How to become a political scientist

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.

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 scientists do

• Teach political science.
• Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
• Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
• Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
• Advise political science students.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.

Skills that matter most

• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Active Learning
• Writing
• Critical Thinking
• Learning Strategies
• Mathematics

Is political scientist a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 179% 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

• Maryland $153,380
• District of Columbia $152,530
• Washington $147,060
• Pennsylvania $140,020
• Massachusetts $133,930

Political Scientists 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.