Best Jobs for Political Science Majors

Political science majors have a lot of career options open to them. So, I’ve decided to take an in-depth look at the best jobs for political science majors. I will provide descriptions of each job, as well as qualifications and salary expectations.

So, whether you are just starting college or you are already a political science major, read on for some great career advice!

What Is Political Science?

Well, basically, it is the study of governments, public policies, and political processes. It can be divided into several sub-fields, such as American politics, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory.

Political science majors learn about research methods, law-making processes, and different types of government systems. They also develop strong writing and critical thinking skills.

Qualifications

Most political science jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree. However, some jobs, such as research positions, may require a master’s degree or higher. Many political science majors move on to law school or graduate school to pursue careers in government or academia.

Best Jobs For Political Science Majors

Here are some of the top job roles for political science majors:

1 Lobbyist

A lobbyist is a professional who tries to influence government officials on behalf of a client. Lobbyists typically work for businesses, non-profit organizations, or trade associations. To be a successful lobbyist, you must have excellent communication and networking skills. You must also be knowledgeable about the legislative process and be able to persuasively argue your client’s position.

Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree is typically required, although some employers may prefer a master’s degree.

Salary expectation:

The median salary for lobbyists is $73,000 per year.

Day in the life:

A lobbyist’s day-to-day activities vary depending on their clients’ needs and the legislative process. However, they typically spend time meeting with government officials, researching policies, and writing reports.

2 Public Relations Specialist

These are responsible for creating and maintaining a positive public image for their employer. They do this by writing press releases, organizing media events, and managing social media accounts. Public relations specialists must be excellent communicators and have strong writing skills.

Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, or a related field is typically required.

Salary expectation:

The average salary for public relations specialists is $60,000 per year.

Day in the life:

A public relations specialist’s daily activities vary depending on their employer’s needs. However, they typically spend time organizing media events, writing press releases, as well as managing social media accounts.

3 Political Consultant

A political consultant provides advice and strategies to candidates running for political office. They may work on campaigns at the local, state, or national levels. Political consultants must be well-versed in campaign finance laws and election regulations. They must also have strong research and writing skills.

Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree is typically required, although some employers will only accept a master’s degree.

Salary expectation:

The median salary for political consultants is $72,000 per year.

Day in the life:

A Day in the life of a political consultant varies depending on the needs of their clients. However, they typically spend time researching candidates and issues, developing campaign strategies, and writing speeches.

4 Research Analyst

A research analyst conducts studies and collects data on behalf of their employer. They use this information to help make decisions about policy, marketing, or other important areas of business. Research analysts must be excellent at data analysis and have strong research and writing skills.

Qualifications:

You will need a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree.

Salary expectation:

The median salary for research analysts is $63,000 per year.

Day in the life:

The typical day-to-day activities of a research analyst vary depending on the projects they are currently working on. They tend to spend time conducting research, analyzing data, and writing reports.

5 Historian

A historian is a scholar who studies the past and writes about it. Historians typically specialize in a particular time period or region. They use primary and secondary sources to conduct research and write history books, articles, or essays. Historians must have solid research and writing skills.

Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree is needed, but some employers may prefer a master’s degree or doctorate.

Salary expectation:

The median salary for historians is $63,000 per year.

Day in the life:

The regular activities of historians differ based on what they are currently working on. However, they will always spend time conducting research, writing, and teaching.

6 Economist

An economist is a social scientist who studies the production and distribution of goods and services. Economists typically specialize in a particular area, such as macroeconomics, microeconomics, or labor economics. They use data and mathematical models to conduct research and develop economic theories. Economists must have good math skills and be able to effectively communicate their findings.

Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree is typically required, although some employers may prefer a master’s degree.

Salary expectation:

The median salary for economists is $105,000 per year.

Day in the life:

Economists typically spend their days researching, writing reports, and giving presentations. They may also teach classes or provide consulting services.

7 Data Analyst

A data analyst collects and analyzes data to help their employer make better business decisions. Data analysts must be excellent at math and statistics. They must also be able to communicate their findings effectively.

Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree is needed for this career.

Salary expectation:

The median salary for data analysts is $60,000 per year.

Day in the life:

Data analysts can expect their daily activities to vary depending on the needs of their employer. Report writing, data analysis, and presenting findings are common tasks.

8 Policy Analyst

A policy analyst studies social issues and recommends solutions to problems. They may work in the public or private sector. Policy analysts must be excellent researchers and have strong writing skills. They must also be able to persuasively argue their position.

Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degree are typically required by employers.

Salary expectation:

The median salary for policy analysts is $75,000 per year.

Day in the life:

Policy analysts typically spend their days researching, writing reports, and giving presentations. They may also testify before legislatures or work on campaigns.

9 Regulatory Affairs Manager

A regulatory affairs manager develops and implements compliance plans for their organization. They work with government agencies to ensure that their company is following all relevant regulations. Regulatory affairs managers must have strong research and writing skills. They must also be able to effectively manage projects.

Qualifications:

Along with your bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, many positions also require a master’s degree plus experience in the sector.

Salary expectation:

The median salary for regulatory affairs managers is $100,000 per year.

Day in the life:

Regulatory affairs managers typically spend their days writing reports, researching regulations, and meeting with government officials. They may also be responsible for training employees on compliance issues.

10 Public Relations Specialist

A public relations specialist promotes their employer’s brand and manages its reputation. They develop and implement marketing campaigns, write press releases, and give speeches on behalf of their company. Public relations specialists must be excellent communicators and have strong writing skills.

Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree is typically required, although some employers may prefer a master’s degree.

Salary expectation:

The average salary for public relations specialists is $60,000 per year.

Day in the life:

The daily activities of a public relations specialist can vary depending on the needs of their employer. They may spend their time writing press releases, developing marketing campaigns, or giving speeches.

11 Attorney

An attorney provides legal advice and represents clients in court. They must be excellent researchers and writers. Attorneys must also be able to persuasively argue their position.

Qualifications:

A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is required to practice law.

Salary expectation:

The median salary for attorneys is $120,000 per year.

Day in the life:

Typically, attorneys spend their days researching, writing, and meeting with clients. They may also appear in court to represent their clients.

12 Journalist

A journalist writes articles for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They must be excellent researchers and writers. Journalists must also be able to effectively communicate their findings.

Qualifications:

You will need both a degree, work experience, and a portfolio to become a journalist.

Salary expectation:

The median salary for journalists is $40,000 per year.

Day in the life:

Journalists tend to spend their days researching, writing, and interviewing sources. They also take photographs or videos to go along with their stories.

13 Director of Communications

These are responsible for developing and implementing an organization’s communication strategy. They oversee the production of all internal and external communications, including marketing materials, website content, and media relations. The director of communications must be an excellent communicator and have great writing skills.

Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree is typically required, although some employers require a master’s degree as well.

Salary expectation:

The median salary for directors of communications is $100,000 per year.

Day in the Life:

When you work as a director of communications, your day-to-day tasks will vary depending on the needs of your organization. You may spend your time writing press releases, developing marketing campaigns, or managing your organization’s social media accounts.

14 Urban Planner

Urban planners develop plans for the use and development of land. They create zoning regulations, design public transportation systems, and oversee the construction of public buildings. Urban planners must be excellent communicators and have strong writing skills.

Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree is typically required, although some employers may prefer a master’s degree. You may also require work experience in a similar field.

Salary expectation:

The median salary for urban planners is $70,000 per year.

Day In the Life:

An urban planner’s day-to-day tasks can vary depending on the needs of their community. They may spend their time writing reports, conducting research, or meeting with government officials.

15 News Producer

A news producer is responsible for the overall production of a newscast. They decide which stories will be covered, select, and book guests, and write scripts. News producers must be excellent communicators and have strong writing skills.

Qualifications:

Similar to a journalist, news producers will need at least a bachelor’s and a ton of work experience.

Salary expectation:

The median salary for news producers is $60,000 per year.

Day In the Life:

As a news producer, you can expect to spend your days researching stories, writing scripts, and working with a team of journalists to produce a newscast. You may also be responsible for selecting and booking guests for your show.

It’s All About The Politics!

Needless to say, we found endless books on political science and all that it involves with The Oxford Handbook of Political Science, or One Damn Thing After Another: Memoirs of an Attorney General, or even What You Should Know About Politics . . . But Don’t, Fourth Edition: A Nonpartisan Guide to the Issues That Matter, and that’s just the beginning!

Why not take a look at Political Science For Dummies, or Political Science Basics: An Introduction to American Government, The Politics Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained, as well as Empirical Research and Writing: A Political Science Student’s Practical Guide, all available online in 2023.

And lastly, we have The Economist’s View of the World: And the Quest for Well-Being, After the Fall: Being American in the World We’ve Made, A People’s History of the United States, and The Color of Law – A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America to make those debates interesting!

Final Thoughts

Political science majors have a wide range of career options available to them. They can work as data analysts, policy analysts, regulatory affairs managers, public relations specialists, attorneys, journalists, or directors of communications.

Political science majors should be excellent researchers and writers. They must also be able to effectively communicate their findings.

You now know the top jobs for political science majors, Good Luck with whichever one you choose!