{"id":5685,"date":"2023-12-15T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-15T16:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/?p=5685"},"modified":"2024-12-09T10:10:41","modified_gmt":"2024-12-09T15:10:41","slug":"jobs-for-political-science-majors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/careers\/jobs-for-political-science-majors","title":{"rendered":"17 Jobs for Political Science Majors (That Don’t Require You to Run for Office)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what exactly are the best jobs for political science majors? And how do you know what kind of job is right for you? Here\u2019s what you need to know about the top jobs for political science majors, including what these roles entail, how they\u2019re connected to political science, and a quiz to help you decide which is the best fit for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jump to Which Job for Political Science Majors is Right for Me? \ud83c\udfdb<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What Can You Do With a Political Science Degree?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A political science degree focuses on the study of government and politics, yet students can apply the skills and knowledge they\u2019ve learned to a variety of fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jobs for Political Science Majors Explained<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

“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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet Patterson also recognizes that many students go beyond politics, using their transferable skills like critical thinking<\/a> and analysis in other industries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Many of our majors graduate with advanced public speaking skills<\/a> gained through group work, classroom projects, internships<\/a>, 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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jobs for political science majors require skills like research, communication<\/a>, analysis, and writing<\/a> \u2014 which are skills that can be applied across a variety of fields, from communications to economics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top Jobs for Political Science Majors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If a degree in political science teaches you valuable workplace skills, what kinds of roles can you land? Here are some of the top jobs for political science majors explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communications Associate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salary: <\/strong>$65,000<\/a><\/a>
Job outlook: <\/strong>8%<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> or health care<\/a>, education or government \u2014 the options are endless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A communications associate position is among the top jobs for political science majors because it requires excellent written and verbal communication skills<\/a>, especially writing skills<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consultant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salary:<\/strong> $115,530<\/a><\/a>
Job outlook: <\/strong>11% (much faster than average)<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A consultant<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consultants can work in a variety of industries \u2014 including politics! \u2014 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<\/a> focuses on general high-level business decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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Strategy Consulting<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Learn how to use critical thinking and brainstorming skills like a BCG consultant to help a hypothetical luxury clothing company increase its revenue.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll Now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSkills you’ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCreativity, critical thinking, brainstorming\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll Now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

Economist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salary:<\/strong> $132,650<\/a><\/a>
Job outlook: <\/strong>5% (as fast as average)<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re interested in the financial side of politics \u2014 the cost of health care or employment trends \u2014 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<\/a> issues and policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historian<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salary: <\/strong>$76,120<\/a><\/a>
Job outlook: <\/strong>6% (faster than average)<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historians research, study, and analyze historical documents, from newspapers and photographs to letters and interviews. Historians can conduct this research<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Human Resources Specialist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salary:<\/strong> $76,060<\/a><\/a>
Job outlook:<\/strong> 8% (faster than average)<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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Human Resources<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Practice two crucial HR tasks: how to give employees feedback and how to develop a compensation framework.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll Now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAvg. Time:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t3-4 hours\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSkills you’ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCommunication, process mapping, data visualization, pay metrics\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll Now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

Journalist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salary: <\/strong>$101,430<\/a><\/a>
Job outlook: <\/strong>-3% (decline)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> can be a great way to stand out in your journalism applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lawyer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salary: <\/strong>$176,470<\/a><\/a>
Job outlook: <\/strong>5% (as fast as average)<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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Introduction to Law<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll Now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSkills you’ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLegal research, attention to detail, efficiency, communication, presentation \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll Now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

Legislative Assistant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salary: <\/strong>$45,614<\/a>
Job outlook: <\/strong>-10% (decline)<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Market Research Analyst<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salary:<\/strong> $83,190<\/a><\/a>
Job outlook:<\/strong> 8% (faster than average)<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A market research analyst<\/a> 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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Policy Analyst<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salary: <\/strong>$66,359<\/a>
Job outlook: <\/strong>11% (much faster than average)<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I may be biased being based in DC, but there’s an abundance of policy work in virtually any field \u2014 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 \u2014 you can do this for the government, a think tank, or even the private sector through consulting.”  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Political Scientist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salary: <\/strong>$132,020<\/a><\/a>
Job outlook: <\/strong>3% (as fast as average)<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Manager<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salary:<\/strong> $104,920<\/a><\/a>
Job outlook:<\/strong> 7% (faster than average)<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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<\/a> you learn while getting your degree. Project managers can work in virtually any industry and need excellent communication, time management<\/a>, and people management skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public Relations Specialist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salary:<\/strong> $77,720<\/a><\/a>
Job outlook:<\/strong> 6% (faster than average)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public relations is an excellent field for political science majors because it requires interpersonal skills<\/a>, specifically written and verbal communication, public speaking, and problem-solving skills<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sales Representative<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salary:<\/strong> $113,520<\/a><\/a>
Job outlook:<\/strong> 1% (slower than average)<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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Pre-Sales<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Review customer feedback to identify what products might be a good fit for them, then create a sales presentation pitching those products.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll Now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSkills you’ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCustomer requirement analysis, effective communication, sales motion\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll Now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

Social and Community Services Manager<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salary: <\/strong>$83,400<\/a><\/a>
Job outlook: <\/strong>8% (faster than average)<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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Community Development<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll Now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAvg. Time:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t2-3 hours\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSkills you’ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPlanning, budgeting, facilitation\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll Now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

Social Media Specialist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salary:<\/strong> $61,000<\/a><\/a>
Job outlook:<\/strong> 10% (much faster than average)<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top jobs for political science majors include those that require excellent communication skills \u2014 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<\/a> or TikTok<\/a>, or execute a company’s overall strategy on multiple platforms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teacher<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salary:<\/strong> $70,340<\/a><\/a>
Job outlook:<\/strong> -1% (decline)<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re a political science major getting a liberal arts degree<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Jobs for Political Science Majors Are Right for You?<\/h2>\n\n\n