Is a political science degree worth it? A political science degree may open the door to many different types of careers. At its core, the degree is designed to provide a practical understanding of how local, state, national, and international governments work. This versatile degree can help you get involved in politics, campaigns, social advocacy, or nonprofit causes.
It can also help you build a solid foundation for graduate school in fields such as law, public policy, and economics, as well as many issue-oriented professions, like health, social justice, or environmental studies.
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On top of all of this, it can help you become a better thinker, writer, and communicator. You will refine your research, analysis, and writing skills and learn to develop theories and persuasive arguments.
Is a Political Science Degree Worth It?
Yes, a bachelor’s degree in political science is worth it for many professionals.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, life, physical, and social science jobs are set to grow at 5% over the next 10 years, faster than the average for all occupations. Common political science careers in this field include:
- Legislative assistant to elected officials
- Public relations or social media specialist
- Market researcher
- Pollster
- Campaign worker
- Teacher
- Community organizer
This profession may be for you if you want to be part of the news, not just watch it. A bachelor’s degree in political science may open doors to entry-level jobs in research, policy analysis, public information, polling, issue analysis or teaching, or in one of many exciting and ever-changing fields where you can participate in significant local, state, national, and international events.
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Just as important, it can help you build your resume, give you chances to network with people who can help you in the future, and help you decide which of many possible careers is for you.
It is important to know that higher salaries and increased responsibilities are usually reserved for those with master’s degrees in political science or related fields, such as law or public policy. But that doesn’t mean there are no interesting and rewarding entry-level jobs for bachelor’s degree graduates.
How to Decide Whether a Political Science Degree is Right for You
While political science is a good major for many students and offers many possible career paths, perhaps you’re still unsure whether it’s the right field for you.
Here are three reasons why you might want to pursue a bachelor’s in political science.
1. You have an interest in current events.
You likely consume media every day to see what is happening in the world. Whether it’s election season or not, you may watch the news, read the blogs, follow Twitter, and can’t wait to discuss what’s happening with your friends and family. You may also want to learn more about how government agencies function.
If this is you, then the constant focus on local, state, national, and international politics that is a part of the political science field may be highly interesting and motivating to you.
2. You want to work in politics.
Maybe you are in college or working in a job, but it does not fully match your interests or passions. Perhaps in your heart, you want to do something more meaningful that will make you feel that you are contributing to the changes you want to see in the world.
If this desire or interest is something that you feel currently, then this degree may be the first step in making that desire become a reality.
3. You care deeply about the world and its people and want to make a genuine contribution to creating a better future.
Maybe you want to do more than shake your head as you hear stories about the many problems facing the earth and its people.
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A political science degree can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to do your part to make this world a better place for everyone.
5 Things You Can Do with a Political Science Degree
The field of political science includes a variety of jobs in various areas related to politics, research, and advocacy.
Here are some of the specific careers you might pursue after completing a political science degree:
1. Researcher
Almost every policy initiative begins with comprehensive research about the status of the problems the policy will address.
In this job, you may read journals, position papers, and materials from academicians and specialists in a particular field so you can thoroughly understand the issues you are investigating. You may also interview experts and draft policy recommendations.
2. Social Media Manager
Social media is the primary source for news for the vast majority of people today, regardless of age.
In this position, your employer may want you to post a steady stream of relevant information to mass media influencers and readers to inform them and spur action. Excellent writing skills, a hunger for evidence, and the ability to deliver information in a lively manner are beneficial traits for this job.
3. Legislative or Policy Aide
Depending on the type of organization you work for, colleagues may be studying, analyzing, drafting, and advocating ideas they want to advance.
Once a strategy is selected, they may need your help with scheduling, planning, speechwriting, and distributing their ideas and positions. They may count on you to help them make sure every detail is taken care of properly and with the care it deserves.
4. Analyst
Proper analysis, often with statistical support, is essential for advocating realistic solutions to many problems. Sophisticated data analysis is required to assure truthfulness and fairness. This position requires accurate and careful work.
Research must always be analyzed to make sure it was properly conducted and that all its conclusions can be verified. In this position, many people may review your material to make sure your analysis is always perfect.
5. Social Advocacy Organization
Non-profit groups often offer positions creating and implementing strategies for maximum impact on communities and their issues.
Jobs in non-profits often overlap, as these organizations rely on flexibility and teamwork. Non-profit roles include volunteer manager, donor relations, event planner, and marketing or media specialist.
Political Science Degree Alternatives
If you want to build the skill set you need to work in politics or government, here are three alternative degrees that may help advance your knowledge base, critical thinking, writing and communication skills.
- Bachelors in Journalism or Communications. A vast number of jobs in political require solid writing skills. This degree can help you learn how to create persuasive copy and articles on deadline and to get them placed where it counts.
- Bachelors in Specialized Studies (Latin Studies, African American Studies, Asian American Studies, or Gender Studies). Your knowledge of the history, culture, and issues facing specialized populations may help you land a position focused on that population.
- Bachelors in Philosophy. This major can help you develop the logic and critical thinking skills you need to gather and manage information and will prepare you for graduate school admission tests and coursework.
These degrees focus on many of the skills that are sought by both future employers and graduate schools, who value what you have learned, not just the name of the degree you earned.
Political Science Careers & Salaries
There are many entry-level careers for graduates with a bachelor’s in political science. Jobs with higher pay and increased responsibility often require master’s or other advanced degrees as shown in this chart from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Be sure to research the educational requirements of each job listing.
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Government Affairs Specialist | $133,460 |
| Attorney | $126,930 |
| Political Scientist | $125,350 |
| Public Policy Professor | $85,760 |
| Urban or Regional Planner | $75,950 |
| Education Policy Analyst | $75,260 |
| Social and Community Service Manager | $69,600 |
| Market Research Analyst | $65,810 |
| Social Media Specialist | $61,150 |
| Paralegal or Legal Assistant | $52,920 |
This chart lists national median salaries for positions held by people with political science degrees. Remember that advanced degrees are normally required for higher paying jobs and advancement within organizations.
What is the Point of a Political Science Degree?
A political science degree can help you obtain the education and tools you need to work in a field focused on changing the world. This versatile degree is designed to teach you about government, policies, and laws and their impacts on various groups. It can also help you learn how to think critically, write, research, analyze, and communicate.
It may also prepare you for a new career, should you want to change fields in the future. Your degree, coupled with some employment, volunteer work or internship experience, may give you the foundation you need to advance your career or succeed in law school or graduate school in many different fields.
Getting Your Political Science Degree Online
If you are concerned about government, law, policies, and social problems and want to be involved in finding real-world solutions to local, national, and international problems, an online degree in political science may be right for you.
An online political science degree may be a great choice for anyone who needs to get an affordable, practical education while balancing college with other life demands. Online degrees, whether it’s a bachelors, masters, or PhD in Political Science online, are typically respected by employers who understand the difficult realities that come with getting a comprehensive education today.
A political science degree can help prepare you for a career that can pay well in both salary and personal satisfaction. With many online options for political science programs, this next step might not be as difficult as you think. Get started today, and you might just change the world!
