributions from notable conservative thinkers including editor Bill…
Grants
Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship
Deadline: January 13
Award Amount: $19,500 + housing
This fellowship funds recent college graduates during a year of working within a community "fighting hunger and poverty."
Carnegie Endowment Junior Fellows Program
Deadline: January 15
Award Amount: $37,000 + benefits
This award supports graduates while they provide research assistance to scholars working with a Carnegie Endowment program.
Deadline: Rolling
Award Amount: $750
This grant is available to students to cover a wide array of expenses including conference and application fees and travel.
Robert J. Dole Research Fellowship and Travel Grants
Deadline: Rolling
Award Amount: $750
This grant helps defray the costs of travel to the Dole Institute for research and is open to undergraduate and graduate level students.
Scholarships
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Deadline: March 14
Award Amount: $5,000
This funds undergraduate students, who "might otherwise not participate due to financial constraints" in study abroad and internship programs.
Deadline: February 5
Award Amount: $8,000-$20,000
This scholarship funds undergraduate students in programs that further the understanding of national security and who agree to NSEP Service .
Epilepsy Foundation: Behavioral Sciences Student Fellowship
Deadline: Spring
Award Amount: $3,000
A fellowship for undergraduate and graduate students whose studies are related to epilepsy research or clinical care.
George C. Mitchell Scholarship
Deadline: October 1
Award Amount: Tuition, housing +
Graduate students who have a demonstrated commitment to public service are eligible for this which funds a year of study at a college in Ireland.
Deadline: February 4
Award Amount: $30,000
Students who are nearing the end of their undergraduate studies and have demonstrated an interest in public service are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Congressional Black Caucus Congressional Internship
Deadline: N/A
Undergraduate students who demonstrate an interest in public service, government and policy making are eligible for this internship which includes housing and a $3,000 stipend.
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Congressional Internship
Deadline: N/A
This internship is open to undergraduate students who display a commitment to public service and academic achievement and includes a stipend and housing allowance.
D.C. Internships – Capital Semester Public Policy Track
Deadline: N/A
Students are placed in an internship with a Congressional office, federal agency, policy group, non-profit or other organization and also receive furnished housing and courses for credit.
Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems
Deadline: N/A
This internship, which includes housing, is in Washington, D.C. and is appropriate for students seeking careers crafting legislation, working in local government and developing public policy.
Institute on Business and Government Affairs
Deadline: N/A
Students interested in the relationship between business and government will benefit from this Washington, D.C. internship. They are placed with top companies and provided housing and course credit.
Institute on Economics and International Affairs
Deadline: N/A
This Washington, D.C., based internship is good for students interested in foreign policy, with experience in international affairs. Interns will be housed in the D.C. area and earn course credit.
Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service
Deadline: N/A
Those interested in public service may apply for this Washington, D.C. internship that includes placement with a non-profit or community organization as well as housing and courses for college credit.
Nancy McManus Washington Internship Scholarship
Deadline: N/A
Providing $2,000 per term, this scholarship provides financial support to PSA members during their summer or fall internship in Washington, D.C.
Native American Congressional Internships
Deadline: N/A
Open to upper class undergraduates and recent college graduates who have demonstrated an interest in tribal public policy, this internship includes housing, travel, per diem expenses and a stipend.
Student Organizations
American Student Government Association
AGSA is dedicated to student governments and offers campus leaders opportunities for training, research and networking, including through its regional…
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
The NASPAA offers a wide variety of benefits to students including access to online resources and a job board, as well as links to internship and funding…
The global honor society PAA encourages scholarship and accomplishment in public affairs and administration through its local chapters where members network…
This "only honor society for college students of political science and government" in the U.S. has 700+ local chapters across the country and offers funding,…
Professional Organizations
American Political Science Association
APSA offers mentoring, funding and networking opportunities through its regular meetings and organized sections as well as an online eJobs career center.
Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management
APPAM fosters "excellence in research analysis and education" by promoting multi-disciplinary research and offering networking through its sponsored events and colleague database.
European Political Science Association
EPSA promotes political science in Europe through post-graduate training and undergraduate teaching as well as professional networking at its annual general conference.
International Political Science Association
IPSA was founded under the aegis of the United Nations' UNESCO and strives to develop political science globally, build international networks and foster collaboration among scholars.
Northeastern Political Science Association
The NPSA offers networking opportunities through its annual conference, and members also benefit from its job placement service as well as subscriptions to its journal Polity.