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Political Scientists
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Summary
- Summary
- What They Do
- Work Environment
- How to Become One
- Pay
- Job Outlook
- Similar Occupations
- Contacts for More Info
http://thepoliticalforums.com/ooh/im...p109-1-jpg.jpg Political scientists use a variety of resources to research political issues and test theories.
What Political Scientists Do
Quick Facts: Political Scientists 2010 Median Pay $107,420 per year
$51.65 per hourEntry-Level Education Master’s degree Work Experience in a Related Occupation None On-the-job Training None Number of Jobs, 2010 5,600 Job Outlook, 2010-20 8% (Slower than average) Employment Change, 2010-20 400
Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. They research political ideas and analyze the structure and operation of governments, policies, political trends, and related issues.
Work Environment
Most political scientists—about 53 percent—work for the federal government. Others work for think tanks, nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, political lobbying groups, and labor organizations.
How to Become a Political Scientist
Political scientists need a master’s degree or Ph.D. in political science, public administration, or a related field. They should have strong writing skills and research experience.
Pay
The median annual wage of political scientists was $107,420 in May 2010.
Job Outlook
Employment of political scientists is expected to grow 8 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. Employment will increase in response to a growing interest in public policy and political issues. However, because the number of students graduating with degrees in political science is growing, candidates should face strong competition for most positions.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of political scientists with similar occupations.
O*NET
O*NET provides comprehensive information on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Contacts for More Information
Learn more about political scientists by contacting these additional resources.
What They Do ->
What Political Scientists Do About this section
http://thepoliticalforums.com/ooh/im...p109-2-jpg.jpg Political scientists advise governments, businesses, or organizations on political issues.
Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. They research political ideas and analyze the structure and operation of governments, policies, political trends, and related issues.
Duties
Political scientists typically do the following:
- Research political subjects, such as the U.S. political system, relations between the United States and foreign countries, and political ideologies
- Collect and analyze data from sources such as public opinion surveys and election results
- Use qualitative sources, such as historical documents, to develop theories
- Use quantitative methods, such as statistical analysis, to test theories
- Evaluate the effects of policies and laws on government, businesses, and people
- Identify new political issues to study
- Monitor current events, recent policy decisions, and other issues relevant to their work
- Forecast political, economic, and social trends
- Present research results by writing reports, giving presentations, and publishing in academic journals
