Political Scientist
Specialties:
Activists.
What does a political scientist do?
- Political Scientists investigate the ways power is gained and used.
- Some study the actions of foreign governments, political parties, or
revolutionary movements.
- Others analyze topics such as public opinions, political decision making
and the uses of ideology.
- They may conduct polls and surveys, review supreme court decisions, or
actions of legislative bodies, or analyze the content of media articles.
- Some do academic research, writing or teaching.
- Others work on applied problems for federal agencies such as the
Department of State and Defense.
- Some work for legislative committees or individual office holders or
office seekers.
- A few are freelancers who prepare analyses for newspapers, radio and
television distribution.
Salary and Employment Outlook:
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Salary
Information for MPAs/MPPs
Career Info Net
Typical Employers:
Universities in research and teaching, community colleges, foundations in
research, museums, state and federal government, research and development
organizations, private industry, business, international agencies, and
consulting firms. Colleges and universities, research institutes, department of
defense, department of state, central intelligence agency, legislative bodies,
news syndicates, and self-employment.
Preparation:
Persons with bachelor's degrees may find opportunities with government of
legislative agencies. Most professionals in this field have Ph.D degrees in
Political Science or a related subject.
Educational Program(s):
Political Science
Related Programs: Law, Public Administration