How to become a Political Scientist
Official title: Political Scientists
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.
Main tasks
- 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.
- Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations.
- Identify issues for research and analysis.
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.
Typical education to start: Master's degree
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- College: Science degrees, Offered by 36 universities in the US
- College: Arts & Humanities degrees, Offered by 35 universities in the US
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $142,080 a year The middle half earn $114,030 to $174,180.
- About 6,100 people work in this job now, and about 6,000 are projected by 2035. (-2%)
- People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Political Scientist?
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.
How much does a Political Scientist earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $142,080 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $114,030 to $174,180.
Is a Political Scientist a growing career in the US?
Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2035: about 6,100 people now and 6,000 later (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Political Scientist?
Usually. 90% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Political Scientist?
People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.