Political science is a social science focused on the study of political institutions and organizations of a political nature, in addition to the formation, principles, and conduct of a particular government. It ranks as one of the most popular majors for students in colleges and universities. This is likely because political science is intrinsically linked to the nature of a liberal arts education; the contributions of the great minds of ancient Greece are found at the bedrock of political science study. At the same time, political science also feels extremely contemporary, political events are always relevant, and the characteristics of government typically employ complex and advanced analysis using statistics in order to make sense of it all.

This field of study is well known for challenging students' skills of speaking, argumentation, critical reading and thinking, research, and writing. It prompts a broad understanding of the connections within cultures and also facilitates thought of life's big questions and ideas. Patterns of voting, public policy, and the history and analysis of political revolutions and parties are just some of the facets that comprise political science education. 

Education in political science can begin at the high school level, where students can take advanced classes in a wide variety of subjects, so as to have an idea of what bachelor's level study in the field will be like. The most essential political science degree is indeed the bachelor's, and myriad careers can be launched with this educational foundation. Further study in the subject helps students tackle more advanced and scholarly positions. One of these positions is a professional political scientist, whose job outlook is exceptionally promising, especially for those who have earned an advanced degree.

Career Specializations

• Public Official: Many senators, congresspeople, and a bevy of presidents and over governmental executives and legislators have taken to political science to prepare for their careers. 
• Political Scientist: These academic experts work in policy analysis, and the grand majority of them (63 percent) are enlisted for work by the federal government. 
• Lawyer: Practioners of the law benefit from a grounding in political science in order to provide history, context, and expertise in the nature of legal ideas of a particular country. 
• News Correspondent: Television journalists often hire great and well-reputed political science professionals to provide a weighted and informed opinion on the political happenings of the day. 

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Degree Levels

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 1-2 years to complete
• Doctorate of Philosophy: 3-5 years to complete

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Education & Certification Requirements

At the high school level, students can begin preparing for a career in political science by taking advanced placement courses in such subjects as comparative government, U.S. government, U.S. history, world history, and statistics. Not only will these classes push students in these fields at a dynamic and college-like level, successful work in them could lead to college credit. Earning a bachelor's in political science will find students learning from classes like ethnic and racial politics, American foreign policy, judicial processes, political theory, and American intelligence and policy making. The highly respected, intellectually satisfying, and monetarily lucrative career of political scientist demands further education, ideally to the doctoral level, which culminates in a lengthy dissertation and the awarding of the PhD degree. This degree is also necessary for those looking to teach at universities and most private secondary schools. 

There is no certification requirement for political science. However, certain focuses can help fine-tune and encourage a promising career. Math and statistics classes are crucial, especially for contemporary jobs in the field. Also, it is very important for those interested in more advanced posts in the profession to participate in internships, which can be earned by researching government agencies and nonprofit groups. (BLS)

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Salary Information

Political scientists are well compensated for their services, to say the least. Whereas those armed with master's degrees or recent PhD graduates can expect just under $50,000 a year, most experienced political scientists take in nearly $105,000 per annum. Those in the highest 10 percent for the profession scale upwards of $150,000 in annual pay. Such excellent pay is typically offered to those with advanced level degrees from prestigious institutions, those who have successfully networked via internships to improve their professional connections and who have developed strong reputations through excellent writing and speaking skills. (BLS)

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Job Outlook

Frequently grouped along with sociologists, political scientists stand to enjoy an excellent wave of new employment possibilities into the future. Estimates have prognosticated that, overall, these careers will benefit from an increase of jobs by 21 percent by the year 2018. Despite these auspicious figures, competition for the best jobs in this field will remain fierce and stiff. Doctorate diploma holders with substantial statistics expertise will reap the most from the boom. Bachelor's and master's students who would like to shape careers in this community should target universities and political science organizations for entry-level positions, which may be more plentiful, yet no less difficult to receive. (BLS)

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Related Careers

The nonprofit sectors offers a good deal of opportunity for those trained in political science. Nonprofit organizations are relying, more and more, on those employees who are trained in the study of how voting bodies are motivated and mobilized to take action. Fundraising positions for donations made to these organizations are becoming more widespread. Even a bachelor's degree in political science may prove sufficient enough to scoop up one of these posts. 

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