How to become a political science teacher, postsecondary
Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect most of these occupations require graduate school. for example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a ph.d., m.d., or j.d. (law degree)..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 political science teachers, postsecondary do
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- Act as advisers to student organizations.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Critical Thinking
- Learning Strategies
- Monitoring
Is political science teacher, postsecondary a good career?
On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 92% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Massachusetts $128,150
- California $124,890
- New Hampshire $124,110
- Vermont $107,490
- Michigan $107,060
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.