research work in political science

Jobs for Political Science Majors Explained

Communications associate, human resources specialist, legislative assistant, market research analyst, policy analyst, political scientist, project manager, public relations specialist, sales representative, social and community services manager, social media specialist, how to apply to jobs for political science majors, show your skills, connect the dots, focus on the numbers, talk to people, 17 jobs for political science majors (that don’t require you to run for office).

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Table of Contents

Not everyone who studies political science goes into politics (although many do!). Jobs for political science majors range from, yes, government positions, law, and research, to marketing, sales, and even project management . 

“Of course, many political science graduates work as political staffers, work on campaigns, and some run for office after graduation,” says Donna Patterson, Ph.D., professor and chair in the Department of History, Political Science, and Philosophy at Delaware State University. “A significant number of our graduates also go directly to law school and subsequently use their JDs to work as lawyers, in politics, and at corporations.”

Yet Patterson also recognizes that many students go beyond politics, using their transferable skills like critical thinking and analysis in other industries. 

“Many of our majors graduate with advanced public speaking skills gained through group work, classroom projects, internships , and university leadership positions. These skills are great for political science majors as well as other majors. In fact, in addition to law and politics, our majors have worked at NGOs, museums, and in other capacities.”

Jobs for political science majors require skills like research, communication , analysis, and writing . Here are the top jobs explained.

Salary: $60,200 Job outlook: 8%

A communications associate helps with a company or organization’s communication efforts, from email newsletters and social media posts to press releases and promotional materials. They aim to ensure the right information is shared with the right audience using the right communication channel. Communications associates can work in the corporate or nonprofit sectors, finance or health care , education or government — the options are endless.

A communications associate position is among the top jobs for political science majors because it requires excellent written and verbal communication skills , especially writing skills . If you’re specifically interested in working in something related to politics, you can become a communications associate for a government office, political consulting firm, policy institute, or advocacy group.

Salary: $104,660 Job outlook: 10% (much faster than average)

A consultant is someone who advises organizations on how to be more efficient. First, they examine the company’s structure, goals, progress, and performance; then, they suggest how to improve. 

Consultants can work in a variety of industries — including politics! — depending on the type of organizations they consult for and what kind of solutions they provide. There are also different types of consultants. For example, an operations consultant focuses on the company’s organization, processes, and structure, while a strategy consultant focuses on general high-level business decisions.

Strategy Consulting

Learn how to use critical thinking and brainstorming skills like a BCG consultant to help a hypothetical luxury clothing company increase its revenue.

Avg. Time: 1-2 hours

Skills you’ll build: Creativity, critical thinking, brainstorming

Salary: $128,180 Job outlook: 6% (faster than average)

If you’re interested in the financial side of politics — the cost of health care or employment trends — becoming an economist is a great way to apply your analytical skills in an engaging career path. Economists conduct financial research to explain economic patterns and trends. They try to understand how societies use resources like money, labor, and natural materials, how consumers make choices, and how that affects things like prices and employment. In addition to their research, economists will advise businesses, governments, and individuals on economic issues and policies.

Being an economist is a top job for political science majors because you can work for the government and analyze data on things like employment, prices, productivity, and wages. Using this information, you’d then help evaluate economic policies and provide insights to policymakers.

Salary: $72,900 Job outlook: 3% (as fast as average)

Historians research, study, and analyze historical documents, from newspapers and photographs to letters and interviews. Historians can conduct this research for various employers, including government, business, nonprofit, or historical organizations. Their goal is to build knowledge of history by understanding a specific person, issue, time period, event, or organization. They may present findings in various ways, from museum exhibits and education programs to books and websites.

Salary: $73,080 Job outlook: 6% (faster than average)

Human resources professionals are responsible for the management and overall well-being of a company’s employees. They oversee an employee’s entire lifecycle at a company, from helping recruit and interview candidates to managing things like payroll and engagement and conducting exit interviews.

While not a job related to government politics, human resources specialists are the gatekeepers of employee politics. They need impeccable communication and interpersonal skills to communicate with employees at all levels. 

Human Resources

Practice two crucial HR tasks: how to give employees feedback and how to develop a compensation framework. 

Avg. Time: 3-4 hours

Skills you’ll build: Communication, process mapping, data visualization, pay metrics

Salary: $86,290 Job outlook: -3% (slower than average)  

Journalists write articles to share information with people. Some journalists might write about what’s going on in politics, covering key races and new laws; others might cover local news of a specific community or focus on a niche like health and wellness or theater. Journalists aim to share factual, accurate accounts of what’s happening worldwide, often calling on experts or people familiar with the topic to share insights.

Political science majors can make great journalists because of their research, communication, and writing skills. If you’ve written for a school newspaper, done independent research, or written about the news for a class, gathering these samples into an online portfolio can be a great way to stand out in your journalism applications.

Salary: $163,770 Job outlook: 8% (faster than average)

Lawyers advise people, companies, and organizations on legal issues. A lawyer’s job is to be there for their client at every step, whether researching their case to provide context on the law or representing them in a criminal or civil proceeding. Lawyers can work across industries and for various clients, including state governments, corporations, or individuals.

Becoming a lawyer is common for political science majors as the work requires extensive research, writing, and communication skills. To become a lawyer, you’ll need more education and certifications than a political science degree. You’ll need to attend law school, get a law degree, and pass the American Bar Association’s bar exam in the state you’d like to practice law. 

Introduction to Law

Work with a legal team on everyday tasks and challenges, including advising a borrower on a lending transaction, drafting a cease-and-desist letter, and training your peers.

Skills you’ll build: Legal research, attention to detail, efficiency, communication, presentation

Salary: $45,614 Job outlook: -10%

A legislative assistant supports a lawmaker, like a senator, with tasks in the legislative process. These tasks include researching proposed legislation, organizing meetings, drafting documents, briefing the lawmaker, and communicating with constituents. A legislative assistant’s goal is to help the lawmaker they work for make informed decisions on legislation that reflects their values and the people they serve. 

Political science majors who become legislative assistants may find they’re using research skills similar to those they learned in school and getting to apply them directly to the law-making process.

Salary: $78,880 Job outlook: 13% (much faster than average)

A market research analyst helps companies make decisions using marketing and sales data. The analyst examines this data to understand consumer behavior and help inform the company’s marketing strategy. A market research analyst might give insights into what kinds of products people are buying, the specific audience that’s buying certain products, and how much they’re buying them for. These insights can help the company understand who to market to and how to price their products.

While not directly related to politics, this role is one of the top jobs for political science majors because it requires skills like analysis, research, communication, and critical thinking .

Salary: $66,359 Job outlook: 11% (much faster than average)

A policy analyst examines government policies to understand their efficacy and how they might be improved. For example, a policy analyst might study an issue like education or health care, then look at data following specific policies to understand how previous policies have (or have yet to make) progress. Then, a policy analyst will provide recommendations to policymakers. 

“I may be biased being based in DC, but there’s an abundance of policy work in virtually any field — from health to economics to foreign affairs,” says Shannon Powers, former political science major and chief strategy officer and senior vice president at kglobal. “Bonus — you can do this for the government, a think tank, or even the private sector through consulting.”  

Salary: $126,140 Job outlook: 7% (faster than average)

Political scientists research political systems, specifically governments and their development and operations. Their goal is to understand the effect of different government systems on the people they serve. Sometimes, political scientists will offer insights on improving a political system.

This job’s focus is similar to what you might study as a political science major, with an added level of research. Often, political scientists need a master’s degree in political science, public administration, or a related field. 

Salary: $101,610 Job outlook: 6% (faster than average)

Getting work done and achieving goals requires organization, the right processes, and focus. Project managers oversee a project from start to finish, ensuring everyone has the correct information and resources and completes their work on time. 

While this job isn’t directly related to the topics you might be studying with a political science degree, you’ll apply the soft skills you learn while getting your degree. Project managers can work in virtually any industry and need excellent communication, time management , and people management skills.

“Many agencies and firms require a strong hand to guide work, keep people on task, and ensure objectives are being met,” Powers says. “Political science undergrads should have the right experience just by completing the many requisites of their degree.”

Salary: $78,540 Job outlook: 6% (faster than average)

Public relations specialists focus on building and maintaining a positive reputation for a company, brand, or individual. These professionals might share information about their clients with the press, manage their social media profiles, schedule media events for their clients, or respond to any media crises. 

Public relations is an excellent field for political science majors because it requires interpersonal skills , specifically written and verbal communication, public speaking, and problem-solving skills . 

Salary: $109,950 Job outlook: 1% (little or no change)

Sales representatives sell products and services from their company to other companies. This job requires persuasive communication skills to pitch to companies and convince them to buy. Sometimes, sales representatives are also involved in a company’s sales strategy, including finding and reaching out to prospects and discussing products and pricing.

While this role isn’t as aligned with politics as other top jobs for political science majors, it calls on key persuasive communication, public speaking, and analysis skills you learn in the major.

Review customer feedback to identify what products might be a good fit for them, then create a sales presentation pitching those products.

Avg. Time: 5-6 hours

Skills you’ll build: Customer requirement analysis, effective communication, sales motion

Salary: $79,310 Job outlook: 9% (much faster than average)

If you studied political science to make a difference in people’s lives, working as a social and community services manager can help you accomplish that career goal. These professionals oversee programs and organizations that support the public. For example, a social and community services manager might work for a program that helps end substance abuse or provides after-school care. Or, they may work for an organization that helps a specific group of people, such as veterans or people experiencing homelessness.

Community Development

Get feedback from younger adults in a community on what challenges they're going through, then plan an event to help address issues they've voiced.

Avg. Time: 2-3 hours

Skills you’ll build: Planning, budgeting, facilitation

Salary: $64,000 Job outlook: 10%

Top jobs for political science majors include those that require excellent communication skills — which students can apply in their careers by specializing in social media. Social media specialists create, manage, and schedule content for a brand, company, or person. They might create content for a specific platform, like Instagram or TikTok , or execute a company’s overall strategy on multiple platforms. 

Salary: $66,450 Job outlook: 1% (little or no change)

If you’re a political science major getting a liberal arts degree , chances are people have asked you if you will become a history teacher. While there are many lesser-known jobs for political science majors, that doesn’t mean becoming a teacher isn’t a good fit.

Teachers educate students by planning and giving lessons, assessing students’ learning, and providing support when needed. Teachers need to be knowledgeable about the subject they’re teaching, empathetic and patient, and leaders in the classroom. Political science majors may be interested in teaching various subjects, including history, government, and politics.

When applying to jobs for political science majors, emphasize the skills you learned in the major and how they connect to the specific role you’re applying for.

Political science majors learn many skills throughout their degree, including the top soft and hard skills employers look for. According to The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2023 report , over the next five years, employers are looking for candidates who possess these skills:

• Analytical thinking
• Creative thinking
• Resilience, agility, and flexibility
• Motivation and self-awareness
• Curiosity and lifelong learning
• Technological literacy
• Dependability and attention to detail 
• Empathy and active listening
• Leadership and social influence
• Quality control

Political science majors often get these skills from their degrees, even if they don’t always notice it! For example, if you conducted historical research for a class, you likely used analytical thinking and technological literacy. If you wrote an essay about political theory, you probably practiced attention to detail and creative thinking. If you pursued any independent projects related to your coursework, you were curious and showed you’re a lifelong learner.

“Studying questions like the shortcomings of different political philosophies or how different governance structures shaped unforeseen outcomes teaches you how to do a close read of a text, analyze evidence, isolate variables, make deductions about causation, and more,” Powers says. “These skills all come into regular play for knowledge workers.”

If you choose to apply for a job that isn’t directly related to political science, it’s crucial to learn how to tell your story to emphasize how your skills and experiences connect to the job. Just because it isn’t obvious doesn’t mean you’re not qualified — you just need to prove it!

“Tell a story about yourself — and not just in your interview ,” Powers says. “Make sure your resume and cover letter do it, too. Can someone talk to you for just a few minutes or review your materials quickly and be able to understand what you’re all about? How has your experience and knowledge led you here, and where do you hope to go? That’s guaranteed to make you more compelling than just your GPA or summer internship.”

Resume Masterclass

Learn how to tell your story on your resume, from illustrating your impact to choosing what skills to include.

Skills you’ll build: Transferable skills, professional brand, summary, identifying job titles

Like any good job application, focus on your impact by quantifying it. 

“It’s not just that you were vice president of the club, but that you helped put on seven different events with 84 attendees,” Marc Cenedella, founder of Leet Resumes and Ladders, says. “You weren’t just the head of membership but helped recruit 26 new numbers. You weren’t just responsible for the sticker sale drive, but that you sold $134 worth of stickers.”

Yes, networking is crucial — especially in jobs in the political industry. Yet if you’re still wondering, “ What career is right for me? ” talking to people in different fields, especially those with the same degree, can help you learn more about various roles.

“Meet people doing interesting work in media, business, government, law, nonprofit, NGO, education, science, the arts, etc,” says Kimberly Rolfe, co-director of the career and community engagement center at Whitman College. “Gather a variety of perspectives on what is taking place in our world and with the issues you’re most interested in so you can open up all of the potential ways that your political science degree can move you into the world to work on important issues.”

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Graduate Program

Pushing the Scholarly Frontier

PhD in Political Science

Our doctoral students are advancing political science as a discipline. They explore the empirical phenomena that produce new scholarly insights—insights that improve the way governments and societies function. As a result, MIT Political Science graduates are sought after for top teaching and research positions in the U.S. and abroad. Read where program alumni are working around the world.

How the PhD program works

The MIT PhD in Political Science requires preparation in two of these major fields:

• American Politics
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Models and Methods
• Political Economy
• Security Studies

We recommend that you take a broad array of courses across your two major fields. In some cases, a single course may overlap across the subject matter of both fields. You may not use more than one such course to "double count" for the course distribution requirement. Keep in mind that specific fields may have additional requirements.

You are free to take subjects in other departments across the Institute. Cross-registration arrangements also permit enrollment in subjects taught in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University and in some of Harvard's other graduate schools.

Requirements

1. number of subjects.

You will need two full academic years of work to prepare for the general examinations and to meet other pre-dissertation requirements. Typically, a minimum of eight graduate subjects are required for a PhD.

2. Scope and Methods

This required one-semester seminar for first-year students introduces principles of empirical and theoretical analysis in political science.

3. Statistics

You must successfully complete at least one class in statistics.

You must successfully complete at least one class in empirical research methods.

5. Philosophy

You must successfully complete at least one class in political philosophy.

6. Foreign language or advanced statistics

You must demonstrate reading proficiency in one language other than English by successfully completing two semesters of intermediate-level coursework or an exam in that language, or you must demonstrate your knowledge of advanced statistics by successfully completing three semesters of coursework in advanced statistics. International students whose native language is not English are not subject to the language requirement.

7. Field research

We encourage you to conduct field research and to develop close working ties with faculty members engaged in major research activities.

8. Second Year Paper/workshop

You must complete an article-length research paper and related workshop in the spring semester of the second year. The second-year paper often develops into a dissertation project.

9. Two examinations

In each of your two elected fields, you must take a general written and oral examination. To prepare for these examinations, you should take at least three courses in each of the two fields, including the field seminar.

10. Doctoral thesis

As a rule, the doctoral thesis requires at least one year of original research and data collection. Writing the dissertation usually takes a substantially longer time. The thesis process includes a first and second colloquium and an oral defense. Be sure to consult the MIT Specifications for Thesis Preparation as well as the MIT Political Science Thesis Guidelines . Consult the MIT academic calendar to learn the due date for final submission of your defended, signed thesis.

Questions? Consult the MIT Political Science Departmental Handbook or a member of the staff in the MIT Political Science Graduate Office .

Areas of Research

American Politics

The field of American Politics at Stanford includes the study of Congress, the bureaucracy, interest groups, the Presidency, voting, public opinion and participation, race and ethnicity; includes, among other perspectives, rational choice, historical, and behavioral perspectives; and encompasses, among other methods, quantitative analysis of aggregate data, qualitative fieldwork, survey research and randomized experiments. 

See list of American Politics faculty

Comparative Politics

The field of Comparative Politics at Stanford includes area studies, comparative political economy, the study of ethnic conflict, and institutions. Our faculty are experts in Western and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. 

See list of Comparative Politics faculty

International Relations

International Relations at Stanford comprises the study of all manner of global and regional political problems, including armed conflict in its various manifestations; the politics of international trade, finance, and the environment; nuclear weapons, WMD proliferation, and the threat of terrorism; and the design and functioning of international institutions and international law. Methods of analysis are diverse, tailored to the problem and empirical opportunities. 

See list of International Relations faculty

Political Methodology

The field of Political Methodology includes training in statistics, econometrics and formal theory; reviewing and developing new methods for the scientific study of politics; has particular emphases in Bayesian statistical inference, causal inference, computationally-intensive approaches to statistical inference, the design and analysis of experiments, game theory, the graphical display of quantitative information, sampling for survey-based research, the analysis of spatial data, the statistical analysis of text. 

See list of Political Methodology faculty

Political Theory

Political Theory at Stanford approaches the study of justice, legitimacy, and power by conjoining normative theory (reflection on political values), positive theory (study of how values can be achieved by institutions), and the intellectual history of political thought (from Plato to Rawls). Among the topics with which our faculty and students are concerned are democracy, equality, rule of law, global justice, international relations, realism and idealism, education, deliberation, institutional innovation, and the organization of knowledge. 

See list of Political Theory faculty

What Can You Do With a Political Science Degree?

• Political science prepares students for jobs in politics, policy, international affairs, and media.
• Hard and soft skills developed in political science translate across public and private sectors.
• A growing focus of poli/sci programs, data analysis is a highly in-demand professional skill.

According to Census Bureau data from the 2018 midterm elections, voter turnout among 18- to 24-year-olds jumped 16% from 2014. Non-presidential elections typically don’t draw people to the polls, but young adults’ political engagement is on the rise. Even though more are interested in politics, few are knowledgeable about it .

There are many political issues that are vital to college-aged students. Among them are college affordability, racial equity, gun control, and climate change. Many students may want to pursue these areas as a career — whether in terms of research, advocacy, or direct action — but don’t know how to get started.

This is why prospective college students eager to make an impact on the world should consider majoring in political science. In this field, you’ll study concepts of ethics, justice, and democracy; learn about systems of government and political behavior; and apply theory to current political events.

Political science is a versatile degree. It can springboard a career in politics and policy, nonprofit work, business, media, or education. The research, communication, and data analysis skills acquired in the study of political science also have wide applications in both the private and public sectors.

Becoming a political scientist, or someone who analyzes and proposes policy, usually requires at least a master’s or doctoral degree. With a BA or BS (each has slightly different course requirements), graduates can land an entry-level administrative, communication, or analyst job with a public sector organization, business, or nonprofit.

Political science is also one of the traditional majors for undergraduates on their way to law school.

What Do You Study in a Political Science Program?

Political science deals directly with the philosophy and practice of political systems, but the skills developed through political science courses are applicable to an array of industries.

While some college programs divide the subject in different ways, political science traditionally contains four subfields.

Political Theory

Students study human nature, citizen behavior, and the moral purpose of government, learning from a mix of ancient Greek philosophers and modern political theorists.

Comparative Politics

Students evaluate the development and effectiveness of different political systems and consider how these systems can provide for citizens and support values like order and freedom. This subfield specifically looks at how systems diverge and align to discover general laws and theories.

International Relations

Students analyze the interactions of international actors, including states, corporations, and organizations like the United Nations. This subfield covers a spectrum of global matters, such as war, trade, finance, development, and national security.

American Government and Politics

Students learn about the American political system, with its unique presidency, congress, courts, and state politics; they also delve into American policies and political ideas, and explore the role of mass media.

Over the past decade, the growing importance of data analysis has led to the emergence of a fifth subfield in political science.

Explore Featured Related Degree Programs

What is a political science degree.

All political science degrees, whether an associate degree or Ph.D., fall under social sciences. Social sciences are usually considered a “soft” science, compared with a “hard,” objective science like chemistry or physics; however, political science is becoming increasingly data-driven.

A bachelor’s degree in political science can be earned as either a bachelor of arts (BA) or a bachelor of science (BS). The categorization and ability to choose your degree type vary among schools. If both options exist, their requirements will be slightly different.

The course of study for a BS in political science typically includes mathematics and statistics.

Public Administration vs. Political Science

Public administration — a related but distinct field to political science — prepares students for civil service work in the public and nonprofit sectors at the administrative level. Sometimes considered an offshoot of political science, public administration puts policy into practice.

If you’re pursuing a career as a public servant, an MPA could be preferable to a master’s in political science.

Compared with political science, public administration is less theoretical and more pragmatic, with a bigger focus on organization, conduct/ethics, and budgeting.

Many colleges offer undergraduate and graduate programs in public administration, while others offer public policy programs or combine public administration with business administration. A master of public administration (MPA) and master of public policy (MPP) are both considered professional degrees, similar to an MBA for business executives or a JD for lawyers.

If you’re pursuing a career as a public servant, an MPA could be preferable to a master’s in political science. A bachelor’s degree in political science is also considered a good springboard to public administration programs at the graduate level.

Political Science Career Tracks

Political science majors work in public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Some apply their training directly to politics and policy, but the hard and soft skills developed through a political science curriculum can lead to diverse career paths.

Many of the career paths open to political science graduates deal directly with textual analysis, data crunching, and persuasive communication. While as a course of study political science focuses on systems of power and governance, the practical abilities and thought patterns rehearsed in class are applicable beyond just politics.

Is a Political Science Degree Worth It?

Political science is a versatile degree that can apply to many professions. Whether you pursue a career in politics and policy or translate your analytical and communicative skills to the private sphere, the degree’s potential return on investment can be quite high.

A bachelor’s degree in political science meets the qualifications for a wide variety of entry-level, white-collar positions that deal with administration, communication, and/or data.

Median Political Science Salaries

• Political Scientists : $122,220
• Diplomats : $90,000
• Budget Analysts : $76,540
• Survey Researchers : $59,170
• Policy Analysts : $59,000
• Journalists : $43,490
• Legislative Assistants : $40,000

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, PayScale

According to PayScale , political science majors can start out earning $50,000-$70,000 as research analysts, program and account managers, and marketing professionals. As with other majors, salaries and career possibilities for political science degree-holders can be enhanced with advanced education.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , political scientist jobs are projected to increase by 5% — as fast as the average growth rate for all occupations — between 2018 and 2028. However, career prospects will vary depending on whether you pursue political science as a career or as a launchpad for other job opportunities.

Establishing a Career in Politics and Policy

A successful career in politics and policy takes a lot of networking, perhaps more than any other career track. Building a web of scholars and professionals in the field starts with your education. Professors can offer valuable industry connections, and peers may become coworkers and competitors.

Completing an internship after graduating college is generally essential to securing a political science job. This is especially true in political hubs like Washington, D.C., and New York. Internships also allow you to experience working in specific areas of interest, such as state governance, international relations, and immigration policy.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Internships, particularly paid internships, often lead to full-time jobs . Political interns can find a career foothold in many industries, such as education and technology. Work experience at places like MSNBC, the U.S. Congress, or Amnesty International can help poli/sci majors land their first full-time jobs in media, politics, or nonprofit work.

While political scientists perform vital work at many agencies and organizations, most work for the federal government. The organizations that employ political scientists tend to promise secure, well-compensated careers, but the reality is that the number of qualified candidates is projected to exceed the number of available positions .

Demand for political scientists in federal government, political organizations, lobbying firms, and labor unions will generally keep pace, but political scientists can expect to face fierce competition for jobs in the coming years.

Should You Attend Graduate School in Political Science?

Political science is unique in that it combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to research and information. While a bachelor’s degree in political science prepares students for entry-level jobs in business and administration, it also imparts skills that can be leveraged to enter a host of other fields, such as media or marketing.

If you’re passionate about working as a political scientist, you should consider graduate school, which can prepare you to do research in an academic or public policy setting.

Political science graduate students study advanced political theory, conduct original research, and work to enter the broader political conversation by publishing their findings.

A master’s degree in political science can prepare you to earn a Ph.D. or to perform research at nonprofit or public sector organizations.

A master’s in political science can prepare you to earn a Ph.D. or to perform research at nonprofit or public sector organizations. With a doctorate, you can become a professor or assume a senior role at a think tank or government agency.

However, it’s important to note that, as with many professions, political science is a competitive field. The current academic market is full of graduates vying for a limited number of academic positions, and outside academia, the public policy world comes with its own set of professional challenges.

The competition in political science is real, but for driven individuals, there’s always opportunity.

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10 Jobs That Are Fantastic for Political Science Majors (You Don’t Have to Work in Politics!)

It might seem like a political science undergraduate degree would prepare you primarily for a career in politics. However, there are four million professionals with poli sci degrees—and their jobs range from attorneys to social workers to financial analysts. If you’re considering the major, or if you’re currently a major and hoping to do something other than work in government or as a poli sci teacher, you’ll be relieved to know that it’ll set you up to succeed in plenty of other jobs.

“What drew me to political science was the content, my professors, and the way we used writing, analytical skills, presentations, and engagement on a different level than a lecture,” says Tim Birmingham, who studied poli sci at St. Michael’s College, now owns a career coaching business , and works with students at his alma mater. Although he doesn’t work in politics, he uses the skills from his major every day. “Resumes and cover letters are persuasive pieces. You’re helping people understand their value and communicating that.”

The skills you gain studying political science —or something very similar, such as government, international affairs, or public policy—could make you marketable for a variety of roles. Here’s how—and which jobs you might want to consider.

4 Top Skills You Gain as a Political Science Major

Political science is actually underrated as a practical major, Birmingham argues: “It’s one of the most adaptable and versatile credentials for undergrads because it covers a variety of skills and topics: critical thinking, research, analysis, presentations, and discussion. You can apply that to a lot of career paths.” Here are some of the most transferable skills you’ll hone:

• Research: Much like with a history major , research is fundamental to a political science degree. In learning about politics in the United States and/or the world, you’re diving deeply into the study of power, organizational behavior, social and economic norms, and a multitude of political and moral viewpoints to subsequently understand how and why laws are put forward, passed, and upheld. “[Political science majors] understand, keenly, the role of various types of institutions in our lives and how society interacts with those institutions (for better or worse),” says Elizabeth Schill , manager of employer relations and industry advising for government, nonprofit, and education careers at Georgetown University. You have experience finding and using primary sources, studying a particular theory or historical event, and developing a working hypothesis in a research paper.
• Analysis: As a poli sci major, you’re likely to be analyzing data or qualitative information, then using those sources and numbers in the service of your research. Census data, surveys or polling numbers, interviews, case studies, and other primary and secondary sources might give you evidence to support a claim. Being able to not just understand facts and figures but also put them in context, grasp their implications, and use them to support a particular argument or perspective is at the heart of political science.
• Debate and public speaking: Political science majors learn to understand viewpoints, critique them, and argue for and against them. This training occurs directly with a professor during class, between students as part of formal or informal debate, or as part of a presentation assignment. It also dovetails with research for an independent project or thesis, in which you’re looking to develop a new perspective on an existing topic. Regardless of the format, the major teaches you how to make a compelling argument (using techniques like logos, pathos, and ethos), persuade an audience, and speak publicly, both spontaneously and with prepared notes.
• Written and verbal communication: All of these skills come together when you need to take what you’ve learned and communicate it in an organized way. A research paper can be several things at once: a way to show how much research you’ve done, a compelling argument that might look at an issue with new eyes, and a deeply structured learning tool that convinces others of that argument with step-by-step points. The same can be said of any form of communication, from presentations to group discussions: Political science involves all kinds and methods of conveyance, on a variety of topics, with all different sorts of people who may disagree with you.

How can you apply these skills in your career and which real-world professions would be a particularly good fit for a political science major? Check out these 10 jobs—only two of which require an advanced degree. The salary information comes from PayScale and reflects numbers from April 2021 (their database is updated nightly ):

1. Political Reporter

Average salary : $41,249 Salary range: $26,000–$79,000 Political journalists report on breaking news in politics (sometimes at the national level in DC but also at the state and local level) and can also work on more long-form content like investigations, features, profiles, and explainer stories. They may work full-time in newsrooms or on a per-story basis as freelancers. They can have a particular beat (or focus)—such as a particular election, candidate, or topic—or simply take on general assignments across political topics.

In practice, the job entails interviewing people, researching, collecting data, looking for new stories, covering live events, and sometimes even following a politician around throughout their campaign. Political science majors know how to write, research, talk to people, and debate, and if you care about politics, this is one of the best ways to not just engage with the subject but to actively contribute to informing readers (and voters) and holding those in power accountable. Interested students often get into journalism as a fellow or intern and work their way up. 

Find politics reporter jobs on The Muse

2. Social Media Manager

Average salary : $51,585 Salary range: $35,000–$79,000 This job can encompass anything and everything around running social media accounts for a business, nonprofit, person, or group. “Social media marketing can be on a political campaign—or not—but it requires those analytical skills,” Birmingham says, along with the ability to communicate and persuade. You might need to come up with ideas for content; write captions for posts; take photos; respond in real time to questions from users, constituents, or customers online; share and promote services or content; grow the accounts’ followers; and otherwise engage with an audience.

Lots of employers and public figures know they need social media accounts but don’t know what to do with them, so you can start as an intern, a social media coordinator, or a marketing assistant and build your career from there. You’ll use the accounts to engage with an audience and be responsive to questions, concerns, and complaints. A social media manager is even more important now that brands and organizations must address diversity and inclusion and other pressing matters every day. If you’re a poli sci major who understands the current internet culture, can research an audience’s needs, and is able to speak its language via social media, this role might make good use of some of your skills.

Find   social media manager   and other social media jobs on The Muse

3. Attorney/Lawyer

Average salary : $85,920 Salary range: $51,000–$158,000 The sky’s the limit on what you could do with a law degree, which may be why law school is such a popular track for poli sci majors. You could become a lobbyist or work with a representative to craft legislation at the local, state, or national level. You could be a trial lawyer, defending clients in civil or criminal cases. You could be a corporate lawyer working out arbitration for a business. You could be working with individuals trying to get visas or with a nonprofit to get laws passed to combat the climate crisis.

The aptitude for, and love of, debate make law an intuitive fit for a poli sci major. The ability to research, analyze, and deeply understand a situation and then craft and communicate compelling arguments are crucial to work your way up as a legal assistant or paralegal (which do not necessarily require an advanced degree) and to succeed as a lawyer.

Find lawyer , paralegal , and other legal jobs on The Muse

4. Social Worker

Average salary : $48,500 Salary range: $34,000–$69,000 Social work will require you to get a master’s degree. But you can’t beat it in terms of direct impact on underrepresented and disadvantaged people. Working directly with patients—who might vary from students to seniors to military veterans—social workers address a wide variety of social issues that individuals may be facing and serve as advocates from an educational and occupational (and sometimes medical) standpoint. They need to learn how to juggle a caseload of patients, work with local and national resources, and conduct evaluations to assess whether a particular intervention is working.

Lots of students are attracted to political science because they care deeply about political activity and social issues. If you want to work on the ground to ensure people’s rights are respected and protected, social work might be a perfect role for you. Thinking about opportunities to make a difference in the world post-graduation puts you in good company with other poli sci majors, Schill says: Georgetown students often “look at organizations where they can have an impact helping to better the lives of others via various nonprofit organizations or post-graduate service organizations.”

Find social worker jobs on The Muse

5. Campaign Manager

Average salary : $60,204 Salary range: $40,000–$97,000 Working on and contributing meaningfully to a candidate’s campaign would be a great fit for someone who loves politics and wants to be deeply embedded in the political process. This role might include overseeing fundraising, volunteers, polling, media requests, scheduling, and other strategies to get your candidate in the public eye and in front of constituents.

You’d potentially start as some sort of aide, administrator, coordinator, or other entry-level position and work your way up to the head of a campaign, but you don’t necessarily need an advanced degree to get there. As you advance to more senior campaign roles, you’ll also need to manage and lead others, a responsibility your major prepared you well for. “There’s a leadership component to poli sci,” Birmingham says. “You’re studying institutions and institutional behavior and you get a really strong historical understanding of leadership.”

Find campaign manager jobs on The Muse

6. Human Resources (HR) Generalist

Average salary : $55,067 Salary range: $42,000–$72,000

HR professionals manage the people within an organization, with responsibilities including onboarding and offboarding employees when they join or leave a team, offering perks and services to workers, supporting recruitment and professional development efforts, and handling disputes and legal matters. You can get into HR as an entry-level employee after gaining experience with a summer job or internship, depending on the organization.

Why is political science a fit here? You have an understanding of how people and groups behave and interact with institutions, and that’s what this job is all about. You have to understand an organization’s policies and history and know how a person’s needs might fit within that organization. Plus, it’s a lot of paperwork, organization, and documentation—which all those research projects and papers prepared you well for. 

Find HR generalist and other human resources jobs on The Muse

7. Financial Analyst

Average salary : $61,678 Salary range: $48,000–$82,000

Financial analysts analyze trends, reports, data, sales, and other facts to evaluate past performance and help support decisions for the future. You might often see analyst roles within a financial or government institution, but you could just as easily be working with a startup, nonprofit, or other organization that’s trying to make sense of its numbers. A financial analyst could be making reports on how a division is succeeding at its goals, creating models for pricing of products and services, or working on revenue projections for various business scenarios.

You can do this work at the entry-level; in fact, the 2020 employment report for Georgetown University students shows a significant number of them pursued roles in finance. If you didn’t work with quantitative analysis in your poli sci degree, you might have to supplement here with financial coursework or other relevant experience. But if you love data and communication, this is a terrific combination. 

Find financial analyst jobs on The Muse

8. Public Relations (PR) Specialist

Average salary : $49,785 Salary range: $36,000–$73,000 Public relations is all about taking something—a business, person, brand, or service—and making people aware of it. In this position, you could be emailing a journalist or editor to see if they’ll consider writing about whatever or whoever it is you represent. Your job could also include organizing other elements of a media coverage strategy, such as videos, blog posts, social media, or other digital content.

As a public relations professional, you’re trying to influence public belief that it’s worthwhile to buy or support a person, product, service, or brand, which speaks to the persuasion and debate abilities you’ve likely honed in your degree: You may have already learned how to sell a concept to someone who might not understand why it’s a good idea. Combine that with strong writing capabilities and the ability to speak directly to people, and you’d flourish in PR.

Find PR specialist and other public relations jobs on The Muse

9. Nonprofit Program Coordinator

Average salary : $44,241 Salary range: $33,000–$61,000

Nonprofits focus on causes that need support, from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to Planned Parenthood. They’re often looking for volunteers, so you can start contributing meaningfully as a student. In an entry-level program coordinator role, the job responsibilities can vary, but encompass everything needed to execute and run a particular initiative—for instance, the rollout of a new capital campaign to raise much-needed funds. You could be coordinating events, writing communications materials, doing administrative work, working with other professionals, organizing an agenda, or otherwise doing project management in service of that capital campaign.

Political science majors often do well at nonprofits because they care passionately about particular causes, from civics to free speech to the rights of underrepresented people. Plus, they have the research, analysis, and communication skills to make the case for why those issues matter and channel their passion into action. 

Find  nonprofit program coordinator   and other nonprofit jobs on The Muse

10. FBI Agent

Average salary : $65,852 Salary range: $40,000–$116,000

In an entry-level role with the FBI, you could be helping a more senior agent, doing administrative work, studying and analyzing imagery and reports, doing basic investigative work, applying specific skills you may have like technological or linguistic capabilities, and eventually learning how to interrogate, interview, and investigate. This work would then prepare you to enter the field as an agent or support the organization in an operational or management capacity. (Full disclosure: The FBI is a current client of The Muse.)

This could be incredibly relevant work for a poli sci major: You’re working in government on important cases and projects. You’d need to look into the physical and psychological requirements before you pursue this path, so be sure to understand what you need to do before you apply. You might also consider similar roles with the CIA and law enforcement.

Find FBI jobs on The Muse

Some Quick Advice for Job Searching as a Political Science Major

Since political science allows you to hone wildly varied capabilities, your first step is to find the three or four skills that you excel at and enjoy the most. When Schill is advising students, she says, “I often ask them Father Himes’ three questions : What are you good at (academic or otherwise)? What do you enjoy or what brings you contentment? And what does the world need you to be? This last question can help you better understand issues of importance to you and help you narrow down the field of possible next steps.”

Then, you match industries and job descriptions to those abilities and passions. Network actively with people who are doing the type of work you want to do, and see what they like or don’t like about it. Seek out early job and internship experiences as much as you can. And don’t be afraid to be proactive! “There are so many internships that are not posted, which is why you should reach out directly to employers,” Birmingham says. Finally, keep an open mind, and get creative. “Your position might not have been invented yet—that’s how much things are changing.”

Your path might not be precisely linear as you determine the exact fit between job and ability, Birmingham says, but that’s absolutely normal. Keep exploring!

Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees

The best political science research universities are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best political science degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding political science faculty.

Top 10 Research Universities Political Science Programs

Harvard university, columbia university, yale university, stanford university, princeton university, university of chicago, university of california, berkeley, georgetown university, massachusetts institute of technology, university of pennsylvania, university of michigan, cornell university.

• University of Virginia 19%
• University of Michigan 18%
• University of Notre Dame 13%
• New York University 12%
• University of Southern California 12%
• Georgetown University 12%
• Washington University in St. Louis 12%
• University of California, Berkeley 11%
• Carnegie Mellon University 11%
• Tufts University 10%
• University of California, Berkeley 19 to 1
• University of California, Los Angeles 18 to 1
• University of Virginia 15 to 1
• University of Michigan 12 to 1
• Georgetown University 11 to 1
• Tufts University 10 to 1
• Cornell University 9 to 1
• University of Notre Dame 9 to 1
• University of Southern California 9 to 1
• New York University 8 to 1
• Columbia University $66,139
• Tufts University $65,222
• Brown University $65,146
• University of Southern California $64,726
• University of Chicago $64,260
• Northwestern University $63,468
• University of Pennsylvania $63,452
• Cornell University $63,200
• Duke University $62,688
• Dartmouth College $62,658
• University of Chicago $65,145
• University of Southern California $63,468
• Brown University $62,680
• Dartmouth College $60,687
• Johns Hopkins University $60,480
• Duke University $60,220
• University of Notre Dame $59,644
• Washington University in St. Louis $59,420
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology $57,590
• Princeton University $57,410

Washington University in St. Louis

Carnegie mellon university, university of notre dame, university of virginia, tufts university, dartmouth college, northwestern university, university of california, los angeles, university of southern california, brown university.

• Harvard University 3%
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology 4%
• Columbia University 4%
• Stanford University 4%
• Brown University 5%
• University of Chicago 5%
• Yale University 5%
• Duke University 6%
• Dartmouth College 6%
• Princeton University 6%
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology 3 to 1
• University of Chicago 5 to 1
• Carnegie Mellon University 5 to 1
• Princeton University 5 to 1
• Stanford University 5 to 1
• Duke University 6 to 1
• Johns Hopkins University 6 to 1
• Northwestern University 6 to 1
• Yale University 6 to 1
• Columbia University 6 to 1
• University of California, Los Angeles $11,564
• University of California, Berkeley $11,564
• University of Michigan $17,454
• University of Virginia $18,059
• Harvard University $57,261
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology $57,986
• New York University $58,168
• Stanford University $58,416
• University of Notre Dame $60,301
• University of California, Los Angeles $11,700
• University of California, Berkeley $11,700
• University of Virginia $18,382
• University of Michigan $25,894
• Cornell University $29,500
• New York University $37,332
• University of Pennsylvania $39,838
• Yale University $46,900
• Carnegie Mellon University $47,629
• Northwestern University $51,869

A bachelor’s degree in political science is an excellent starting point for a career in law, social activism, public service, and a host of other important fields. As a political science major, you’ll study subjects such as civics, theories of governance, and race relations. Your political science degree will also incorporate foundational courses in both American and world politics as well as relevant courses in the history, philosophy, and sociology disciplines. The best schools for political science are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of political science concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.

Featured Programs

Frequently asked questions about political science bachelor’s degrees, what can i do with a political science major.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in political science can open numerous professionals doors. For instance, as a political science major, you’ll learn how local, state, and federal governments intersect, how electoral politics work, and how legislation is created. This knowledge could provide you with the tools to take part in policy development, run for elected office, or engage in social activism.

But a political science major can also be an excellent starting point on the way to a Law School degree or a way to enter into public service in a wide range of fields including healthcare, environmental conservation, city planning, and much more. Today, top influencers in Political Science are breaking new ground in countless critical areas, including the relationship between public opinion and political behavior , U.S. foreign policy , the fight against corruption in state building and much more.

Is political science a good major?

Political science is an excellent interdisciplinary major, touching on history, philosophy, and sociology, as well as incorporating practical subjects such as public survey, demographic analysis, epidemiology, and more. This means you could parlay your degree in political science into a wide range of rewarding careers. There are countless ways to apply your degree through local, state, and federal governance, including public health, technology, commerce, planning, and much more.

It is noteworthy that many of the top-paying professions connected to the political science discipline will require you to earn a master’s degree. For instance, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), those who continue into an advanced degree program can become historians , who earned a median of $63,680 in 2019, urban planners , who made a median of $74,350, and political scientists , who earned a robust median of $122,220 that year.

What courses will I take as a political science major?

Once you’ve declared your major in political science, you will likely be required to complete a set of core courses in a number of related subject areas. While your concentration will give you a chance to choose from a wide range of highly-specialized political science electives, there are several courses that most political science majors will be required to take, including:

• Introduction to Political Theory
• U.S. Government and Civics
• Law, Politics and Justice
• Modern Political Thought
• Religion, Politics and Society
• Race Relations and Politics
• Democracy and the State
• World Politics
• Political Activism and Protest Movements

What jobs can I do with a political science major?

Majoring in political science is a great starting point for a number of different career paths. Governance touches on everything in our lives, from economics, education, and environment to security, history and health. Your degree in political science could give you a chance to contribute to the public well-being in any of these areas. Top jobs for political science majors include the following:

• Political Scientists
• Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
• Urban and Regional Planners
• Legislators
• Federal, State, and Local Governance

Related: How to Major in Political Science

If you think a liberal arts college may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges for a bachelor’s in political science .

Ranking: Best Research Universities for Political Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs

• #1 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #1 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #1 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
• #1 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
• #1 Best Universities in the World 2025
• #1 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025
• #1 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025
• #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
• #1 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #1 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #1 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #1 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #1 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #1 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #1 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #1 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #1 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #1 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #1 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #1 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #1 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #1 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #2 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
• #1 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
• #1 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #7 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Tuition + fees

Student body

Median SAT/ACT

Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Harvard University

Harvard University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Political Science
• Communications

Most Influential Alumni

• Jacques Derrida
• William James
• Noam Chomsky
• Charles Sanders Peirce
• T. S. Eliot
• Norbert Wiener
• Marvin Minsky
• Daniel Dennett
• Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Willard Van Orman Quine
• Paul Samuelson
• Hilary Putnam

Harvard University Political Science Major Concentrations

• Data Science
• Tech Science
• Public Policy
• Political Economy
• #3 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #3 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #3 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
• #3 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #4 Best Universities in the World 2025
• #1 Best Grad Schools in New York 2025
• #1 Best Colleges in New York 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in New York 2025
• #1 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #2 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #2 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #3 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #4 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #1 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #1 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science 2025
• #1 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
• #1 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
• #5 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
• #9 Top 10 Most Affordable English PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #1 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #3 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #4 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
• #13 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Columbia University

Columbia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Social Work
• Milton Friedman
• Herbert Marcuse
• Murray Rothbard
• Stephen Jay Gould
• Carl Rogers
• Kenneth Arrow
• B. R. Ambedkar
• Isaac Asimov
• Robert Nozick
• Margaret Mead
• Thomas Sowell
• Jerry Fodor

Columbia University Political Science Majors

• Economics-Political Science interdepartmental major
• Political Science-Statistics interdepartmental major
• #6 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #6 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #8 Best Universities in the World 2025
• #11 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen
• #1 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
• #1 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #4 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #4 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #6 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #7 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #2 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #8 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
• #12 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Yale University

Yale University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Religious Studies
• Anthropology
• Richard Rorty
• Harold Bloom
• Judith Butler
• Josiah Willard Gibbs
• Murray Gell-Mann
• Thorstein Veblen
• Alvin Plantinga
• Fredric Jameson
• Alan Dershowitz
• Grace Hopper
• Lawrence Lessig
• W. Edwards Deming

Yale University Political Science Major

• BA in Political Science
• #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #4 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #5 Best Universities in the World 2025
• #5 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #1 Best Private Colleges in California 2024
• #2 Best Grad Schools California 2025
• #2 Best Colleges in California 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities in California 2025
• #1 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #3 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #3 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #4 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #4 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024
• #5 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #7 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
• #22 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Stanford University

Stanford University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Allen Newell
• Douglas Hofstadter
• Sandra Day O'Connor
• Hans Moravec
• John Harsanyi
• Gérard Debreu
• Rodney Brooks
• Anthony Kennedy
• Stuart J. Russell
• Garrett Hardin
• Stewart Brand

Stanford University Political Science Major Tracks

• Elections Representation and Governance
• International Relations
• Justice and Law
• Political Economy and Development
• #7 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #7 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #7 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #9 Best Universities in the World 2025
• #12 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen
• #1 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2025
• #1 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #7 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #8 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Princeton University

Princeton University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Richard Feynman
• Alonzo Church
• Robert Mueller
• Edward Witten
• John McCarthy
• John Bardeen
• Edward Said
• Gary Becker

Princeton University Political Science Major Concentrations

• American Politics
• Comparative Politics
• Political Theory
• #5 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #5 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #6 Best Universities in the World 2025
• #1 Best Colleges in Illinois 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2025
• #1 Best Grad Schools Illinois 2025
• #1 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #5 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #6 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #4 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #6 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
• #16 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for Political Science degree at University of Chicago

University of Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Herbert A. Simon
• Joseph Stiglitz
• James Watson
• Martin Gardner
• George Lakoff
• John B. Watson
• Philip Roth

University of Chicago Political Science Major

• #2 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #2 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #2 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #2 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
• #2 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #3 Best Universities in the World 2025
• #1 Best Grad Schools California 2025
• #1 Best Colleges in California 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in California 2025
• #1 Best Public Colleges California 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024
• #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #2 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #3 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #1 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #1 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
• #1 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #1 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #2 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
• #4 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
• #2 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #3 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for Political Science degree at University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Berkeley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Earth Sciences
• Daniel Kahneman
• John Kenneth Galbraith
• Timothy Leary
• Shing-Tung Yau
• Ken Thompson
• Niklaus Wirth
• Douglas Engelbart
• Theodosius Dobzhansky
• Betty Friedan
• George Dantzig
• Octavio Paz
• Gary Snyder

University of California, Berkeley Political Science Major

• #21 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #25 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #25 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #1 Best Christian Colleges in DC 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in DC 2024
• #1 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools in DC 2025
• #1 Best Colleges in DC 2024
• #7 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #22 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in DC 2024
• #1 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs 2025
• #13 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #23 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #23 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Georgetown University

Georgetown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Criminal Justice
• J. Edgar Hoover
• Antonin Scalia
• George Tenet
• Abdullah II of Jordan
• Steven Novella
• Jerome Powell
• Susan Hockfield
• Solomon H. Snyder
• John R. Allen

Georgetown University Political Science Majors

• BA/MA in American Government
• BA/MA Program in Democracy and Governance

Subfields: American Government, Comparative Government, International Relations, Political Theory

• #8 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #8 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #8 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #10 Best Universities in the World 2025
• #2 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025
• #2 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025
• #2 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
• #2 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #1 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #8 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #8 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #3 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #6 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #9 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
• #11 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Paul Krugman
• Claude Shannon
• Richard Stallman
• Ben Bernanke
• William Shockley
• Vannevar Bush
• Lawrence Summers

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Political Science Majors

• Five-year accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s
• #12 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #12 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #12 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #18 Best Universities in the World 2025
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025
• #1 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025
• #1 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #1 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #1 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #5 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #7 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #12 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #12 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #1 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #1 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #2 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #3 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
• #3 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
• #7 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
• #6 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #9 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #10 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
• #10 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for Political Science degree at University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Martin Seligman
• James McKeen Cattell
• John Backus
• Eric S. Raymond
• Paul R. Ehrlich
• J. Presper Eckert

University of Pennsylvania Political Science Major Concentrations

• #11 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #11 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #11 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #15 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024
• #17 Best Universities in the World 2025
• #3 Best Grad Schools in New York 2025
• #3 Best Colleges in New York 2024
• #3 Best Research Universities in New York 2025
• #3 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
• #5 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #10 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #12 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's in Management
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2024
• #3 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2025
• #4 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #8 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #17 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Cornell University

Cornell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Thomas Pynchon
• Abraham Maslow
• Thomas Nagel
• Sheldon Glashow
• Anthony Fauci
• Francis Fukuyama
• Ruth Bader Ginsburg
• Steven Weinberg
• Leonard Susskind
• Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak

Cornell University Political Science Major Concentrations

• #4 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
• #9 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #9 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #9 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #14 Best Universities in the World 2025
• #22 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2025
• #1 Best Colleges in Michigan 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan 2025
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Michigan 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #9 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #9 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #1 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2025
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Health Science 2025
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Michigan 2025
• #1 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
• #1 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #2 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #2 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #2 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #3 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #3 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #6 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
• #7 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Political Science degree at University of Michigan

University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Arthur Miller
• Edgar F. Codd
• Hans-Hermann Hoppe
• Stephen Smale
• Urie Bronfenbrenner
• John Henry Holland
• Amos Tversky
• Marshall Sahlins

University of Michigan Political Science Major Fields of Study

• Research Methods

Duke University

• #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
• #13 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #16 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #16 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #16 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #1 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2024
• #1 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2025
• #1 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2024
• #4 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #15 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #16 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #1 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2024
• #1 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina
• #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
• #3 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #4 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #4 Best Online Master's in Management
• #5 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2025
• #2 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #9 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #14 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #16 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Duke University

Duke University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Jerome Bruner
• Fred Brooks
• Charlie Rose
• John W. Campbell
• Paul Farmer
• Russell Kirk
• David G. Bromley
• Michael Tomasello
• Peter J. Denning
• Charles Tart

Duke University Political Science Major Fields of Study

• Political Behavior and Identities
• Political Institutions
• Political Methodology
• Security, Peace, and Conflict

Johns Hopkins University

• #14 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #14 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2024
• #1 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
• #3 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #14 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #15 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #19 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #22 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's in Economics 2025
• #1 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
• #1 Best Online MBA in Economics Degree Programs Ranked in 2024
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies 2025
• #1 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
• #2 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
• #2 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #3 Best Online Master's in Management
• #3 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #4 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2025
• #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
• #6 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #1 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #11 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• G. Stanley Hall
• John Archibald Wheeler
• John Mauchly
• Thomas Hunt Morgan
• Gertrude Stein
• Rachel Carson
• Joseph Jastrow
• Robert Fogel
• Richard E. Bellman
• John R. Commons

Johns Hopkins University Political Science Major Concentrations

• Law and Politics

New York University

• #10 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #16 Best Universities in the World 2025
• #23 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #2 Best Grad Schools in New York 2025
• #2 Best Colleges in New York 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities in New York 2025
• #2 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
• #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #3 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #10 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #12 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #23 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #23 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #1 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #1 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2025
• #2 Best Online Master's in Management
• #2 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #3 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #3 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #3 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
• #5 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #10 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Political Science degree at New York University

New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Erich Fromm
• Martha Nussbaum
• Glenn Greenwald
• Howard Zinn
• Eric Kandel
• Lewis Mumford
• Alvin Toffler
• Louis Nirenberg

New York University Political Science Majors

• BA Politics
• BA International Relations
• BA/MA Politics
• #20 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #24 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #24 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #1 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Rhode Island 2024
• #1 Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Rhode Island 2024
• #6 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #20 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #21 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #24 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Rhode Island 2024
• #19 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Brown University

Brown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Janet Yellen
• Peter Norvig
• Richard Holbrooke
• Andy Hertzfeld
• Jacob M. Appel
• S. T. Joshi
• Lester Frank Ward
• Randy Pausch
• Jeffrey Eugenides
• David Lodge

Brown University Political Science Major Tracks

• International and Comparative Politics
• #17 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #17 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #2 Best Private Colleges in California 2024
• #5 Best Grad Schools California 2025
• #5 Best Colleges in California 2024
• #5 Best Research Universities in California 2025
• #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #5 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #16 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #17 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #19 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #22 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity 2025
• #1 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
• #1 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs 2025
• #1 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
• #1 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice 2025
• #1 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
• #1 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #1 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #1 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)
• #1 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #1 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
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• #1 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
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• #2 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
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• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #2 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in California
• #2 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
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• #4 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #4 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #5 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
• #5 Best Online Master's in Management
• #5 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
• #6 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2025
• #6 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
• #17 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Political Science degree at University of Southern California

University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Frank Gehry
• Neil Armstrong
• Jack L. Warner
• John Mearsheimer
• Boris Podolsky
• Michael D. Griffin
• Maulana Karenga
• O. J. Simpson
• Robert Ballard

University of Southern California Political Science Majors

• BA in International Relations
• BA International Relations – Global Business
• BA International Relations – Global Economy
• #7 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges
• #13 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #13 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #13 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #24 Best Universities in the World 2025
• #2 Best Public Colleges California 2024
• #2 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024
• #3 Best Grad Schools California 2025
• #3 Best Colleges in California 2024
• #3 Best Research Universities in California 2025
• #6 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
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Career Outlook for Political Science degree at University of California, Los Angeles

University of California, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Elinor Ostrom
• Judea Pearl
• Glenn T. Seaborg
• Barry Boehm
• Stanley Cavell
• William F. Sharpe
• John Ehrlichman
• Stephen Krashen
• Edward O. Thorp
• Stephen Kosslyn

University of California, Los Angeles Political Science Major Fields

• Methods and Models
• Race, Ethnicity, and Politics
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• #2 Best Colleges in Illinois 2024
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• #2 Best Grad Schools Illinois 2025
• #2 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2024
• #4 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
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Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Northwestern University

Northwestern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Stephen Colbert
• George Stigler
• John Paul Stevens
• Saul Bellow
• Robert Hanssen
• Aaron Director
• Charles W. Morris
• Walter Dill Scott
• J. Gordon Melton
• Alston Scott Householder
• Adam Przeworski
• Joseph Greenberg

Northwestern University Political Science Major Concentrations

• Peace and Conflict Studies
• Quantitative Analytics
• Political Representation
• Sovereignty and Anarchy
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• #19 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
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• #24 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
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• #19 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students

Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Joseph Campbell
• Robert Frost
• Daniel Webster
• Vincent Canby
• Robert Reich
• C. Everett Koop
• Stuart Kauffman
• Jaegwon Kim
• Robert Christgau
• Michael Gazzaniga
• Edward Norton Lorenz

Dartmouth College Political Science Major Concentrations

• Political Theory / Public Law
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Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Tufts University

Tufts University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Eugene Fama
• Jamie Dimon
• Gordon S. Wood
• Roderick MacKinnon
• Peter Navarro
• Mariana Mazzucato
• John Ciardi
• Richard N. Goodwin

Tufts University Political Science Major Concentrations

• Political Theory and Philosophy
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Career Outlook for Political Science degree at University of Virginia

University of Virginia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Edgar Allan Poe
• Ronald Coase
• William Faulkner
• Georgia O'Keeffe
• Katie Couric
• Francis Collins
• Anselm Strauss
• Ferid Murad

University of Virginia Political Science Majors

• Political Science – Government
• Political Science – Foreign Affairs
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Career Outlook for Political Science degree at University of Notre Dame

University of Notre Dame’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Jacques Maritain
• Orson Scott Card
• E. Jerome McCarthy
• Saskia Sassen
• Condoleezza Rice
• Peter Suber
• Jon Barwise
• Joe Montana
• David H. Barlow
• Eric F. Wieschaus
• Robert Seamans
• Matthew Fox

University of Notre Dame Political Science Major

Interdisciplinary Minors:

• Constitutional Studies
• Hesburgh Program in Public Service
• Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
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Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Ivan Sutherland
• Oliver E. Williamson
• James Gosling
• Edward Feigenbaum
• John Forbes Nash Jr.
• Henry Giroux
• Edward C. Prescott
• Shafi Goldwasser
• Kurt Vonnegut
• Robert H. Dennard

Carnegie Mellon University Political Science Majors

• BS International Relations and Politics
• BS Economics and Politics
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Career Outlook for Political Science degree at Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Tennessee Williams
• J. C. R. Licklider
• Phyllis Schlafly
• Daniel Nathans
• Edwin G. Krebs
• Charles Eames
• Marilyn vos Savant
• Samuel Moyn
• Michael Isikoff
• İhsan Doğramacı
• Clyde Cowan
• William E. Moerner

Washington University in St. Louis Political Science Majors

• Environmental Policy

Political Science Subfields:

• International Politics

Washington University in St. Louis’s Online Degrees

Degree concentrations.

• Social Science
• Required Credits : 120
• Completion Time : None Reported
• Format : Online

Career Outlook for Students with Political Science Degree

Political science and government, degree level: bachelor's.

• Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
• Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,168
• Avg. Expenses*: $16,746
• Avg. Starting Salary*: $33,064
• Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $50,458
• Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 11 years
• Job Growth: 2.33%
• Number of Jobs: 2,360,500
• * denotes ‘annually’
• ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

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Learn more about political science.

If you want to know more about political science, then check out our related content:

• Learn how to major in political science
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• Find out who are the most influential political scientists today

Research Topics & Ideas: Politics

F inding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation or thesis. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a politics-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of politically-related research ideas across a range of disciplines, including political theory and philosophy, comparative politics, international relations, public administration and policy.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. Also, be sure to sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic from scratch.

Overview: Politics-Related Topics

• Political theory and philosophy
• Comparative politics
• International relations
• Public administration
• Public policy
• Examples of politics-related dissertations

Topics & Ideas: Political Theory

• An analysis of the impact of feminism on political theory and the concept of citizenship in Saudi Arabia in the context of Vision 2030
• A comparative study of the political philosophies of Marxism and liberalism and their influence on modern politics
• An examination of how the Covid-19 pandemic affected the relationship between individual freedom and collective responsibility in political philosophy
• A study of the impact of race and ethnicity on French political philosophy and the concept of justice
• An exploration of the role of religion in political theory and its impact on secular democracy in the Middle East
• A Review of Social contract theory, comparative analysis of the political philosophies of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau
• A study of the concept of the common good in political philosophy and its relevance to the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe
• An examination of the relationship between political power and the rule of law in developing African countries
• A study of the impact of postmodernism on political theory and the concept of truth, a case study of the US
• An exploration of the role of virtue in political philosophy and its impact on the assessment of moral character in political leaders

Topics & Ideas: Comparative Politics

• A comparative study of different models of federalism and their impact on democratic governance: A case Study of South American federalist states
• The impact of ethnic and religious diversity on political stability and democracy in developing countries, a review of literature from Africa
• An analysis of the role of civil society in promoting democratic change in autocratic regimes: A case study in Sweden
• A comparative examination of the impact of globalization on political institutions and processes in South America and Africa.
• A study of the factors that contribute to successful democratization in authoritarian regimes, a review of the role of Elite-driven democratization
• A comparison of the political and economic systems of China and India and their impact on social development
• The impact of corruption on political institutions and democracy in South East Asia, a critical review
• A comparative examination of the impact of majoritarian representation (winner-take-all) vs proportional representation on political representation and governance
• An exploration of Multi-party systems in democratic countries and their impact on minority representation and policy-making.
• A study of the factors that contribute to successful decentralization and regional autonomy, a case study of Spain

Topics & Ideas: International Relations

• A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of diplomacy and military force in resolving international conflicts in Central Africa.
• The impact of globalization on the sovereignty of nation-states and the changing nature of international politics, a review of the role of Multinational Corporations
• An examination of the role of international aid organizations in promoting peace, security, and development in the Middle East.
• A study of the impact of economic interdependence on the likelihood of conflict in international relations: A critical review of weaponized interdependence
• A comparative analysis of the foreign policies of the EU and the US and their impact on international stability in Africa
• An exploration of the relationship between international human rights and national sovereignty during the Covid 19 pandemic
• A study of the role of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAO)s in international politics and their impact on state behaviour
• A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of international regimes in addressing global challenges such as climate change, arms control, and terrorism in Brazil
• An examination of the impact of the rise of BRICS on the international system and global governance
• A study of the role of ideology in shaping the foreign policies of states and the dynamics of international relations in the US

Tops & Ideas: Public Administration

• An analysis of the impact of digital technology on public administration and the delivery of public services in Estonia
• A review of models of public-private partnerships and their impact on the delivery of public services in Ghana
• An examination of the role of civil society organizations in monitoring and accountability of public administration in Papua New Guinea
• A study of the impact of environmentalism as a political ideology on public administration and policy implementation in Germany
• An exploration of the relationship between public administration and citizen engagement in the policy-making process, an exploration of gender identity concerns in schools
• A comparative analysis of the efficiency and effectiveness of public administration, decentralisation and pay and employment reform in developing countries
• A study of the role of collaborative leadership in public administration and its impact on organizational performance
• A systematic review of the challenges and opportunities related to diversity and inclusion in police services
• A study of the impact of corrupt public administration on economic development and regional growth in Eastern Europe
• An exploration of the relationship between public administration and civil rights and liberties, including issues related to privacy and surveillance, a case study in South Korea

Topics & Ideas: Public Policy

• An analysis of the impacts of public policy on income inequality and poverty reduction in South Sudan
• A comparative study of the effectiveness of legal and regulatory, economic and financial, and social and cultural instruments for addressing climate change in South Korea
• An examination of the role of interest groups in shaping public policy and the policy-making process regarding land-use claims
• A study of the impact of globalization on the development of public policies and programs for mitigating climate change in Singapore
• An exploration of the relationship between public policy and social justice in tertiary education in the UAE
• A comparative analysis of the impact of health policies for the management of diabetes on access to healthcare and health outcomes in developing countries
• Exploring the role of evidence-based policymaking in the design and implementation of public policies for the management of invasive invertebrates in Australia
• An examination of the challenges and opportunities of implementing educational dietary public policies in developing multicultural countries
• A study of the impact of public policies on urbanization and urban development in rural Indonesia
• An exploration of the role of media and public opinion in shaping public policy and the policy-making process in the transport industry of Malaysia

Examples: Politics Dissertations & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a politics-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various politics-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• We, the Righteous Few: Immoral Actions of Fellow Partisans are Judged as Less Possible (Varnam, 2020)
• Civilizing the State: Civil Society and the Politics of Primary Public Health Care Provision in Urban Brazil (Gibson, 2012)
• Political regimes and minority language policies: evidence from Taiwan and southeast Asia (Wu, 2021)
• The Feminist Third Wave: Social Reproduction, Feminism as Class Struggle, and Contemporary Women’s Movements (Angulo, 2019)
• The Politics of Immigration under Authoritarianism (Joo, 2019)
• The politics of digital platforms: Sour Dictionary, activist subjectivities, and contemporary cultures of resistance (Okten, 2019)
• Vote choice and support for diverse candidates on the Boston City Council At-Large (Dolcimascolo, 2022)
• The city agenda: local governance and national influence in the policy agenda, 1900-2020 (Shannon, 2022)
• Turf wars: who supported measures to criminalize homelessness in Austin, Texas? (Bompiedi, 2021)
• Do BITs Cause Opposition Between Investor Rights and Environmental Protection? (Xiong, 2022)
• Revealed corruption and electoral accountability in Brazil: How politicians anticipate voting behavior (Diaz, 2021)
• Intersectional Solidarity: The Political Consequences of a Consciousness of Race, Gender and Sexuality (Crowder, 2020)
• The Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Coalitional Representation of Latinxs in the U.S. House of Representatives (Munoz, 2019)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. In other words, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

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What Can You Do With A Political Science Degree?

Updated: Aug 21, 2023, 10:23am

Political science degrees give students insight into how people and governments interact. Coursework explores how these interactions shape societal views. Graduates with political science degrees can qualify for a diverse array of careers with nonprofit organizations, public sector organizations and private businesses.

In addition to knowledge about politics and governance, political science programs help build learners’ communication, analytical, problem-solving and research skills—essential soft skills for jobs in electoral politics, community organizing, volunteer management and other fields.

This guide outlines popular political science degree careers, highlighting several professional organizations that can help political science graduates achieve their professional goals.

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What Is Political Science?

Political science is the theory and practice of politics in local, state, national and international governments. The discipline examines governments and political structures using scientific methods as well as domestic and international perspectives.

Political science explores political ideologies, policies, behaviors, institutions and groups of people to understand how politics impact our citizens and communities.

Careers in Political Science

The jobs below are several roles graduates can qualify for with their political science degrees. We sourced salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale .

Political Scientist

Median Annual Salary: $128,020 Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree Job Overview: Political scientists study political concepts, such as political system development, political ideas and policies and foreign and domestic governments. They analyze data like public opinion and societal trends to examine how laws and policies impact governments and citizens. Political scientists may focus their work in specialized areas, such as international relations, national politics, political theory or comparative politics.

Survey Researcher

Median Annual Salary: $60,410 Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree; bachelor’s degrees sometimes acceptable for entry-level jobs Job Overview: Survey researchers develop and test surveys, coordinate data collection and analyze information from survey research. Because these professionals can work in diverse fields like government, education or healthcare, survey topics can include politics and culture, economics, health or market research analysis. Survey researchers also use specialized software and statistical techniques to analyze data.

Median Annual Salary: $55,960 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree Job Overview: Journalists investigate current events and report their findings to the public through stories, articles, website content and multimedia. These professionals need strong analytical, research, writing, editing and interviewing skills. Some journalists work in television or broadcast news, while others work for online or print publications. They can also freelance for multiple publications or news organizations.

Public Relations Manager

Median Annual Salary: $129,430 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree sometimes required Job Overview: Public relations managers oversee the societal perception of their clients, which can include businesses, organizations and individuals. These professionals manage everything from branding and corporate image to advertising campaigns and media relations. Their work typically involves writing press releases, developing plans for promotional activities, serving as a spokesperson to the media and monitoring current events to stay atop new trends.

Legislative Assistant

Average Annual Salary: Approximately $43,600 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree Job Overview: Legislative assistants provide administrative support and assistance to legislators throughout the lawmaking process. They write drafts of documents and reports, manage files, schedule appointments, make travel arrangements, prepare presentations and ensure documents meet appropriate standards.

Political Science Fields of Study Specializations

Political science programs may offer specializations or concentrations. These sets of coursework let students specialize their knowledge in particular subfields, which can help them qualify for specific careers. Concentrations vary by school and degree level.

Below we explore four common specializations for political science degrees.

American Politics

This field of study explores issues like public policy concepts, political processes and political behavior within the American political system. Learners use tools like statistical analysis, surveys, mathematical modeling and public opinion research to explore the relationship between people and politics in the U.S.

Comparative Politics

Comparative politics contrasts political issues on a global scale, comparing approaches to governance and politics in different countries and cultures. Classes in this concentration teach students to apply political theory as they explore government institutions, leadership, foreign and domestic public policy, electoral behaviors and public opinion through a comparative lens.

International Relations

The international relations subfield explores the causes and consequences of interactions and relationships among national governments. Courses in this concentration typically explore topics such as global governance, international economies, national security, political violence and human rights.

Political Theory

Political theory highlights important domestic and international political issues, such as liberty, justice, equality, democracy, human rights and globalization. Coursework asks learners to study concepts like modern and contemporary political theory, American political thought, identity politics and feminist theory.

Professional Organizations for Political Science

Professional organizations offer various benefits to their members, including resources like publications, networking opportunities, conferences and career guidance. These organizations may serve members on national, regional or international levels. The list below covers several professional organizations for political science students and graduates.

American Political Science Association (APSA)

APSA supports more than 11,000 members from over 100 countries. This association promotes research and communication among its members to increase career and academic opportunities. Membership is available for individuals, academic departments and other institutions.

Member benefits include access to research findings, published materials, career resources and professional development opportunities.

International Political Science Association (IPSA AISP)

IPSA supports political science scholars and professionals, encouraging collaboration, promoting academic freedom and building scholarly networks. Membership is open to individuals, educational institutions and national and regional associations.

Member benefits include domestic and global networking events, educational opportunities, research committees, newsletters and academic services.

Northeastern Political Science Association (NPSA)

The NPSA promotes the study of the political science discipline and supports professionals in the field. This regional U.S. group’s members can access career information, grants, awards and an annual conference where participants can share scholarly research.

Western Political Science Association (WPSA)

The WPSA supports political science professionals and scholars in the western U.S. and western Canada. The group promotes the study of politics and government. Member benefits include virtual meetings, publications, networking opportunities and awards. The WPSA also hosts an annual conference where participants can share scholarly research.

Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA)

The MPSA works to advance the teaching and professional study of political science. Members of this regional group can access job boards, funding opportunities, a research paper repository, mentoring programs, awards, scholarships, journal subscriptions, networking opportunities and an annual conference.

Southern Political Science Association (SPSA)

The SPSA aims to improve political science education and promote research of theoretical and practical issues related to political science in the southern U.S. Members can access professional journals, networking opportunities, newsletters, awards and an annual conference.

International Association for Political Science Students (IAPSS)

The IAPSS supports undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate political science students and junior faculty members in more than 70 countries. As a student organization, it aims to promote political science education by providing members with opportunities for networking and contributing to the global impact of political science.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Political Science Degree Careers

Is political science a good major for making money.

Salaries for political science careers vary by position and experience level. According to Payscale, the average starting salary for political science bachelor’s degree graduates is $75,000, or above average.

Is political science a STEM major?

No, political science is not a STEM major. Though political science does use scientific and mathematical tools like statistical analysis, the field belongs to the social sciences category.

Is political science in high demand?

Job outlook varies by position, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for political scientists to increase by 6% from 2021 to 2031. This rate is as fast as the national average growth projection for all careers, signaling steady demand for these workers.

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Sheryl Grey is a freelance writer who specializes in creating content related to education, aging and senior living, and real estate. She is also a copywriter who helps businesses grow through expert website copywriting, branding and content creation. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Indiana University South Bend, and she received her teacher certification training through Bethel University’s Transition to Teaching program.

Undergraduate Program

Research opportunities.

From all accounts, getting into research is one of the more rewarding experiences students can have in college. Research can open doors - academic or career - that you hadn't imagined before. Delve into a topic and seek answers to questions of great interest to you. Establish an easy camaraderie with one of the faculty. Here's how...

Faculty-led Research

Independent study and research, honors thesis program, identifying sources of funding, publish your research.

Apprentice with a faculty member in the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP). The URAP program provides opportunities for you to work with faculty on some cutting-edge research. Working closely with faculty, you can cultivate professional relationships, enhance your research skills, and deepen your knowledge and skills in areas of special interest. Applications are online. For a complete listing and description of research projects, check out the URAP website (external link) or stop by 5 Durant Hall.

The Geballe Research Opportunities for Undergraduates Program (GROUP) pairs faculty members and undergraduates in summer research projects. Undergraduates awarded the apprenticeships receive $2500 for the summer. For program details, please go to the GROUP website (external link) .

Think about your own research, perhaps as an independent study. In such cases, a faculty mentor can help you stay focused and develop skills in asking and answering research questions. Independent study courses within the Political Science department are numbered 99 (lower division undergraduates) or 196/199 (upper division undergraduates). Courses vary from one to four units, depending on the extensiveness of the project, and are typically taken on a Pass/Not Pass basis. During the regular academic year, forms are due the Friday of the 2nd week of classes.

NOTE : Independent study courses, field study, P/NP courses, labs, simulations, and similar non-lecture courses do not fulfill requirements in the major. A maximum of two semesters of independent study or research may be taken by a student.

Please note that these courses require a significant level of departmental approval. Read on for important enrollment details.

Independent Study/Internship forms are obtainable by e-mailing the the department's Undergraduate Advising Office at [email protected]. The forms must be instructor-signed and returned via e-mail to [email protected] no later than the deadlines given below.

PS 99 Independent Study

For lower-division students (59 or fewer units at the beginning of the relevant semester) who wish to work one-on-one with a member of the Political Science faculty on a research project.

Requirements: a minimum of 10 pages of written work for each unit of credit. Students must gauge the size of the paper they wish to write beforehand, discuss it with their faculty sponsor, and choose the number of units to enroll for accordingly. 1-4 units. Pass/Not Pass only.

Eligibility: PS 99 requires a cumulative gpa of 3.3, prior completion of at least two Political Sciences courses, and adequate background for the proposed study.

PS 199 Independent Study

For upper-division students (60 or more units completed at the beginning of the relevant semester) who wish to work one-on-one with a member of the Political Science faculty on a research project.

Requirements: a minimum of 10 pages of written work for each unit of credit. Students must gauge the size of the paper they wish to write beforehand, discuss it with their faculty sponsor, and choose the number of units to enroll for accordingly. 1- 4 units. Pass/Not Pass only.

Eligibility: PS 199 requires a cumulative gpa of 2.0 overall and in the major,and adequate background for the proposed study.

PS 196 Independent Study

Requirements: a minimum of 10 pages of written work for each unit of credit. Students must gauge the size of the paper they wish to write beforehand, discuss it with their faculty sponsor, and choose the number of units to enroll for accordingly. 1 - 4 units. Letter-graded only.

Eligibility: PS 196 requires a cumulative gpa of 2.0 overall and in the major,and adequate background for the proposed study.

Limitations on PS 196: Students cannot sign up with the same faculty sponsor twice.

Enrollment Procedure

• Obtain the Independent Study form via e-mail from the Office of Undergraduate Advising at [email protected]
• Complete the form and obtain your faculty sponsor's signature.
• Submit the instructor-signed form to [email protected] no later than Friday at 4 pm during the 2nd week of classes (spring or fall semester) or Friday at 4 pm during the 1st week of summer classes (Summer sessions A and D).

Your Independent Study proposal will be submitted by the Undergraduate Office for departmental review. Once approved, you will be emailed a Course Control Number to enroll for the units.

Students should enroll in back-up units in case their applications are denied.

Failure to submit the form by the end of the 2nd week (or 1st week in summer) will result in the forfeiture of credit.

About 10- 15% of Political Science majors pursue an Honors Thesis. If you have a strong interest in a particular topic and would like the experience of researching and writing a long research paper, consider writing an Honors Thesis. Students who write an honors thesis enroll in a year-long seminar, PS H190A and B, and work independently with a faculty sponsor. Political Science majors who have 1) completed 90 units; 2) at least graded upper-division Political Science courses at UC Berkeley; 3) have an overall GPA of 3.3 and a minimum of 3.5 in the major are eligible to apply. For specifics, please refer to the Honors web site and consult with a Political Science undergraduate adviser.

Research and Writing Resources

These books are recommended by Dr. Terri Bimes, one of the coordinators of the Political Science Honors Program. Many of these books can be found at one of the campus libraries (external link) .

• Kate L. Turabian, Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (Univ. of Chicago Press). 7th.
• W. Phillips Shively, The Craft of Political Research (Prentice Hall)
• Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams, The Craft of Research (Univ. of Chicago Press)
• Gregory C. Scott and Stephen M. Garrison, The Political Science Student Writer's Manual (Prentice Hall)
• Stephen Van Evera, Guide to Methods for Students of Political Science (Cornell University Press)
• Janet Johnson, Richard Joslyn, and H.T. Reynolds, Political Science Research Methods (CQ Press)
• Michael Corbett, Research Methods in Political Science (Thompson)
• Stella Theodoulo and Rory O'Brien, eds., Methods for Political Inquiry (Prentice Hall)
• John Creswall, Research Design (Sage)
• James Carlson and Mark Hyde, Doing Empirical Political Research (Houghton Mofflin)

Various units on campus offer or administer grants, scholarships, and awards for purposes ranging from: introductory and senior thesis research, study abroad and research related travel, community and university service projects, and merit based awards acknowledging outstanding scholarship. For more information about these funding opportunities, check out the listings below.

• The Charles H. Percy Undergraduate Grant for Public Affairs Research http://igs.berkeley.edu/csr/csr_percy_grant.html (external link)
• Haas Scholars Program http://research.berkeley.edu/haas_scholars/ (external link)
• McNair Scholars Program http://aap.berkeley.edu/mcnair.shtml (external link)
• SURF: Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (L&S) http://research.berkeley.edu/surf/ (external link)
• Florence Mason Palmer Memorial Prize http://students.berkeley.edu/finaid/undergraduates/palmerprize.htm (external link)
• Owen D. Young Prize in International Relations http://students.berkeley.edu/finaid/undergraduates/youngprize.htm (external link)
• Philo Sherman Bennett Prize in Political Science http://students.berkeley.edu/finaid/undergraduates/bennettprize.htm (external link)
• Office of Undergraduate Research & Scholarships - Listings open to students in the Social Sciences https://research.berkeley.edu/ opportunities/discipline? field_discipline_value=Arts- Humanities-Social% 2FBehavioral+Science  (external link)

The Berkeley Undergraduate Journal

The Berkeley Undergraduate Journal (external link) is dedicated to publishing the academic work of undergraduates from the Humanities, Social Sciences, and related fields at the University of California, Berkeley. Essays are selected on the basis of academic content, general interest, and clarity of writing. Papers should be 15-60 pages long, on topics that would be of interest to the generally well-educated reader. For submission instructions, applications to the all-undergraduate Editorial Board, or further information, call (510) 643-5374 or email [email protected] .

For additional research opportunities, check out this summary (external link) of campus-wide research programs or visit the Office of Undergraduate Research (external link) .

Our systems are now restored following recent technical disruption, and we’re working hard to catch up on publishing. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Find out more: https://www.cambridge.org/universitypress/about-us/news-and-blogs/cambridge-university-press-publishing-update-following-technical-disruption

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• Field Research in Political Science

Field Research in Political Science

Practices and principles.

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• Diana Kapiszewski , Georgetown University, Washington DC , Lauren M. MacLean , Indiana University , Benjamin L. Read , University of California, Santa Cruz
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Book description

Field research - leaving one's home institution in order to acquire data, information or insights that significantly inform one's research - remains indispensable, even in a digitally networked era. This book, the first of its kind in political science, reconsiders the design and execution of field research and explores its role in producing knowledge. First, it offers an empirical overview of fieldwork in the discipline based on a large-scale survey and extensive interviews. Good fieldwork takes diverse forms yet follows a set of common practices and principles. Second, the book demonstrates the analytic benefits of fieldwork, showing how it contributes to our understanding of politics. Finally, it provides intellectual and practical guidance, with chapters on preparing for field research, operating in the field and making analytic progress while collecting data, and on data collection techniques including archival research, interviewing, ethnography and participant observation, surveys, and field experiments.

‘This outstanding book is a must-read for political science scholars, from faculty members contemplating a new project, to doctoral students exploring dissertation topics, to undergraduates embarking on their first research projects. A masterly analysis of how field research contributes to our understanding of politics, the book synthesizes a broad range of literature and also draws on the field experience of the authors. Despite the diversity of approaches to field research in the discipline, authors not only identify a common core of principles and practices but also suggest how they might be deepened and sharpened.’

Elisabeth Jean Wood - Yale University, Connecticut

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Field Research in Political Science - Half title page pp i-i

• Get access Check if you have access via personal or institutional login Log in Register

Field Research in Political Science: Practices and Principles pp ii-ii

Field research in political science - title page pp iii-iii.

• Practices and Principles
• By Diana Kapiszewski , Lauren M. MacLean , Benjamin L. Read

Copyright page pp iv-iv

Contents pp v-v, figures pp vi-vi, tables pp vii-viii, preface pp ix-xiv, 1 - field research in political science: practices and principles pp 1-33, 2 - a historical and empirical overview of field research in the discipline pp 34-81, 3 - preparing for fieldwork pp 82-118, 4 - managing in the field: logistical, social, operational, and ethical challenges pp 119-150, 5 - thinking outside the (archive) box: discovering data in the field pp 151-189, 6 - interviews, oral histories, and focus groups pp 190-233, 7 - site-intensive methods: ethnography and participant observation pp 234-265, 8 - surveys in the context of field research pp 266-298, 9 - experiments in the field pp 299-331, 10 - analyzing, writing, and retooling in the field pp 332-367, 11 - the future of field research in political science pp 368-411, appendix pp 412-415.

• Methodology for survey and in-depth interviews

References pp 416-446

Index pp 447-455, altmetric attention score, full text views.

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Grants, Fellowships, and Funding in the Discipline

The American Political Science Association awards grants, fellowships, and scholarships with the aim of advancing education and research in political science. These include grants to support scholarly research, grants to support civic engagement programming, collaborative projects on teaching political science, and research projects aimed at having real-world impact on pressing issues, and more. 

The information below represents a selection of grants, fellowships, and other opportunities sponsored by APSA.  APSA also maintains a listing of open grants, awards and fellowship opportunities submitted by outside organizations here .   

Research Grants

Spring Centennial Center Research Grants  —  Applications due April 15th of each year. The APSA Small Research Grant Program supports research in all fields of political science. The intent of these grants is to provide funding opportunities for research conducted by political scientists not employed at PhD-granting departments in the field, or who are in non-tenure track or contingent positions ineligible for departmental funding. Summer Centennial Center Research Grants  —  Applications due June 15th of each year. The Centennial Center for Political Science and Public Affairs offers over $100,000 per year in research funding to APSA members. Centennial Center Research Grants assist with the costs of research, including travel, interviews, access to datasets, auxiliary devices or services necessary for scholars with disabilities to conduct their research, and access to archives.

Fund for Latino Scholarship The primary purpose of the Fund for Latino Scholarship is to encourage and support the recruitment, retention and promotion of political science students and scholars who study and research Latina/o politics (especially students and tenure track junior faculty).

Grants for Collaborative Projects  

Special Projects Fund grants support collaborative, member-led projects aimed at advancing the political science discipline and/or a tackling a challenge facing the discipline. Projects must be evidence-based and provide wider benefits for the profession and the discipline. Projects must be collaborative and can be focused on any area of disciplinary work, inclusive of teaching, research, service, and public engagement. Proposals can work to contribute to or advance a research area but should not focus on traditional scholarly project (e.g. production of a single author book or journal article). For examples of past funded proposals see the above link. Special Projects Fund calls for applications are not issued in pre-determined cycles but are scheduled based on availability of funding.

Research Partnerships on Critical Issues APSA’s Research Partnerships on Critical Issues program provides grants to political scientists for collaborative, research-based projects aimed at advancing the public good. The Research Partnerships on Critical Issues program has two central goals:

• To demonstrate the value of political science to the public to policymakers and to the broader community through publicly-engaged research.
• To bring higher ed-based political scientists into conversation with practitioners and policy-oriented scholars across ideological and geographic lines.

Pedagogical Partnerships Pedagogical Partnership grants support projects that will bring together political science faculty from different institutions in the same geographic area to share expertise and produce cutting-edge teaching resources. PI’s will lead the organization of a series of meetings that will bring a larger group of local faculty together, allow for the sharing of best practices and innovations, and produce new teaching materials and new ties between faculty in the area. All Pedagogical Partnerships proposals must include at least one PI from a community college and one organizer from a research-intensive institution. Pedagogical partnership proposals are typically due in early January of each year.

Growing Democracy Growing Democracy grants support community-based programming led by political scientists that aims to bridge the boundaries between academia and community and break down the barriers between residents and governing institutions. Growing Democracy grants provide funding for collaborations between political scientists and their local communities aimed at supporting informed, engaged, and effective citizens. Proposed work should be community-centered and developed with an awareness of community needs and recognize the expertise held by faculty and community members. Growing democracy proposals are typically due in early January of each year.

Travel Grants

Travel Grants Standard Travel Grant:  

APSA is pleased to provide travel grants to qualified applicants for attendance at association events, specifically the Teaching and Learning Conference and the APSA Annual Meeting. Qualified applicants include: U.S. graduate students, international graduate students studying in the U.S., unemployed members, international scholars, community college faculty, contingent faculty, unemployed faculty, APSA Status Committee members, and any faculty member who has been furloughed or experienced a reduction in available research funds from their college or university. Travel grants can cover costs such as mileage for attendees who travel to association events by car or plane tickets for attendees who arrive by air. Grants can also cover hotels, meals, and conference related cab fares. First time attendees and those on the job market or tenure track will receive priority consideration. All grant recipients will be reimbursed for expenses after the conclusion of the relevant association event.

The APSA Committee on the Status of LGBT Individuals in the Profession is sponsoring travel and accessibility grants to support attendance at the 2023 APSA Annual Meeting & Exhibition. The grants are intended to support participation opportunities for historically excluded groups and those at institutions with limited resources. Travel grants will support individuals who will travel to Los Angeles, California for the Annual Meeting. Accessibility grants will be awarded to support indirect costs of participating in the meeting. Grants will not exceed $300 per awardee. Priority will be given to applicants with accepted poster and paper presentations, or individuals attending APSA to engage in service on LGBT-related committees/sections.

Learn more about the grant and submit your application! The application deadline is July 1, 2023.

The Lee Ann Fujii Travel Grant supports APSA Diversity Fellows’ (formerly Minority Fellows) participation in the APSA Annual Meeting to encourage engagement with research, professional development, mentoring, and collaboration. Among other factors, priority is given to individuals whose research, teaching, or mentoring focuses in the areas of political violence, ethnicity and race, African politics, racial violence in the US South, comparative politics, international relations, conflict processes, research ethics, or qualitative and interpretive methods. The APSA Lee Ann Fujii DFP Travel Grant is made possible by the generous contributions of the Fujii Family and Dr. Fujii’s colleagues and friends. The grant is meant to support APSA Diversity Fellows’ participation in the APSA annual meeting to engage in research, professional development, mentoring and collaboration. Applications for the 2023 Lee Ann Fujii DFP Travel Grant will open May 22, 2023. Recipients will be announced in July 2023. Click here for more information.

In 2015, the APSA Council approved a new standing Committee on First-Generation Higher Education Scholars in the Profession, parallel to the existing APSA status committees. The goal and mission of this committee is to bring focused attention to the ways that class, economic inequality, and mobility can affect political scientists’ ability to thrive educationally and professionally throughout their careers. The Committee is delighted to offer travel and accessibility grants up to the amount of $250 to support First Generation Higher Education Scholars in the Profession who attend the APSA Annual Meeting. We anticipate opening the 2024 cycle this year on September 18, 2023, with a deadline of October 3, 2023. Click here to read more about the program.

SIEPR Predoctoral Research Fellows Program

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The SIEPR/Economics Predoctoral Research Fellows Program offers a full-time one- to two-year immersive research experience for post-baccalaureate individuals interested in pursuing advanced degrees and careers in economics, public policy, and related fields. Predoctoral research fellows (“predocs”) work with one or two SIEPR faculty mentors on research projects and have the opportunity to enroll in Stanford undergraduate and graduate level courses. Predocs additionally participate in a variety of professional development and social activities together.  

SIEPR/Economics Predoctoral Research Fellows Program

Fellows are appointed as non-matriculated graduate students and have the opportunity to fully engage in the intellectual life at Stanford University. They dedicate a significant portion of their time to an empirical research project and can take courses at Stanford University for credit (up to one 3-unit course per quarter). The fellowship offers tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend.

Meet our current Predoctoral Research Fellows

Hear from some SIEPR students

Diversity and Inclusivity

The SIEPR Predoctoral Research Fellows program is committed to creating inclusive research spaces for all. We value diverse backgrounds and perspectives and are a proud participant of  Pathways to Research and Doctoral Careers (PREDOC) . The goal of our program is to help foster the growth of the next generation of researchers in economics and public policy.

We seek applicants who have an interest in pursuing research related to economic policy and in learning cutting-edge research methods. Prior background is not strictly necessary; candidates interested in gaining exposure to the project areas of research are very welcome to apply. 

Qualifications

• Completion of a 4-year undergraduate degree by June 30, 2025. The degree should be a bachelor's, or foreign equivalent, in economics, statistics, applied mathematics, or a related field. 
• Strong quantitative background and interest in learning cutting-edge research methods.
• Creative and independent problem-solving skills.
• An interest in pursuing research related to economics and/or the project field of interest. However, prior background in these areas is not strictly necessary; candidates interested in gaining exposure to the project areas of research are very welcome to apply. 
• The programming experience required varies and will be outlined in the posting for each research project.

Apply to be a Fellow

Faculty Mentors

The program enables our faculty to expand their research capacity on policy-relevant topics. By expanding the talent pool from which future contributions to the economic policy will be made, we directly contribute to SIEPR’s mission of engaging future scholars in high-quality economic policy research.

See the current faculty mentors

Stanford Faculty interested in mentoring students through the program should consult our  Information for Faculty.

Please review our  frequently asked questions . If you have additional questions, email  [email protected] .

• Schools & departments

Social and Political Science MScR

Awards: MScR

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Social and Political Science

Postgraduate Virtual Open Days

Join us online on 12 to 14 November where you can learn more about postgraduate study through webinars, live panel sessions, and one-to-one chat.

Find out more and register

Research profile

For students looking to undertake doctoral-level research in the Social and Political Science subject area, this Masters by Research degree will give you the necessary skills through a structured programme of research training.

The MSc by Research (MScR) is different from our other programmes in that, typically, taught masters have more focus on subject-relevant substantive topics rather than acquiring the skills to undertake advanced research, which is the focus of this degree.

You will have the opportunity to undertake research training alongside an independent research project, supported by a supervisor.

Our expertise and interests range across the following subject areas:

• African Studies
• Global Health Policy
• International Development
• Medical Anthropology
• Politics and International Relations
• Social and Public Policy
• Social Anthropology
• Social Work
• Socio-cultural Studies
• South Asian Studies

Your application must clearly state the subject area you are interested in, the potential supervisor who is willing to supervise you, and include a research proposal for your dissertation.

Programme structure

The MScR includes compulsory courses that cover core research training skills around data collection, data analysis and research design.

It also offers the opportunity to develop your own interests within the framework of workshops and courses offered by subject areas, as well as the professional skills workshops offered by our Student Development Office. These also cover the dissertation that forms a key part of the degree.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Training and support

You will join the lively research community and participate in regular seminars and workshops.  Frequent seminars and lectures by visiting scholars provide opportunities for contacts beyond the University. 

By the end of the year, you will have completed a dissertation in the shape of a small, independent research study, or a pilot or full research proposal for a potential PhD project.    The School of Social and Political Science provides Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recognised research training courses for Social Science students across the University. Postgraduate research students can access core, intermediate and advanced research training courses tailored to the need of their projects. We may also encourage you to attend courses in other schools across the University or at other institutions, if this benefits your project or professional development.       The University’s Institute for Academic Development also provides a range of courses and events to assist with methodological training and career development. 

• Institute for Academic Development    

As a PhD student at the School of Social and Political Science, you will have full access to a number of dedicated facilities in the Chrystal Macmillan Building, such as desk areas for quiet and collaborative study.   

You will also have access to the University’s outstanding research library and archive facilities. These include the University’s Main Library, one of the largest academic libraries in the world with more than 2,300 study spaces, as well as the National Library of Scotland and the Scottish Records Office.        Proximity to the Scottish Parliament and other institutions of national government provides further research opportunities. 

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT : 8 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Tuition fees, scholarships and funding.

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

borrowing money

taking out a loan

family support

personal savings

income from work

employer sponsorship

• scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Featured funding

• ESRC 1+3 Studentships

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status.

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Postgraduate Admissions Team
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 4086
• Contact: [email protected]
• Director of Postgraduate Research
• Contact: [email protected]
• School of Social & Political Science
• Chrystal McMillan Building
• 15A George Square
• Central Campus
• Programme: Social and Political Science
• School: Social & Political Science
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

MSc by Research Social and Political Sciences - 1 Year (Full-time)

Msc by research social and political sciences - 2 years (part-time), application deadlines.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

• How to apply

Your application must clearly state the subject area you are interested in and/or the potential supervisor you have contacted.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

Political Science Major

The undergraduate program in Political Science at Rice University educates students about political science as the scientific study of political institutions, political behavior, and public policy. Our program focuses on three subfields, and students can specialize in one or two of these subfields or approach the major more broadly:

• American Politics - the study of politics and government in the United States
• Comparative Politics - the study of domestic politics in countries outside the United States
• International Relations - the study of how countries interact with one another

Mission and Learning Outcomes

The mission of the undergraduate program is to provide students with a strong, substantive and theoretical understanding of political science, to teach students how to conduct empirical research, to help students develop and improve their communication skills, and to encourage students to be informed and responsible citizens.

The major has several specific goals for students to help achieve the department’s mission. As a Political Science major, you will:

• Develop a broad understanding of political science and more specific knowledge in one or more subfields ( Substantive knowledge )
• Develop critical thinking skills and the ability to apply political science theories to understand the political world ( Critical thinking )
• Learn how to interpret, conduct and evaluate political science research, including data collection and data analysis techniques and statistical software ( Empirical analysis )
• Develop and strengthen written, oral, and visual communication skills and the ability to present political science research to an audience ( Communication )
• Become an informed citizen able to participate effectively and meaningfully in the political process ( Citizenship )

The Political Science Curriculum

The Political Science undergraduate curriculum is designed to help students achieve the above goals.

Students should start by taking the 200-level introductory courses in American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations to gain an overview of the main topics, questions, and approaches within each subfield and political science, more generally.

In the 300-level courses, students explore specific political science topics in greater detail. The department offers courses on topics, such as democracy, political representation, the presidency, elections and voting behavior, minority politics, women and gender, the judiciary, legislatures, political parties, Latin American politics, European politics, urban politics, public policy, war, terrorism, foreign policy, international organizations, trade, among others.

At the 400-level, all courses are research seminars where students use critical thinking skills to apply methodological, theoretical, and research knowledge to political science topics in which our faculty specialize. These topics vary from year to year but may include voting systems, democratic elections, gender representation in Latin America, comparative public policy, US-China relations, world legislatures, the global spread of policy and ideas, civil war and terrorism, among others. Students write research papers and/or do oral/visual presentations as part of the 400-level courses.

All majors are required to take two research methods courses, which teach students introductory statistics, show students how to design and conduct research in political science, and allow students to apply their newly learned research methods. We recommend that students take these courses early in the major because they provide an invaluable set of skills to help students in upper division courses in the department. The research methods courses are also prerequisites for all 400-level courses.

Please see our degree requirements page for specific political science major requirements.

Career Options

The Political Science major provides students with a variety of marketable skills, such as written, oral, and visual communication, critical thinking, policy evaluation, data analysis, some programming skills, and research methods. These skills, in addition to the in-depth knowledge of political institutions, behavior, and policy gained as part of the major, prepare students for a wide variety of professional careers and post-baccalaureate educational opportunities:

• government (local, state, and national level)
• non-governmental and international organizations
• policy and public administration
• international affairs
• medical school

Beyond preparing students for a host of future careers, political science courses equip students for life as an informed citizen ready to participate in political activities within interest groups or political parties; related to community organization and political advocacy; or even service as an elected or appointed official. To learn more about career-building and internship opportunities, join our Facebook page, where we regularly post internship opportunities, or visit the Gateway Program in the School of Social Sciences.

Study  ›   Postgraduate Taught courses

Political science and international relations ma.

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Course details

• Full-time: 12 months
• Part-time: 24 months
• Apply by: 29 August 2025
• International deadline: 11 July 2025
• Starts: 22 September 2025

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Apply for this course by: 29 August 2025

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What you'll need

As part of the application process, you'll need to submit:

• School or college transcripts/certificates
• University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
• Degree certificates
• Personal statement outlining your learning ambitions

Our application process

• Sign into our online portal, Apply Yourself, and start your application
• Submit your application
• We'll email you to let you know we're processing your application
• Track the progress of your application using the Postgraduate Application Tracker (we'll send you a link to the tracker)
• We'll email you when a decision has been made
• If you've been made an offer, you can then accept or decline it using the Postgraduate Application Tracker.

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Apply for this course by: 11 July 2025

There is no fee to apply for our courses. However, once you’ve been made an offer to study with us you are required to pay a fee deposit .

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Master of Arts

A Master of Arts (MA) is a master’s degree awarded for a postgraduate programme in the arts.

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Course overview

The Political Science and International Relations MA provides training in research methods, the application of political concepts and theories, and develops an advanced understanding of politics and political science. Your employability is enhanced through skills training, alongside the chance to gain advanced work experience through our Advanced Placement Scheme that places students with an employer to work on a project.

Introduction

The MA offers a range of optional modules that enables you to specialise or generalise in key areas of political studies including British Politics, International Relations, and Comparative Politics. The MA also provides comprehensive methods training to equip you with the skills required for doctoral research, or a wide range of careers in fields such as journalism, business, the Civil Service, central government, local government, charities, and education.

If you are interested in applying for this MA, or if you have any questions whilst undertaking your programme of study, please do not hesitate to contact the Programme Lead.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for graduates with a Bachelor’s in Politics/International Relations or a broadly related discipline who want to advance their understanding of politics and political science.

What you'll learn

• Political science research methods
• Advanced work experience from the opportunity to participate in the Advanced Placement Scheme with placements available in areas such as: local government, national charities and trade unions
• Application of political concepts and theories
• An advanced understanding of politics and political science
• The ability to write a political science dissertation at postgraduate level.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Standard pathway

On the standard Political Science and International Relations pathway, students take the compulsory module Political Science Research Methods and then can choose from a selection of optional 15 and 30 credit modules in semester one and a selection of optional 15 credit modules in semester two.

Students on this programme have the option to take a Contemporary Europe pathway , which involves different compulsory and optional modules. Please select Contemporary Europe pathway for information on this pathway.

Compulsory modules

Credits: 15 / semester: semester 1.

Research methods in social science encompass a vast array of techniques meant to guide research of social, political and human behavior. This is a challenging and exciting enterprise. This module will introduce you to some of the most used methods in social science. We will start by defining the research process and the fundamental features of research design before covering a number of qualitative and quantitative approaches to the study of political phenomena. The aim is to equip you with the vital skills required to conduct research in political science and international relations and to provide the advanced knowledge required to undertake a dissertation at Masters level.

Optional modules

This module will be of particular interest to students interested in big data and how it is collected and used in modern society; in the politics and policy questions around social media; and in the interactions between media, platforms, and citizens. It will introduce students to the study of online media and platforms, with a particular focus on ‘big’ social trace data. As well as developing their understanding of how Internet-based media systems work, students will learn about the strengths and weaknesses of using big data for social science research, and engage with key online political communication policy questions.

The module examines a range of interconnected issues concerning the politics/media relationship. It offers a critical overview of the ways in which the media have been studied and discussed in relation to political processes and explores the key aspects of contemporary theory and research in politics and media. Part one is devoted to theories and debates about the politics and media relationship. It examines different ways of making sense of the relationship between the state, the public, and the media and questions surrounding media power and media audiences. Part two focuses on specific cases and controversies in the media-politics relations. It explores the changing relationships, representational forms, power dynamics, and impacts of media performance in selected forms of contemporary ‘conflict’.

This module follows the evolution of the field of conflict studies: from the early adoption of an IR framework of bargaining to explaining conflicts within states, to testing structural, country-level correlates of conflict resolution or recurrence, to the recognition of multidimensional conflicts and the shift toward dyadic data, and finally, to the recent focus on armed group fluidity and theories about how rebel spoiling, splintering, and alliances lead conflicts to take new forms.

This module requires students to engage with the politics around efforts to tackle contemporary forms of exploitation often categorised as ‘slavery’, to consider the origins and human experience of such activities, to assess policies for combating them, and to apply this to an independent research project. Seminars will challenge students to analyse the major themes in legal and political responses to trafficking, forced labour and other forms of human rights abuse analogous to slavery. Students will develop strategies for researching practices and policies relating to contemporary ‘slaveries’ and they will develop an independent study of a particular aspect.

The history of the nation-state formation and disintegration reflects the history of modern Europe which has been formed and often torn by these processes. While the nation-state is the most successful political organisation of modernity and a focus of peoples belonging, its design and its inherent association with a particular national group and its identity is not without controversy. The principal aim of this module is to analyse the political significance of the nation-state in European politics from 19th Century to the present. It covers waves of nationalism (1848, 1917, 1945 and 1989) and provides academic tools for understanding politics of national identity, minorities, immigration and citizenship in the past and in our time.

Increasingly recognition of the environmental threats that we all face means that responding to this crisis affects the decisions we all make at a variety of different scales. This module explores the extent to which environmental concerns are taken into account in various decision-making processes involving the public (government), private and third sectors at a variety of different scales, global, European, national and local. The module is assessed by an essay and an open-book exam, which provides students with significant choice to explore those parts of the module they find most interesting.

This module is designed to introduce students to the range and diversity of current research in languages and cultures. In individual sessions, students will be encouraged to consider the range of theoretical and methodological approaches which they could adopt in approaching their individual research projects. This module aims to provide students with an awareness of the key theoretical issues central to cultural studies, and to develop in them an understanding of current methodologies.

This module examines some of the most crucial topics in contemporary electoral research, and aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the factors explaining people’s political preferences and electoral behaviour in different contexts. The module takes an interdisciplinary approach that combines sociology, psychology and political science. Geographically speaking, this is a comparative module that focuses on full democracies, and students are encouraged to think about how the mechanisms covered in the different sessions may(or may not) work in other democratic contexts.

Credits: 30 / Semester: semester 1

War Writing addresses the ways that wartime and peacetime are imagined by writers in the 20th and 21st centuries. We consider the topic by looking at a diverse range of texts that address war directly or indirectly. We ask our students to ask exactly what it is that war means and the ways in which writers have attempted to answer that question. We actively look to expand our definition of war writing and to include a wide spectrum of writers and writing.

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module will offer a cross-national comparative perspective on the state of journalism around the world, journalists’ perceptions of their role in society and the contextual factors that influence journalistic roles and performance. Only 14% of people in the world live in counties with free media so it is important to appreciate that the news media might play different roles based on the nature of the political system, the respective media systems and the relevant cultural and societal differences. The extent to which the news media can act as the fourth estate is to a large extent determined by these contextual factors but also by audiences’ expectations about the role of journalists in their society. A range of case studies will be used throughout the module.

This module explores the relationships between politics, economics, and mainstream media. The traditional, 20th century business models of news media have collapsed, prompting news organisations to make redundancies and to consider new ways of financing their activities. As a result, significant concerns have been raised about their sustainability as well as the wider role that news media (should) play in democratic societies. Furthermore, social media platforms and search engines have become the new gatekeepers, directing attention to news (and the knowledge, understandings, and attitudes shaped by news consumption) based on algorithms and audience members’ self-selection into disparate groups. In this module we will be looking at the ways in which media content across a variety of platforms and channels is being shaped by economic considerations and neoliberal ideology and how this creates tension, and sometimes outright contradiction, with the public and democratic role of mass media (including social media platforms) in open societies.

This module provides an opportunity for students to gain credit from experience acquired in a placement, usually off campus, and outside their immediate academic context, in a setting that matches their academic and possible career/industry interests. During this placement students will have the chance to develop materials and/or undertake tasks within a practical or vocational context; to apply academic knowledge from their degree, and to develop their personal and employability skills within a working environment. Students will also be encouraged to critically reflect on their time on their placement, and tie their experiences into a broader theoretical understanding of what constitutes ‘politics’.

This module provides an in-depth analysis of the external policies of the EU in the current context and critically analyses the role of EU in international affairs. The module will trace the evolution of the EU as an international actor, scrutinize the EU’s external action in different policy areas and its relations with its regional and global partners.

The module analyses the process leading to Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union and the form it took (referendum and withdrawal agreement) as well as the ongoing implications for British politics, society and culture.

At the end of the sixteenth century, England was making its first attempts to build a tradition as a nation of travellers and unsuccessfully attempting to establish colonies in north America. By the end of the Eighteenth century the European Grand Tour was a standard part of a British aristocratic education, and the British Empire was a global force actively participating in the international slave trade. This module looks at both literary and non-literary records of and responses to: the relationship between the ‘old world’ or the Mediterranean and the ‘new world’ of the Americas; the encounter with unfamiliar people and lands; the rise of and debate about the international slave trade, from the perspective of both the enslaver and the enslaved; the literary and cultural importance of these developments for the city of Liverpool.

Environmental issues are of growing importance to businesses both large and small. Companies and organisations have to comply with a burgeoning body of environmental legislation and environmental considerations are becoming more prominent in relations with industrial partners and clients, suppliers, customers, banks, insurers and local communities. Whilst such pressures are forcing businesses to pay more attention to the environmental implications of their actions, some businesses which are forward looking, perceive the environmental agenda as a great business opportunity. This module is designed to explore some of these issues more fully.

Comparative Peace Processes examines the similarities and differences between peace processes. What common features can be identified in terms of how and why peace processes develop? What aspects of threat removal are most common, such as decommissioning, disarmament and reintegration? What political tools, such as consociation, partition, secession, devolution or integration, might be used? After a short overview, the module addresses these questions via a series of case studies, including Northern Ireland, Lebanon, Israel-Palestine Bosnia and the Basque region.

The module provides an overview of record keeping developments from an international perspective. It introduces students to record-keeping structures, traditions and practices throughout the world, and to the legislative, cultural and political traditions which affect those practices. In doing so it enables students them to approach record-keeping theory and practice in their home country both critically and comparatively. The module considers the role that records and archives have played over time, particularly, from 1945, in the area of human rights.

The module introduces students to the quantitative study of international relations, security studies and comparative politics. Much of the most important research on topics such as the foreign relations between states, public attitudes towards global issues, and violent conflict within societies is quantitative. The module provides a guide to navigating these areas of research.

Beginning at an introductory level with descriptive statistics, it will introduce students to the most frequently-used tools for the statistical analysis of politics. Using statistical software, students will replicate existing studies and familiarise themselves with some of the major datasets in the fields of comparative politics, international relations, and security studies.

By the end of the module, students should have the confidence to replicate existing research in political science, make use of quantitative datasets in the study of politics conduct their own quantitative empirical investigation. Having studied statistics in a previous university degree is not a requirement for the module as we start from an absolute beginner’s level.

This module explores a series of dissident perspectives in international politics which evaluate how the study of international affairs exists as part of a continuum of empire. Examining the core features of different knowledge traditions emanating from postcolonial theory, decolonial methodologies and non-western thought, and critical positions in geography, history, sociology, and legal studies; this module situates the study of international politics with each of their epistemic stances, methodologies, and distinctive themes. We will evaluate what are often regarded to be the core concepts of International Relations theorisation (e.g., the treaty of Westphalia, liberalism, realism) and topical events like far- Right extremism, climate change, the Migrant Crisis, and the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, with the diverse socio-political and ethical commitments that exist within the interdisciplinary field of anti-colonialism. This includes ideas of decolonization, abolitionist thought, reparative justice, and world repair.

Contemporary Europe pathway

Students taking the Contemporary Europe pathway will take 30 credits of required modules and 30 credits of optional modules in semester one.

Students on the Contemporary Europe pathway will take 15 credits of required modules and 45 credits of optional modules in semester two.

This module examines the different ways in which states intervene in the domestic affairs of other states or territories such as humanitarian intervention, invasion, annexation, peacekeeping, and colonial interventions. It explores how intervention has changed and developed historically, especially during and after the Cold War. It analyses whether state-practice has out-run the rules and norms that guide international state behaviour, particularly the legal framework of the United Nations and other relevant bodies of international law.

Summer Period

In both pathway options, the compulsory Political Science Dissertation (60 credits) is completed during the Summer vacation period.

Credits: 60 / Semester: summer

The dissertation will enable students to demonstrate their research skills and knowledge in a single substantive independent piece of study. Students will select their chosen topic under the umbrella of ‘political science and international relations’, thereby affording students with a wide range of potential topics upon which to research. The opportunity to conduct this piece of research will enable students to focus on a topic they are intellectually interested in, and so motivated to conduct the research.

How you'll learn

The modules on the programme are delivered using combinations of lectures, seminars, workshops, personal tutorials, and group tutorials. These are held on the main campus, with timetabled sessions for you to attend. On average, each module would have 2-hours face-to-face teaching per week. For those undertaking the Advanced Placement Scheme, personal sessions are held with the Placement Scheme Director.

How you're assessed

Students undertake a range of authentic assessments such as policy documents, presentations, reports, reflective logs, amongst others. These are included alongside essays and online examinations (depending on which optional modules students select). Students also undertake a 60-credit dissertation, which is undertaken in the second and summer semesters for submission in September.

Liverpool Hallmarks

We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.

Learn more about our Liverpool hallmarks.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes :

• Digital fluency
• Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks :

• Research-connected teaching
• Active learning
• Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Your experience

You will benefit from the expertise and community found within the Department of Politics , which is based within the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures in 8-14 Abercromby Square. Students will be taught in a variety of building on campus.

Explore where you'll study

Inside Politics. A conversation with Juliana Christianson and Dr Gemma Bird

Virtual tour, supporting your learning.

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

• Careers and employability support , including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
• A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
• Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
• Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team . They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.

Why Politics at University of Liverpool?

• We are able to offer an excellent range of modules providing both a national and international focus. Pathways offer students module choices to develop their own specialist interests
• We are a small department that works to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Due to the small size of the seminar groups and the MA programmes in general, lecturers know students individually, and are easily accessible
• The Department of Politics is home to the Europe and the World Research Centre , through which you will you will be able to take advantage of the strong programme of organised activities such as conferences, guest lectures, seminars
• We aim to be a flexible and open department. We adopt a positive and flexible policy towards the postgraduate requirements of overseas and/or part-time students, including effective timetabling on taught programmes and facilitation of language training.

Chat with our students

Want to find out more about student life? Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.

Match with an ambassador

Careers and employability

Student career development is a major interest for the department and we actively encourage you to integrate career planning into your academic studies. The programme offers students the chance to discuss and develop their career options by working to secure placements and other activities that maximize employment potential.

The programme’s Advanced Placement Scheme involves you working within an organisation on a set project in its entirety, enhancing your project management skills. Previous placements have been based in various departments within The Liverpool Combined Authority, Communications within Liverpool City Council, Trade Unions and National Charities.

The MA delivers ideal training if you are interested in an academic career in doctoral research. The MA also provides a solid foundation if you are interested in exploring a career in education, media, third sector industries, the Civil Service, central/local government, or business.

If you have a professional background in any of these (or other relevant) areas, the MA provides you with the opportunity for continuing professional development, whilst enabling you to bring your experiences to the cohort which will further enrich the programme.

Career support from day one to graduation and beyond

Career planning.

Our Careers Studio and career coaches can provide tailored support for your future plans.

From education to employment

Employability in your curriculum for a successful transition

Networking events

Make meaningful connections with like-minded professionals

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.

You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.

Your future

Career options are wide and extensive, including working in:

• National and international political organisations
• Mental health charities
• Non-governmental organisations
• Armed forces
• Civil service
• Political parties
• Corporate organisations
• Financial sector
• Doctoral research.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

• You can pay your tuition fees in instalments .
• All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship .
• International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit .

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies. .

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

Select your country or region for more scholarships and bursaries.

Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship

• Home and international students

If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting this master’s degree with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off your master’s tuition fees.

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art-philosophy-and-cultural-institutions-ma

bioinformatics-msc

chinese-english-translation-and-interpreting-ma

classics-and-ancient-history-ma

creative-and-critical-writing-ma

data-science-for-economics-msc

economic-policy-and-data-analytics-msc

egyptology-ma

english-language-ma

english-literature-ma

english-literature-modern-and-contemporary-literature-ma

english-literature-renaissance-and-eighteenth-century-literature-ma

english-literature-science-fiction-studies-ma

english-literature-victorian-literature-ma

environment-and-climate-change-msc

environmental-sciences-msc

financial-mathematics-msc

geographic-data-science-msc

global-healthcare-ethics-msc

health-cultures-and-societies-ma

health-data-science-msc

history-cultural-history-ma

history-eighteenth-century-worlds-ma

history-medieval-and-renaissance-studies-ma

history-twentieth-century-history-ma

housing-and-community-planning-ma

infection-and-immunity-msc

international-relations-and-security-ma

international-slavery-studies-ma

mathematical-sciences-msc

media-and-politics-ma

media-culture-and-everyday-life-ma

digital-media-data-and-society-ma

microelectronic-systems-msc-eng

microelectronic-systems-with-a-year-in-industry-msc-eng

money-and-banking-msc

music-and-audiovisual-media-ma

music-industry-studies-ma

music-management-ma

performance-mmus

pharmacology-and-toxicology-msc

philosophy-ma

political-science-and-international-relations-ma

product-design-and-management-msc-eng

screen-studies-ma

social-research-methods-ma

sustainable-heritage-management-ma

telecommunications-and-wireless-systems-msc-eng

telecommunications-and-wireless-systems-with-a-year-in-industry-msc-eng

sustainable-urban-planning-ma

town-and-regional-planning-mcd

urban-design-and-planning-mcd

accounting-and-finance-msc

adult-nursing-with-registered-nurse-status

advanced-aerospace-engineering-msc-eng

advanced-biological-sciences-mres

advanced-computer-science-msc

advanced-computer-science-with-a-year-in-industry-msc

advanced-manufacturing-systems-and-technology-msc-eng

advanced-marketing-msc

advanced-mechanical-engineering-msc-eng

advanced-practice-in-healthcare-msc

applied-linguistics-and-teaching-english-to-speakers-of-other-languages-ma

archaeology-mres

architecture-ma

archives-mres

basque-studies-modern-languages-and-cultures-mres

big-data-and-high-performance-computing-msc

big-data-and-high-performance-computing-with-a-year-in-industry-msc

biomedical-engineering-msc-eng

biomedical-engineering-healthcare-msc-eng

biomedical-engineering-with-management-msc-eng

biomedical-engineering-with-management-healthcare-msc-eng

biomedical-sciences-and-translational-medicine-mres

biotechnology-msc

building-information-modelling-and-digital-transformation-msc

business-analytics-and-big-data-msc

cancer-biology-and-therapy-msc

catalan-studies-modern-languages-and-cultures-mres

chinese-studies-modern-languages-and-cultures-mres

classics-and-ancient-history-mres

climate-resilience-and-environmental-sustainability-in-architecture-msc

clinical-sciences-mres

communication-and-media-mres

computer-science-msc

criminological-research-mres

data-science-and-artificial-intelligence-msc

data-science-and-artificial-intelligence-with-a-year-in-industry-msc

data-science-and-communication-msc

diagnostic-radiography-pre-registration-msc

digital-marketing-and-analytics-msc

economics-msc

egyptology-mres

emerging-infections-and-pandemics

english-mres

entrepreneurship-and-innovation-management-msc

environmental-assessment-and-management-msc

film-studies-modern-languages-and-cultures-mres

finance-msc

finance-and-investment-management-msc

financial-technology-msc

french-studies-modern-languages-and-cultures-mres

german-studies-modern-languages-and-cultures-mres

hispanic-studies-modern-languages-and-cultures-mres

history-mres

human-resource-management-msc

international-business-msc

international-business-and-commercial-law-llm

international-human-rights-law-llm

international-relations-and-security-mres

investigative-and-forensic-psychology-msc

irish-studies-mres

italian-studies-modern-languages-and-cultures-mres

law-general-llm

law-medicine-and-healthcare-llm

management-mres

marketing-msc

master-in-management-mim

master-of-business-administration-football-industries-mba

master-of-business-administration-mba

mechanical-engineering-design-with-management-msc-eng

mechanical-engineering-with-management-msc-eng

mental-health-nursing-with-registered-nurse-status-msc

modern-languages-and-cultures-mres

nursing-msc

occupational-therapy-pre-registration-msc

occupational-and-organisational-psychology-msc

operations-and-supply-chain-management-msc

organisational-psychology-msc

orthoptics-pre-registration-msc

paediatric-dentistry-ddsc

palliative-and-end-of-life-care-msc

philosophy-mres

physiotherapy-pre-registration-msc

portuguese-studies-modern-languages-and-cultures-mres

project-management-msc

psychology-conversion-msc

radiometrics-instrumentation-and-modelling-msc

radiotherapy-msc

research-methods-in-psychology-msc

researching-crisis-and-change-in-human-geography-ma

social-research-mres

sociolinguistics-modern-languages-and-cultures-mres

spanish-studies-modern-languages-and-cultures-mres

sports-business-and-management-msc

sustainable-civil-and-structural-engineering-msc-eng

teaching-english-to-speakers-of-other-languages-tesol-ma

theoretical-computer-science-msc

theoretical-computer-science-with-a-year-in-industry-msc

therapeutic-radiography-and-oncology-pre-registration-msc

translation-studies-modern-languages-and-cultures-mres

ai-for-digital-business

digital-chemistry-msc

film-studies-ma

biomaterials-and-biomedical-engineering-msc-eng

Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

If you’re an international student starting a master’s degree with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a discount of up to £7,500 off your master’s tuition fees, if you haven’t studied with us before.

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Chilean National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) Scholarship

If you’re a Chilean student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a Chilean National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) Scholarship. Scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships

• Antigua and Barbuda
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• El Salvador
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
• South Africa
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos Islands

If you’re an international student from an eligible country, joining a one-year master’s course, you could be eligible to apply for a Chevening Scholarship. If your application is successful, you could expect to have your master’s fees paid, up to a maximum of £18,000, and receive additional help with living costs.

Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACyT) Award

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 30% discount on your tuition fees with a CONACyT Award.

Fund for the Development of Human Resources (FIDERH) Award

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FIDERH graduate loan, you could be eligible to benefit from a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a FIDERH Award.

Fulbright Scholarship

If you’re a USA student joining a master’s degree, you can apply to be considered for a tuition fee discount of £20,000 with a Fulright Scholarship. One Fulbright Scholarship for master’s study is available in each academic year.

FUNED Award

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FUNED loan, you can apply to be considered for a 20% tuition fee discount. A total of up to 50 awards will be available to master’s and PhD students per academic year.

Histories, Languages and Cultures Scholarships for Postgraduate Study

Are you a UK student joining a master’s course in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures? You could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of £2,000. Four awards will be available in each academic year.

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chinese-studies-combined-degree

human-evolution-msc

HRH Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

If you’re a student from Thailand joining a one-year master’s degree, you might be eligible to apply to have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with living costs. One award is available and only students who are new to the University will be considered.

Humanitarian Scholarships for Master’s Programmes

Do you have recognised status as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection outside the UK? Or are you a Ukrainian who’s sought temporary protection in the EU? You could be eligible to apply for the full payment of your master’s fees and additional financial support.

philosophy-public-policy-ma

sustainable-business-msc

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

If you’re a resident of the state of Guanajuato in Mexico joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees with a JuventudEsGto Scholarship.

Marshall Scholarship

If you’re a USA student joining an eligible master’s with us, you could be eligible to apply for a Marshall Scholarship. If your application is successful, your master’s tuition fees will be paid in full. One Marshall Scholarship for master’s study is available in each academic year.

Scholarships for MA Political Science and International Relations

• Home students

Joining our Political Science and International Relations MA? If you’re a UK student, you could be eligible to apply for a scholarship worth £5,000. Three awards will be available in each academic year.

The Aziz Foundation Scholarship

If you’re a British Muslim, active within a Muslim community and dedicated to bringing positive change to society, you could apply to potentially have the full cost of your master’s tuition fees covered by an Aziz Foundation Scholarship.

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

If you’re a Turkish student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

Completed a Pre-Master’s at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of master’s study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical master’s courses from UoLIC.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a fee discount worth £3,000 off the first year of your master’s course.

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for Mainland China

Are you a high-achieving graduate from the People’s Republic of China with a degree from a Chinese university? You could be eligible to apply for a £5,000 fee discount if you’re joining an eligible master’s course. Up to 15 eligible students will receive this scholarship.

If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting a master’s degree with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off your master’s tuition fees.

If you’re a Chilean student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a Chilean National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) Scholarship.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country .

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications .

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH

Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests , to determine the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-Sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-Sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5, with no component below 6.0, for further details.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.

More about life in Liverpool

Discover more about the city and University.

Why Liverpool?

Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.

Accommodation

To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.

Fees and Finance

Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.

Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.

• Chat with us
• Phone: +44 (0) 151 794 5927
• Send us a message

Programme Lead: Dr Alexander MacKenzie

• Dr Alexander MacKenzie

Last updated 30 September 2024 / See what's changed / Programme terms and conditions

Changes to Political Science and International Relations MA

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

New course pages launched.

• Alumni-in-Residence
• Research Infrastructure Strategy Committee

The Alumni-in-Residence Program is part of the Division’s programming for doctoral and master’s students as they consider the broad portfolio of academic and professional opportunities they could pursue. Through networking and career explorations, this initiative builds connections between students and Social Sciences alumni across a wide range of organizations, industries, and interests.

The Alumni-in-Residence (AiR) program was developed to provide students, postdocs, and alumni an opportunity to connect. Our alumni in SSD are thought leaders in a variety of sectors including research and higher education, government, private industry, and self-employed. The alumni’s impressively varied pursuits and experiences offer broad frameworks and models for current graduate students considering their own career aspirations.

Read more about our inaugural year in 2021–22 and peruse the bios of our first cohort of Alumni-in-Residence . You can also read the bios of our 2022–23 Alumni-in-Residence .

Alumni-in-Residence are happy to have one-on-one conversations with current students, teaching fellows, and postdocs. Please contact Chaevia Clendinen, Associate Dean for Student Advancement and Diversity, at  [email protected]  to schedule a meeting.

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