What can i do with a masters in political science

Students who earn a master's degree in political science receive advanced education in the structure, philosophy and administration of political systems. They also study politcal science subjects that hone their research skills, enabling them to analyze a broad array of political and public policy issues and problems.

Completing a master's degree requires about two years of study beyond the four-year bachelor's degree. Master's in political science jobs can found in higher education, government, journalism and other career fields in which an in-depth knowledge of politics and public issues is beneficial.

College Instructor

Although a doctoral degree in political science is required for employment as a professor at most universities, master's in political science jobs teaching at two-year colleges can be found. Political science instructors at community colleges often teach introductory government courses, such as basic American government. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in 2020 that political science teachers at two-year colleges received an average of ​$82,930​ per year, while college professors earned an average salary of ​$103,660​ per year.

Public Administration

Many political scientists pursue master's degree in a specialized area of political science that focuses on government management and administration. The degree is usually known as a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Public Affairs. MPA recipients often work as city managers or community developers of local and state government agencies.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2020 that urban and regional planners in city government earned median annual salaries of ​$75,950​. Chief executives in local government jobs annually $124,510, BLS further noted. State agency heads averaged ​$121,340​ per year.

Federal Jobs

Many men and women who earn master's degrees in political science set their sights on careers in the federal government, hoping to work as White House advisers, public policy analysts and researchers, or as agency administrators. BLS data for 2020 indicated that political scientists in federal agencies averaged ​$132,540​ per year.

The largest group of political scientists worked in Washington, D.C. earning ​$126,530​ per year. However, federal jobs in Washington, D.C., often pay more than in other cities because of the higher cost of living in the nation's capital.

Overall, political scientists in Maine earned the highest average salary in the United States at ​$151,660​ per year. The lowest salaries were reported in Maine where political scientists earned an average annual income of ​$74,610​.

Other Career Options

Many other career options exist for individuals with master's degrees in political science. These options include working as a legislative staff member, political consultant or lobbyist, according to U.S. News. Legislative staff members research specific issues and draft legislation.

Political consultants work on candidates' election campaigns, raising funds, developing media strategies and conducting and analyzing polls. Lobbyists represent the interests of business and other organizations to lawmakers. The BLS reported that all of these positions generally require an advanced degree and specific skills. For example, a campaign pollster should have detailed knowledge of statistics and research methodology.

A politics degree opens doors to a broad range of careers, including political work, social and political research, journalism, HR and marketing

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Civil Service Fast Streamer
• Government social research officer
• Policy officer
• Political risk analyst
• Politician's assistant
• Public affairs consultant
• Social researcher

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Business development manager
• Charity officer
• Detective
• Diplomatic service officer
• Forensic accountant
• Human resources officer
• Local government officer
• Market researcher
• Marketing executive
• Newspaper journalist
• Public relations officer
• Stockbroker

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

Work experience

Many charities and not-for-profit organisations have volunteering opportunities that will give you valuable work experience. Check their websites for details of what voluntary positions are arising and how to apply.

These include:

• charities
• the Citizens Advice Bureau
• global development bodies, such as WaterAid and Oxfam
• human and civil rights organisations such as Amnesty International
• local, national and international environmental and conservation organisations
• political campaigns and political parties.

Campaigning organisations or pressure groups and UK-based charities with an international presence are particularly suitable if you wish to pursue an international career.

If you're a student, consider running for office in your university Students' Union or gaining volunteering experience through the university community and student societies. This demonstrates initiative and can provide leadership experience and opportunities to further develop written and oral communication skills.

Many degree courses offer the opportunity to undertake professional work experience on a placement or sandwich year.

Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships.

Typical employers

Politics graduates are typically employed by:

• accountancy and banking organisations
• charities
• commercial businesses - particularly within marketing departments
• councils
• law firms
• local and national government
• retail companies
• media organisations.

Other employers include the United Nations (UN), the European Commission, the Civil Service, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), lobbying, campaigning, and voluntary organisations and the public sector in general.

Find information on employers in the charity and voluntary work, marketing, advertising and PR, public services and administration and other job sectors.

Skills for your CV

Studying politics enables you to develop specific subject knowledge, such as how different political systems work, how organisations such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the United Nations (UN) operate, and to interpret global political issues and events.

A degree in politics also gives you many useful transferable skills including:

• the ability to research, source and examine information thoroughly
• the capacity to critically analyse evidence and construct coherent arguments
• excellent written and oratory skills
• intellectual independence and autonomy
• teamworking skills
• a flexible and open-minded approach to work.

Further study

You may choose to undertake postgraduate study in order to further develop your knowledge, or to specialise in a particular area.

Subjects at Masters level include:

• environmental politics
• human rights
• international relations and European politics
• international security
• political communication, advocacy and campaigning
• politics.

You may also choose more vocational postgraduate courses that qualify you to work in careers such as accountancy, journalism, law, management and teaching.

For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see Masters degrees and search postgraduate courses in politics.

What do politics graduates do?

The top four professions for politics graduates include business, research and administrative professionals (10%), sales, marketing and related associate professionals (7%), media professionals (6%) and finance professionals (5%).

For a detailed breakdown of what politics graduates are doing after graduation, see What do graduates do?

Graduate destinations data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

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