Students who pursue a degree in political science study governments, public policies and political processes, systems, and political behavior.
Political science subfields include political theory, political philosophy, political ideology, political economy, policy studies and analysis, comparative politics, international relations, and a host of related fields.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of political scientists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 600 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.
Political organizations, lobbying firms, and labor unions rely on the knowledge of political scientists to manage complicated legal and regulatory issues and policies. Political scientists will be needed at research and policy institutes to focus specifically on politics and political theory. Organizations that research or advocate for specific causes, such as immigration policy, healthcare, or the environment, also need political scientists to analyze policies relating to their field.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual wage for political scientists was $122,510 in May 2021.
