political science phd careers

What Can You Do with a PhD in Political Science? [2024 Guide]

If you’re fascinated by political systems and want to study their influence in-depth, you may find yourself asking, “What can you do with a PhD in Political Science?”

This doctoral program may present opportunities to learn about global politics, explore conflicts of power, and practice policy analysis. You will likely conduct original research in the field and prepare a dissertation with your findings.

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This terminal degree may help propel you toward the top of the political science field and prepare you for a career in an educational, government, or private institution, where you can help shape others’ understandings of politics and power.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Political Science?

The field of political science is filled with opportunities to gather data, conduct research, analyze policies, study power structures, and explore ideas.

Once you’ve earned a PhD, you may apply that knowledge and skillset with jobs both inside and outside of academia. Academic positions are some of the most popular PhD political science jobs.

You may teach classes on international relations or international affairs. As a professor, you might also conduct research. The average annual salary for postsecondary political science teachers is $85,760, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Working in the field as a political scientist is another career track to consider.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 48% of political scientists are employed by the federal government. Many political science professionals work as policy analysts. Your knowledge of power systems could also be beneficial in a public relations role. You might be particularly well-suited to work as a press secretary for a political candidate.

A doctorate in political science could also inform your work as a journalist, a broadcast news analyst, a government official, a survey researcher, or a market research analyst. With additional training, you may also become a lawyer.

5 Things You Can Do with a PhD in Political Science

Having a Ph.D. in Political Science can help you enter into an academic career or apply for advanced positions in non-academic settings.

With this traditional or online political science degree , you might be employed by an academic institution, a government organization, a think tank, or a private business.

1. Broadcast News Analyst

Journalists and news analysts often cover issues related to politics and power. With your expert knowledge of political science, your voice might be trusted as a source of information and analysis regarding current events.

Reporters and other news professionals work for television networks, radio stations, newspapers, magazines, websites, and other forms of media. You might work for one particular outlet or share your insight with a variety of news sources.

2. Political Scientist

Anyone who studies political systems and power structures can be thought of as a political scientist. You may be especially successful in this role if you focus your studies on one particular aspect of political science, such as pursuing a PhD in International Relations.

As a political scientists, you may work for the federal government, labor unions, research institutions, and grantmaking agencies. You may also act as a policy analyst, evaluating the influence of laws and regulations.

3. Political Science Postsecondary Teacher

If you want to become a full-time college faculty member and work toward a tenure-track position, having an online PhD in Political Science may be a valuable asset. As a professor, you might teach undergraduate or graduate students.

Many faculty members conduct research in addition to their teaching responsibilities. Your university might fund your research, allow you to have students assist with your projects, and encourage you to seek publication.

4. Public Relations Specialist

Individuals and organizations depend on public relations specialists to represent them to the public, convey messages on their behalf, and project a sense of calm and control during crisis situations.

Your knowledge of political science may help you understand the dynamics at play in PR settings. You might be especially successful as a press secretary. This job title is used for public relations specialists who represent political figures.

5. Survey Researcher

If you’re interested in investigating the effects of politics and policies, you may consider a career as a survey researcher.

You may gather data from survey participants, analyze the findings, and present your information to others who may use it to shape legislation, organizational policies, or lobbying platforms.

As a survey researcher, you could work for a research or polling organization. There are also survey jobs within educational and government institutions.

Political Science Careers & Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , political scientists earn an average annual salary of $125,350, and jobs in this field are projected to increase at a 6% rate for the next decade. You may also pursue the following careers or positions with a doctorate in political science.

While academic positions are sometimes thought of as the most highly sought PhD political science jobs, this extensive list demonstrates that there is a wide range of careers you could pursue with this degree.

How Much Money Can You Make with a PhD in Political Science?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most political scientists earn between $62,840 and $170,800 per year. Factors such as your professional experience and the state in which you work can influence your PhD political science salary.

This is a broad field, so your salary may largely depend on what type of employer you have. Political scientists who work in the professional, scientific, and technical services sector earn an average of $136,640 per year. Federal government political scientists earn an average of $133,460.

The average salary for political scientists who work for educational, religious, and grantmaking organizations is around $87,910.

What Is a PhD in Political Science Good For?

Political science doctoral programs can help provide the training that you need for a career at a university. You may teach political science at the college level or work in a university-affiliated research lab.

Your degree may also qualify you to work as a policy analyst or a political scientist. As a political scientist, you may find work in government agencies, political groups, and private organizations.

You may also become a public relations professional, a market research analyst, or a survey researcher. A political science PhD could also enhance your career as a business executive, a lawyer, a legislator, or a journalist.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Political Science?

Your time in a doctoral program will be broken into several stages. A doctorate can typically be completed in 3 to 5 years. The length of each program may vary depending on your school’s structure and your personal schedule.

The coursework and examination portion of your studies may take 2 to 3 years. After that will come the dissertation portion. You may spend at least 1 full year conducting research and 1 or more years completing your project.

Some universities expect PhD political sciences students to be finished within a specific timeframe, but you may be able to request an extension.

Can You Get a PhD in Political Science?

Universities do offer Ph.D. programs in political science. Holding this degree is often a requirement for a job as a survey researcher, a political scientist, or a postsecondary political science educator.

You may have the option to select one or more areas of specialization, such as comparative politics or conflict management. During your studies, you may take courses on American politics, political analysis, and transnational politics.

You will likely complete a dissertation or another doctoral capstone project. If this field of study interests you, you may consider looking for a school that offers an online PhD in Political Science program.

Is a PhD in Political Science Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Political Science is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the life, physical, and social science field are set to grow at 5% over the next ten years, faster than the average overall growth.

Common political science careers in this field include postsecondary teacher, political scientist, public relations specialist, broadcast news analyst, and survey researcher.

Having a political science PhD may qualify you for a variety of non-academic jobs, but it may also lead to a career as a professor. If your goal is to secure a tenure-track position, then you’ll certainly need a PhD.

Getting Your PhD in Political Science Online

Politics is a fascinating topic that touches nearly every area of life. A political science PhD program may advance your knowledge about political systems and help you explore the ways that legislation and current events affect people and structures.

A doctorate in this field may help you further your political science, public relations, research, or journalism career within academia, the federal government, or a private organization.

You may want to consider exploring the best schools for political science for a flexible yet thorough approach to doctoral studies. Through an accredited online university, you may earn a respected political science doctorate that can help you take your career to the next level.

What Can You Do With a Political Science Degree?

Political science is the study of politics, governance and power. A degree in this area can lead to a range of careers.

Options With a Political Science Degree?

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A political science degree is often a steppingstone to these positions, which are often in overseas charities and other private volunteer agencies.

Earning a degree in political science opens doors to jobs in both the public and private sectors, allowing graduates to use their knowledge, research abilities, and analytical and communication skills to collect and make sense of data in a range of jobs, from working with political campaigns to examining local, regional, national and global policies.

“One of the benefits of a political science degree is that it prepares students for a wide range of career paths. It’s not just one industry or sector,” says Michelle Allendoerfer, senior director of teaching and learning at the American Political Science Association in Washington, D.C. “The skills that are fostered in political science classes are transferable and reflect many of the skills that employers value, such as the ability to analyze an argument, evaluate claims, analyze data, communicate, problem-solve and work collaboratively.”

Allendoerfer and other experts in the field of political science say that data analysis – evaluating data, looking at its source and evaluating a claim based on the data – is emphasized in political science classes and is valuable to many types of employers.

Political science "has become more driven by data and it’s become more important for students of political science to know something about data analysis," says Robert Williams, a political science professor and dean of the social science division at Pepperdine University in California. "We have so much information these days that can be quantified, and so much of that is being used in political science. It’s become important for students to at least be able to read the studies based on quantitative analysis.”

Advantages of a Political Science Degree

Those who have studied political science have found that it helps them better understand events that happen in the world, experts say.

"If you care about those things," Williams says, "political science is a good major and it won’t steer you into something you don’t like because it’s taking this important stuff in the world and at the same time giving you research, analysis, writing and public speaking skills that are transferrable to anything you want to go into afterwards. It’s just a good all-purpose degree, particularly for those people who want to understand the world they live in.”

Political science majors, especially those who focused on U.S. politics, may pursue public-sector careers in politics or government agencies at all levels.

“Advocacy organizations, nonprofits, foundations and nongovernmental organizations offer opportunities for students interested in working on a specific issue or cause,” Allendoerfer says.

In the private sector, she adds, political science graduates can apply their skills in fields like consulting, data analytics, business and finance.

Careers in journalism, communications or opinion polling are also good fits for political science majors because of an emphasis on communication and writing in political science classes, says Donald P. Green, the Burgess professor of political science at Columbia University in New York.

“Students who focus on comparative politics or international relations might pursue careers in international affairs, either through the foreign service, international nongovernmental organizations or working abroad in a variety of ways,” Green says. “It gives undergraduates a broad-based exposure to world events and current issues.”

After graduating with a bachelor's degree in political science, some students go on to law school or graduate school to get an advanced degree. "Students that are particularly excited about research and are interested in a career in academia would go on to get a Ph.D. ," Allendoerfer says.

Many political science graduates, Green says, "go back to school to get master’s degrees in public administration or something that involves teaching people how to run things."

Potential Career Fields With a Political Science Degree

Here are some career sectors that people with a political science degree often choose.

Career opportunities in the legal profession are numerous. Although a number of majors can prepare someone for a legal career, political science is an especially appropriate background since law is an aspect of governments and the governing process.

Government Service and Politics

There are many career possibilities in government service, including elective office at local, state and national levels; positions on the staffs of elected officials; and staff positions with a political party.

Civil Service

There are many career possibilities in the civil service systems of national, state and local governments. Many political science majors who secure a civil service job do so in an executive or management training position. Such positions are often broad policy-making roles. Although an advanced degree isn't required for some of them, it's often beneficial to go to graduate school and obtain a master's degree in public administration.

Secondary Education

Some political science graduates obtain a secondary teaching credential and go on to careers teaching government or civics to junior high, high school or college students.

Political Science Research and Academia

An undergraduate major in political science can serve as a foundation to pursue graduate studies in political science leading to a Ph.D., which equips someone for a career as a professional political scientist. This could mean teaching and doing research at the college or university level, or obtaining a full-time research position with government or private agencies.

International Organizations

Opportunities for qualified employees with an interest in international organizations is growing, experts say. A political science degree is often a steppingstone to these positions, which are often in overseas charities and other private volunteer agencies, multinational businesses, international governmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations and other international agencies.

Interest Groups and Associations

Lobbying by specific interest groups has grown significantly at both state and national levels in the U.S. since the 1960s. These groups range from traditional economic interest groups such as organized labor and business associations to groups centered around a commonality such as ethnicity, gender or sexual identity. A political science major is a natural for a position with such groups, experts say.

Covering community and political stories is a major part of a journalist's task, and political science can be an excellent background for a role in print or broadcast journalism, experts say. Those contemplating such a career should either double major in journalism or a related field, or plan to obtain a master's degree in journalism after completing a nonjournalism major.

A large number of political science graduates find work in the business sector in fields such as marketing, personnel, advertising and public or community relations. Others win management training positions with public and private corporations. 

U.S. workers who majored in political science earn an average annual salary of $52,859, with those in the top 10% making more than $115,000 yearly and those in the bottom 10% coming in at below $24,000 a year, according to Zippia, a California-based job search service. Type of job, geographic location and years of experience are among the factors that cause wage differences.

Graduates working as political scientists earned an average median salary of about $128,000 in 2022, with the best-paid 25% making about $163,300 and the lowest-paid 25% earning just over $89,800, according to the U.S. News Best Jobs rankings .

For college students considering a political science major, Green says it's a broad program that includes international relations, political philosophy, comparative politics and American politics. “Very often," he says, "students will be asked to take courses in statistics and expected to be a broad-ranging intellect who is interested in history."

Green tells his students to try to embrace the intellectual breadth of political science and find courses in history, economics and psychology – some of the main fields that political science touches on – to fulfill the vision of a liberal arts education.

“I think there is a tendency to specialize, and I think that’s a mistake,” he says. “In the world of careers, one could imagine working either in government or groups connected to government such as think tanks, interest groups and policy institutes. One can also imagine going into corporate or clearly delineated private sector roles, and law is often among them.”

Here are some common jobs where experts say a political science degree is a plus:

• Diplomat or foreign service officer
• Urban or regional planner
• Legislative assistant
• Political scientist
• Political science professor
• Political consultant
• Policy analyst
• Business executive
• Politics or government journalist
• Communications/public relations professional
• Public opinion researcher or pollster
• Nonprofit executive
• Nongovernmental organization executive

Although law remains a popular field for political science majors, Williams says, “law schools have become less concerned about admitting political science majors."

"Overall, I think there has been a lot of growth in the kind of careers that are open to political science majors,” Williams says. “I’ve had students who have gone into banking and investing and done very well because their political insights gave them something that the economics and finance majors they were working with just didn’t have.”

A political science degree opens the doors to many careers beyond politics, Williams adds.

“Whatever career path we choose, political science is going to prepare us for one of our central roles in life. It’s important for us to understand our rights and obligations within a political system because you can’t go anywhere without escaping duties as a citizen.” 

Careers With the Most Job Security

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Ph.d. in political science.

We are ranked as a top-ten research department and our graduate program has an excellent job placement record. Over the past decade, the vast majority of our PhD graduates have gone on to attain tenure-track positions, and many other students have become leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. 

In addition to a demanding sequence of courses during the first two years, our graduates begin working with faculty from the very first day, to gain an appreciation of the challenges involved in producing innovative research.

This paves the way to their own intellectual development, the first major milestone of which is a solo-authored research paper to be presented to the department during their second year in the program. From that point on, until the completion of the dissertation in year five, the focus is primarily on independent and collaborative research.

Our graduate program is organized around subfields that address major theoretical questions about political life, encourage collaboration across intellectual boundaries, and place us at the frontiers of the discipline. As a graduate student here, you will become certified in two major fields and gain exposure to other fields through our graduate workshop series.

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Doctoral Program

Program Overview

The principal goal of the Stanford Ph.D. program in political science is the training of scholars. Most students who receive doctorates in the program do research and teach at colleges or universities. We offer courses and research opportunities in a wide variety of fields in the discipline, including American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Political Methodology. The program is built around small seminars that analyze critically the literature of a field or focus on a research problem. These courses prepare students for the Ph.D. comprehensive exam requirement within a two-year period and for work on the doctoral dissertation.

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PhD in Political Science

PhD in Political Science Courses | Fields of Study | Requirements | Funding | Admissions

The PhD in Political Science program emphasizes theoretical and methodological rigor and is designed to train applied social-scientists for careers in research. To this end, the program mandates that all students complete a common core of applied formal theory and statistical modeling coursework in addition to the general substantive requirements. Though malleable apart from this core sequence, program requirements are designed to give all students: (1) a firm grasp of the general field of political science; (2) a sophisticated understanding of the theoretical and methodological foundations of the discipline; and (3) a thorough familiarity with the literature and intellectual problems of the fields each student chooses to emphasize.

All fields of study involve the role of incentives, institutions, and strategies in the aggregation of preferences and ultimately the allocation of resources. Major fields of study mirror the disciplinary norm: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Public Administration/Public Policy. All students must also declare two minor fields from the list above or substitute Advanced Research Methodology or Race, Ethnic, and Gender Politics.

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Loyola University Chicago

Department of political science, phd in political science.

The PhD program in political science is intended for students who wish to acquire careers in teaching and research or work in the government or the private sector. The focus includes the four fields of American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory. Students will take most of their courses and specialize in two fields. One of the two fields will constitute the major field and the other the minor field.  Interested students should refer to the Prospective PhD Students information page .

Degree Outcomes and Professional Success  

The PhD in Political Science offers students:

• An in-depth understanding of the theories and scholarly literature in the subfields of Comparative Politics (study of political regimes, including the state, development and modernization, political, economic, and social movements), International Relations (study of global processes throughout the international system), American Politics (study of U.S. institutions and political processes), and Political Theory (study of political philosophy ranging from Ancient to Modern and Contemporary political thought).
• Extensive methods training, including research design and statistical analysis, that will enable the successful candidate to effectively design and conduct research.
• Research and teaching training by serving as both a research assistant for department faculty and professor of record for at least one class during the period of the PhD student’s funding.
• An enhanced ability to express their thoughts in writing (all Political Science graduate classes include a significant writing component).
• Preparation for careers in research and teaching at colleges and universities or work in the government, non-profit, and private sectors.

We also encourage our PhD students to take advantage of additional learning opportunities:

• Advanced methodological training
• Advanced language training/proficiency in a language other than English
• Advanced research skills
• International, cross-cultural experience
• Professional development and experience
• Networking opportunities

Degree Requirements

1. Completion of the Master's degree (those students who did not come to Loyola with an M.A. can take the MA comprehensive exam after having completed 10 courses, including PLSC 401, 475 and 476, and earn an MA).

2. Forty-eight semester hours (16 courses) of work, six hours (2 courses) of which can be in a related discipline. Required coursework includes:

a. Methodology (475 must be taken in the first fall semester):

• PLSC 401: Research Design                   
• PLSC 475: Techniques of Political Analysis I
• PLSC 476: Techniques of Political Analysis II

b. Four classes (12 credits) in major field (International Relations, Comparative Politics, American Politics, or Political Theory) and three classes (9 credits) in minor field (International Relations, Comparative Politics, American Politics, or Political Theory).

c. Any 5 elective courses (15 credits), chosen from at least two subfields (International Relations, Comparative Politics, American Politics, or Political Theory).

d. One Directed Readings course (PLSC 499) to develop a dissertation proposal. This course should be taken in the last semester of that the student takes courses.

Note: Students may be required to develop language proficiency to conduct research for their doctoral dissertations. The Graduate School can offer tuition credit for PhD students who need to take language courses that are necessary for dissertation research.

3. Comprehensive Exams: Candidates must pass comprehensive examinations. The comprehensive examinations have both written and oral components. All course requirements, including removal of all existing incompletes, must be fulfilled before students can take the written comprehensive exam.

4. Dissertation Proposal and Dissertation: Candidates must complete and successfully defend both a dissertation proposal and the completed dissertation. Sometime in the third year of study, students are expected for form a dissertation committee, with the assistance of the Graduate Program Director.

Note: Students may transfer up to 12 semester hours (4 courses) of graduate credit from another university program based on an evaluation of their transcript. Students must complete four semesters of residence, including at least two consecutive semesters at Loyola. At least one academic year (two consecutive semesters) must be spent as a full-time student.  

Acceptance is based on a consideration of the following:

• Online application (free)
• Undergraduate academic record (applicant must provide all college transcripts)
• Three letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose, not to exceed two single-spaced pages, describing academic interests and professional goals
• Please see the Prospective Doctoral Students Webpage for additional explanation of the above requirements.

Acceptance will be on a rolling basis, with a February 15 th  application deadline.

Program Length & Time Limits  

The average time-frame nation-wide for students to earn the PhD is six years. Completing the course work and passing the comprehensive exams normally takes two-and-a-half to three years, the remainder of the time to degree is principally up to the student. Some of our students have completed the PhD in just under five years.

Graduate School regulations require students entering the program with a Bachelor's Degree to complete all Ph.D. requirements, including the dissertation, within eight years of taking their first course in the degree program. Students admitted to the doctoral program with a Master's degree must complete all Ph.D. requirements, including the dissertation, within six years of the start of their program. A student failing to meet these deadlines may submit a petition to the Graduate Studies Committee requesting an extension of the relevant deadline. The final authority to extend the time limits resides in the Graduate School.

For further information, please contact Professor Eric Hansen, Graduate Program Director for Political Science, at [email protected]  or 773.508.3053.

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Best Jobs for Graduates With a Political Science Degree

The Balance / Emily Roberts

If you are intrigued by current events, want to shape public policy, and feel called to service, political science is worth considering as a major. But even if you don’t want to work in politics, political science can be a solid foundation for many careers.

Political science majors study how laws are made and the comparative structures of governments across the world. They learn how public policy is formulated and the impact of policy on the social and economic status of the populace. From a policy analyst or social media manager to a political campaign staffer, this type of education can put you on the path to a successful career in policy, consulting, law, media, and more.

Key Takeaways

• Political science majors develop strong writing, presentation, and communication skills. 
• Graduates with a degree in political science can build their careers in the public sector, working for elected officials or government agencies, or in the private sector. 
• Political science job titles include policy analyst, legislative assistant, political consultant, social media manager, and market research analyst. 

Career Choices for Political Science Majors

In addition to jobs in politics, there are many other career options to consider. Political science majors develop strong writing and research skills. They discover how to make a convincing argument and back it up with facts. Students of political science hone their presentation and verbal communication skills as they share their work with faculty and peers.

Political science majors refine their analytical skills while exploring policy initiatives and considering the ramifications of government actions. Critical thinking is vital to evaluating the platforms of political parties and the impact of leadership changes.

During their studies, political science majors learn how power is acquired, how campaigns are waged, and how public opinion can be influenced. They study different models of leadership and gain a historical perspective regarding the relative effectiveness of different approaches.

Your final decision about your major and career should consider your unique values, skills, personality traits, and interests.

If you choose political science as a major, you’ll have a wide variety of options open to you after graduation.

10 Job Options for Political Science Majors

1. policy analyst.

Since political science majors study the process of generating public policy, the role of the policy analyst is a natural application of their work as a student. Policy analysts rely on strong critical thinking, writing, and research skills as they formulate statements about the nature and impact of proposals for public policy.

Like political science majors, policy analysts must devise a sound thesis and build a persuasive argument for or against the adoption of a particular policy initiative. In addition, analysts use their understanding of the political and legislative process to enlist the support of individuals who can help advance initiatives.

2. Legislative Assistant

Senators, assembly members, representatives, and other elected officials at all levels of government hire assistants to help them carry out their duties. Legislative assistants tap into the writing and verbal skills developed by the political science major to coordinate communication with constituents and inform them about developments within their district.

They assess the interest of constituents regarding current political issues and present the views of their elected officials within a positive framework. Legislative assistants respond to constituent inquiries and help to resolve problems of citizens within their jurisdiction.

Legislative assistants research policy issues, track legislation, and survey the positions of other legislators on pending legislation. They prepare briefings for their legislator and other office staff.

3. Public Relations Specialist

Public relations representatives influence public opinion about their clients based largely on placing stories with the media. Political science majors develop the writing skills needed to draft compelling press releases and the persuasive skills to assert the benefits of covering a particular story. They also learn how opinions are formed, and the role of the media, as they research current events during their studies.

Public relations specialists often organize and publicize press conferences and other events to attract media attention and get the word out about their clients. Political science majors gain some insight into this process as they study the mechanics of organizing campaign events and public appearances by government representatives.

4. Social Media Manager

Public opinion is increasingly shaped by social media. Political candidates, officials, parties, and interest groups need social media managers to monitor the views of constituents about their administration and current issues.

Social media managers must understand various social media platforms and orchestrate campaigns to shape the perceptions of their users. Political science majors know how opinions are formed and influenced by various media and can be instrumental in formulating and implementing these plans.

5. Market Research Analyst

Market researchers analyze how consumers will respond to products or services, much like political science students assess the reactions of potential voters to candidates. Political science majors study the role of survey research and opinion polling in campaigning. The work of market researchers often involves surveying consumer reactions to potential or current products and services.

Market research analysts can tap into the knowledge of research standards that the political science major possesses when designing scientifically viable studies. They must present their findings to clients and co-workers and back up their recommendations with data.

6. Political Consultant

Political consultants use the knowledge of the political process gained by political science majors to devise strategies for candidates to influence voters and gain support in their campaigns for office. Political consultants help brand candidates and repair damaged images.

They attempt to influence media coverage of candidates by offering favorable stories and positive takes on the past performance of the candidate. These workers may survey potential voters to discern their reaction to a candidate and the basis of their opinion.

Political consultants may also work for public interest groups and help them formulate strategies for advancing their causes.

7. Attorney

Lawyers working for political figures, interest groups, and lobbying firms use the legal research skills developed by political science majors to research legislative and policy issues. They help draft and edit the language for bills and assess the legal precedents for pending legislation.

Attorneys formulate and deliver arguments on behalf of their clients and attempt to influence decision-makers about the merits of their stance. They use political savvy in other areas of the law as well. Lawyers select sympathetic jurors and frame their cases in favorable ways when there are controversial political issues related to trials.

Many attorneys work for governmental agencies, where the political science graduate’s knowledge of political structures is beneficial.

8. Intelligence Analyst

Intelligence analysts work for clandestine agencies of the government like the CIA and the National Security Agency. They tap the political science major's understanding of political groups to assess developments in volatile areas of the world. These analysts study groups that pose a threat to security and analyze patterns of leadership and popular support.

Intelligence analysts write reports with their findings and present briefings to agency leadership, as well as executive and legislative leaders and staff. In addition, knowledge of foreign languages used by potential terrorists helps analysts to investigate potential threats.

9. Political Campaign Staff

Political campaign staff members help to formulate and execute campaign strategy. They work toward building a brand or favorable public image for the candidate. Staffers leverage the analytical skills of the political science major to study current political issues and assess voter reactions to a candidate's platform.

They write press releases and help draft language for speeches. Political campaign staff help manage the candidate's social media imprint and organize events to gain exposure for candidates. They recruit, train, and supervise volunteers, as well as raise money to fund the campaign.

10. College-Student Leadership and Activities Director

Activities directors can apply knowledge of political science as they structure student elections and leadership programs. They help set standards for elections and monitor proceedings to make sure student rights are upheld.

College-student leadership and activities officers develop leadership training exercises and advise leaders about effective and ethical ways to exercise their authority. They oversee the use of financial resources and investigate irregularities in student-run clubs and programs. These workers mediate disputes between student leaders and ensure minority interests are reflected in budgets and activities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the highest-paying job in political science.

Lawyers have a six-figure median annual salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, making their job one of the highest paying in political science. However, pay varies depending on the job, employer, and area of law.  

Is it worth majoring in political science?

If you love learning more about the inner workings of government, policy, and law, political science is an excellent major to choose. Just be aware that building a career in political science may require additional education, internships, and on-the-job training in low-paying entry-level roles.

Loyola University Maryland. " Political Science ." 

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. " What Public Relations Specialists Do ."

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. " What Market Research Analysts Do ." 

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Lawyers ." 

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Business & Finance 

Undergraduate political science training offers a good preparation for careers or graduate programs in business. Undergraduate courses in political economy and development can be useful preparation for working in business development, financial consulting, or public finance. Students who have focused on area studies and international relations may find opportunities in international business or trade.  

If you are interested in attending business school, r eview the appropriate guides and catalogues   to identify graduate business programs. Contact the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business for more information. If you have a business school at your own institution,   speak with the admissions director about the program of study.

Public Administration & International Affairs Undergraduate studies in any area of political science can be useful for a career in public administration. Knowledge of the political process, strong writing skills, and familiarity with research methods are all useful preparation for these careers. While many careers in public service require only a bachelor's degree, graduate programs in public administration, public policy, and international affairs provide specialized training for positions in a variety of government and public service careers. The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration and the American Society for Public Administration provide more information on graduate study in public administration. If you have a particular interest in international affairs, the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs may be of interest.  If you have a public administration or public policy degree at your own institution, speak with the admissions director about the program of study. Student Training & Education in Public Service also provides information on a variety of careers with a political science degree.

Non-governmental Organizations & Non-profits If you are thinking about a career in public service, consider non-profits, foundations, or non-governmental organizations. These organizations operate at the local, national, and international policy level, working on virtually all issue areas all over the globe. The missions of these organizations range from local neighborhood housing to state environmental policy to global human rights. Non-profits, foundations, and non-governmental organizations offer opportunities for political science graduates at all degree levels.  

Journalism & Media If you are interested in a career in journalism or media, political science training can give you the substantive and analytical background you need. Typically political science courses place heavy emphasis on developing fluid and clear writing and speaking skills, which are beneficial for positions in print or broadcast journalism, publishing, social media, communications, and public relations.  

Many people enter these positions with a bachelor's degree or after completing a graduate program in journalism, communications, or media studies. The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications or the Broadcast Education Association have more information on pursuing a graduate degree in media and journalism.  

Academic Research and Teaching With a PhD in political science, you will have gained key methodological skills that will prepare you for a career as a college or university professor conducting cutting-edge research in a variety of political science subfields, including American politics, comparative politics, political theory, and international relations.  

Political science research appears in a variety of journals , textbooks, and academic books. Research conducted by political scientists throughout the discipline—including race and ethnic studies, bioethics, electoral reform, environmental policy, political economy, gender studies, conflict resolution, and disability studies—contributes to wider public discussions and policy development. Political scientists often present their research findings at academic conferences like the American Political Science Association Annual Meeting and a variety of other meetings in the profession .  

Political science PhDs who work at colleges and universities often split their time between research, teaching, and service-orientated duties such as committee or advising responsibilities. For an up-to-date listing of academic positions available in the political science discipline, visit the APSA eJobs portal .

Some political science PhDs use their skills in careers outside of academia. They work in government, research organizations, non-profits, university administration, business, and technology companies. The research and analytical skills of political science PhDs are valuable in a variety of fields.

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Political Science - Ph.D.

The Political Science doctoral program provides in-depth knowledge and advanced research skills, preparing you for leadership positions in academia, research institutions and public service. With a dedicated faculty and a supportive community of scholars, you'll have access to opportunities for cutting-edge research and professional development.

• Program Coordinator: Ryan Claassen | [email protected] | 330-672-2060
• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

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More About This Program

Broadly but not exclusively focused on the dynamics surrounding representation, equity, conflict, rights, and conflict resolution, the graduate program at Kent State allows candidates to study important and timely questions under well-established scholars. Our focus on methodological skill, sophisticated research design, and faculty mentoring enables PhD candidates to develop their own research questions in a theoretically and empirically grounded manner. Our program enjoys an impressive completion rate, and our PhD recipients place well .

Many of our Ph.D. students receive funding to support their study. Funding is competitive and only granted to students with exemplary academic records. Support is generally continued for four years, and currently includes a nine-month stipend, tuition remission, and a subsidized health insurance plan. Funded students serve as Graduate Assistants (either assisting with research or teaching) throughout the academic year. In some cases, students may receive financial support to complete their dissertations in the fifth year.

Program Information

Full description.

The Ph.D. degree in Political Science prepares students for research and teaching careers in higher education and for research-based careers in fields that are focused on political, economic and social issues. The degree program is broadly focused on the dynamics surrounding representation, equity, conflict, human rights, development and conflict resolution. Students develop their own research questions in an interdisciplinary and theoretically sophisticated way. Students work with faculty mentors throughout their degree program and often develop and present their own research at regional or national conferences.

The Political Science major comprises the following concentrations, from which students select two:

• American Politics and Policy
• Conflict Analysis and Management
• Transnational and Comparative Politics

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website . For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website .

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 3.000 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• GRE scores (no longer required starting with the fall 2024 admission term)
• Résumé or curriculum vitae with cover letter is required starting with the fall 2024 admission term
• Goal statement
• Writing sample
• Three letters of recommendation
• Minimum 550 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
• Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
• Minimum 77 MELAB score
• Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
• Minimum 58 PTE score
• Minimum 110 Duolingo English test score

Application Deadlines

• Priority deadline: February 15 Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission .

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Understand the theoretical underpinnings of political science and be able to address real world issues and problems.
• Attain research and methodological skills that will further their research and make them attractive to future employers.
• Effectively communicate research findings and implications to a range of audiences including scholars, practitioners and citizens.

Program Requirements

Graduation requirements, major requirements.

Dissertation is required. Doctoral students must complete additional approved electives, including research, to reach a minimum of 30 credit hours post-master's (or equivalent advanced degree) or a minimum of 60 credit hours post-bachelor's prior to enrolling in POL 81199 . Upon completion of course requirements and candidacy exams, doctoral students must register for POL 81199 for two semesters for a total of 30 credit hours, and thereafter POL 81299 , until all requirements for the degree have been met.

Students select two concentrations. For the first concentration, students complete one Proseminar or Status of the Field course and three elective courses (12 credit hours). For the second concentration, students complete one Proseminar or Status of the Field course and two elective courses (9 credit hours).

American Politics and Policy Concentration Requirements

Conflict analysis and management concentration requirements, transnational and comparative politics concentration requirements.

• Passage of one field paper in the first area of concentration
• Written and oral defense of both a dissertation prospectus and dissertation

Residency Requirement

• Students must spend two consecutive semesters pursuing doctoral studies.
• Kent Campus

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Ph.D. Program

Candidates for a doctorate in Political Science will be expected to produce and defend an original significant contribution to knowledge in the discipline of Political Science, demonstrate mastery of subject material, participate in professional academic community activities and be able to teach the discipline at the undergraduate level.

To take a look at our program profile, visit our page here .

Degree requirements include (a) course work, (b) a primary (second year) paper, (c) the qualifying examination, (d) the Ph.D prospectus and (e) the Ph.D. dissertation.   All requirements for the doctorate should be completed within seven years (exceptions require a petition to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences). The sections that follow clarify what is involved in each of these requirements and provide a schedule for the completion of these requirements.

Please be aware that you must be registered as a student during any semester in which you complete any degree requirements. You must also be registered as a student during the semester prior to the one in which you defend your dissertation.

Learning Outcomes

• Produce and defend an original and significant contribution to knowledge in the discipline of Political Science
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material by developing a minimum level of competence in five of the six fields of Political Science (American Politics, Public Policy, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Methodology) and a high level of competence in two of these fields
• Participate in professional academic community activities, such as attending local seminar series, presenting papers at conferences, and submitting papers to academic journals
• Be able to teach the discipline at the undergraduate level

Course Requirements

Students are required to complete sixteen graduate-level courses. Students entering the Program from Boston University’s BA/MA Program or other BU MA programs will be able to transfer some of their 500-level, 700-level or 800-level courses. These students should schedule a meeting with the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) to resolve this question upon arriving at Boston University.  Students from other universities that hold an M.A. may be exempt from specific requirements of the BU Ph.D. program (at the discretion of the DGS), but still need to take sixteen classes in total. Coursework completed outside of Boston University cannot apply to the 64 credits required for graduation.

• NOTE: In general, we do not recommend trying to waive required courses. Even if you have taken a similar course in a different graduate program, there is a benefit to getting to know the intellectual approach of our faculty, which will help prepare you for comprehensive exams—and, in the case of methods courses, get additional practice with an important technique. However, if you have taken a prior graduate course in another program that you feel is substantially similar to one of the required courses, you may petition the DGS for a waiver. Please provide a copy of the syllabus to the DGS, who will consult with relevant faculty members to assess whether the course will satisfy this requirement. Please note that even in the case that a required course is waived, the credits earned in that class will not count toward the 64 required for the degree.

Selection of these courses must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Political Science. Courses may be drawn from the offerings of this and related departments subject to the following requirements:

• A total of 64 units of credit must be completed to advance to candidacy.
• At least 56 units of credit (14 4-unit courses) must be fulfilled by graduate-level courses (500-,600-,700-, or 800-level) taken for a letter grade.
• 8 units of credit may be fulfilled by other courses (e.g. Research Workshop, Directed study, Professional Development, and Dissertation Workshop).
• Four core seminars must be completed in Year 1: PO 711 (American Politics), PO 771 (International Relations), PO 751 (Comparative Politics), and PO 791 (Political Theory).
• The Research Workshop must be taken in Years 2 and 3.  Students are strongly encouraged to continue taking this course in subsequent years so long as they are in the program and living in the Boston area.
• PO 841: Quantitative Research Methods
• PO 842: Qualitative Approaches to the Study of Political Science
• PO 843: Techniques in Political Analysis: Maximum Likelihood Estimation
• PO 844: Methods for Causal Inference
• The Professional Development course (currently offered every other year), must be completed–preferably in Year 2 or 3.  Students may choose to audit subsequent iterations of this course, as desired.
• Students are encouraged to take courses offered in related disciplines such as economics, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and history. Such course selections vary according to the student’s overall program and must be planned in consultation with the student’s advisor and the DGS.
• All requirements, except those imposed by GRS, may be waived by permission of the DGS.

Grades & Incompletes

In order to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and complete course work on time. Incomplete grades (“I” grades) may become permanent unless course work is completed within twelve months. On graduate transcripts, grades lower than B- are interpreted as failures. Students receiving more than eight credit hours of failing grades will be liable for termination by GRS.

Ph.D. Qualifying Examinations

In order to advance to candidacy (for the Ph.D.), a student must write a second year paper and take two timed exams. These are the three elements of the Qualifying Examination. Requirements for a terminal M.A. (without advancing to candidacy) may be met by either the two written exams or the master’s thesis.

As one element of the Qualifying Examination, students must submit the Second Year Paper, an independent research paper of high quality. Typically, this will involve a substantial revision, expansion, and polishing of a graduate seminar paper. A student who does not pass the Second Year Paper is required to submit a revision that incorporates feedback from the evaluating committee.

The other two elements of the Qualifying Examination consist of timed examinations taken in Year 3 of the Ph.D. program. Exams are scheduled once a year in September and will be offered at other times only in the case of a failed exam. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the graduate program coordinator and the examining faculty that they are planning on taking the exams at least one month in advance. Students should have contacted the examining faculty members well before this point to discuss how to prepare for the exams. Students may not take the timed examinations if they have any incompletes.

Timed examinations are given in two fields of the student’s choosing: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and methodology. Committees of three drawn from the Graduate Faculty of Political Science (GFPS) will be established by the DGS in each of the five fields. Each committee should include whoever teaches the core course in that field on a regular basis or has taught it recently.

Committees are charged with (a) constructing a single reading list for each exam, (b) revising that list periodically, (c) writing a single exam for each exam period, and (d) grading that set of exams, along with whatever second year papers fall into their field. Reading lists include material presented in core 700- and 800- level courses, though they need not be limited to that material. An online database including the current reading list along with old exams will be kept on Blackboard, by approval of the committee.

The standard time-limit for the exam will be 8 hours, i.e., 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. This time limit will be strictly enforced. If students do not hand in their exam at 5:00 it will be counted as a failed exam and they will need to re-take it.

Committees will determine whether the student (a) fails each exam (including the Second Year Paper), (b) passes at an M.A. level (setting in motion an exit from the program with a terminal masters), or (c) passes at a Ph.D. level (allowing for advancement to candidacy). Along with notification of the decision, the committee will give written feedback to the student pertaining to their performance on the exams and the Second Year Paper. Students who fail one or more elements of the qualifying examination are permitted to take that element(s) a second time, but not a third.

Prospectus Defense

Students are encouraged to defend their prospectus in Spring of Year 3. Work on the proposal can begin at any time. However, it cannot be submitted to GRS until all requirements for the Ph.D. — other than the dissertation itself — have been met.

Once a student has decided on a probable dissertation topic, they must assemble a committee of three faculty members (the first, second, and third readers) for the prospectus defense. The first reader must be a regular faculty member of the GFPS except under unusual circumstances (which must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies). It is the student’s responsibility to approach relevant faculty about the possibility that they might serve in one of these capacities. The student should write the first draft of the dissertation proposal in close consultation with the faculty member who agrees to serve as the first reader.

Students should check with the Director of Graduate Studies regarding the length and format of the prospectus. The main source of guidance in the completion of the proposal will come from the student’s advisor(s) who set the standards on content.

When the proposal is completed, the student should circulate copies to readers, and — working through the Graduate Program Coordinator — schedule a defense of the proposal. The defense committee, a minimum of three members, must include the faculty members who have been designated as first, second, and third readers. At least one committee member must be a tenured or tenure-track professor in the Graduate Faculty of Political Science and must ultimately serve as first, second, or third reader of the dissertation. (Other graduate students and faculty may attend, but not participate in, these defenses.)

The outcome of the defense, including any recommendations for change, will be forwarded to the Graduate Program Coordinator to be placed in the student’s file, and the appropriate Prospectus Approval form will be forwarded to the Graduate School for review.

In the event that a proposal is not approved at the defense, candidates are given the opportunity to schedule a second defense. Failure to receive approval for the dissertation proposal at the second defense, however, will lead to recommendation to the Graduate School for termination from the program.

The Dissertation Defense

A completed dissertation must be submitted for defense no more than five years after the completion of the Qualifying Examinations. Students are responsible for keeping faculty members informed of their progress in completing the dissertation and should contact the Graduate Program Coordinator for information about graduation deadlines, the scheduling of the defense, the submission of the dissertation abstract, and the format of the dissertation. Please consult the Graduate School guidelines .

The defense committee is composed of four or more faculty members – typically the three readers who approved the prospectus plus one additional reader. Students are encouraged to select a fourth reader as early as possible in the dissertation-writing process; ideally, this person will also participate in the prospectus defense. At least half of the dissertation committee must be members of the Graduate Faculty of Political Science; this includes the first reader, except under unusual circumstances (which must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies).

In some cases, a student – with the first reader’s approval – may request that a faculty member from another university serve on the dissertation defense committee. If this is the case, the student should notify the Graduate Program Coordinator in advance and submit a copy of the individual’s curriculum vitae. Following departmental approval, the outside reader must also be approved by the Graduate School for Arts and Sciences. The department cannot be expected to cover the travel expenses of outside readers, but it is usually possible for them to participate remotely.

Prior to scheduling a defense of the dissertation, the student must submit an abstract describing the dissertation’s thesis, methods, and main findings. Since abstracts will be the principal means through which other scholars first make contact with the dissertation, it is important that the abstract provide as much concrete information as possible about the dissertation and present it in a fashion that is understandable to readers who may not be familiar with the approach or the focus of the dissertation. Abstracts must be approved by the first reader of the dissertation, the Director of Graduate Studies, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, using information provided by the candidate, will send an announcement of defense to each member of the committee, and will provide the chair of the committee with the necessary forms on which to report the results of the defense. After the defense, the chair will return the forms, with the necessary signatures, to the Political Science administrative offices. At this time, the necessary signatures will also be entered onto the signature page of the dissertation itself.

Timetable for Completing Ph.D. Requirements

The maximum time limit set by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is 7 years; extensions require a petition. Boston University fully funds students for 5 years. A typical breakdown of a student’s work schedule is as follows:

• Year 1: Complete 8 required courses
• Year 2: Complete 6 required courses + Research Workshop and/or Professional Development Course + Teaching Fellowship + Second Year Paper
• Year 3: Take 1 course, Complete the Comprehensive Exams + Research Workshop and/or Professional Development Course + Teaching Fellowship + Dissertation Prospectus
• Years 4 and 5: Complete and defend dissertation

The above schedule can be used as a rule-of-thumb to measure one’s progress. Students who find themselves more than six months “off schedule” should discuss their status with the Director of Graduate Studies.

Leaves of Absence

Students must register for each (Fall/Spring) semester until all degree requirements are completed. However, upon a written petition, and for appropriate cause, a student will be permitted a leave of absence for up to two semesters. Leaves of absence beyond two semesters are granted only in exceptional cases and require the approval of GRS (see the Graduate School Bulletin for details). Time spent on leave is counted as part of the time allowed for the completion of degree requirements.  Given these time constraints, students should work closely with their dissertation readers to devise an efficient schedule for research, writing and revision. A leave cannot be approved for the semester before the student defends their dissertation.