What Jobs Can I Get With a Political Science Degree?

Interested in a career that combines your interests in politics and government while working for the greater good? A degree in political science can open up many opportunities, from working for a national party to running for office yourself. But you don’t have to be a senator or governor. Behind every public official is a team that coordinates the campaign, policy, and communications.

Diverse Career Paths with a Political Science Degree

Here are some potential career paths and their associated salaries that you can pursue with a political science degree:

1. Politics: This is the most direct application of a political science degree. You could work at various levels of government, from local to national, or even international. Opportunities range from being a public official to working behind the scenes in roles such as campaign manager or policy analyst.
2. Public Relations: A political science degree can be leveraged to work in public relations, where you’d be responsible for shaping public opinion and managing the image of individuals or organizations.
3. Teaching: If you’re passionate about educating the next generation, a career in academia could be for you. You could become a political science professor, or a high school teacher specializing in civics or history.
4. Finance: Your knowledge of government regulations and policies can be valuable in financial sectors, where you could work in roles such as compliance officer or financial analyst.

Each of these career paths offers unique opportunities for growth and learning. Salaries will vary depending on the specific role, location, and level of experience, but all offer competitive compensation.

A political science degree is more than a stepping stone to a career in politics. It equips you with transferable skills that are valued in many fields, offering a wide array of career possibilities.

Salary and job projections come from national averages in the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources, including Glassdoor, Indeed, and industry-specific posts and publications. The data is meant to provide you with an idea of career options and salary ranges, not as a guarantee of obtaining these positions after graduation. These represent national averages and may vary by source and time frame collected. Actual salaries vary by region. Some jobs may require additional training or graduate education.