If you have a knack for public policy and want to advance your career in government, consider a degree in political science.
In this turbulent and rapidly changing political environment, you may wonder how you can make a real difference. Whether you work in nonprofit administration, policy writing, higher education, or another setting, a master's degree in political science will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to make an impact.
If you've ever fantasized about working for a political campaign or running for office, a degree in political science is absolutely imperative. Earning one of these degrees will prepare you for an exciting career. Regardless of your previous work experience for undergraduate training, a master's degree in this discipline will dramatically increase your earnings and prepare you for just about any job in the field.
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What kind of political science degree should you get?
Political science is a loose term that refers to the development, origin, and operation of political systems. As a political scientist, you could work in a wide variety of fields. However, regardless of the industry in which you choose to work, you will need a solid background in research and theoretical coursework.
Because this field is so broad, you should look for a degree that will allow you to pursue your exact area of interest. For example, if you are interested in international relations and policy, you should find a degree that will allow you to study abroad. You should also consider the learning format that will best help you in meeting your goals.
If you're a busy student who is already working full time, you might want to consider an online degree. An online program will allow you to attend classes remotely and to earn your degree on a part-time basis. While you will still be able to network with faculty and peers, you will be able to pursue a degree on your own terms.
Earning a graduate degree is no small feat, and you should find a program that is just as committed to helping you achieve your professional goals as you are. Not sure that a degree in political science is the right choice? Be sure to take a look at our ranking of the Best Online Colleges and Universities.
How much money do people make with a degree in political science?
Because there is not just one career you can pursue with a degree in political science, average salaries across the industry tend to vary widely. The median annual wage for political scientists was $117,570 as of 2018. The highest-paid workers are those who are employed by the federal government, as well as those working in scientific, professional, and technical services, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
That being said, individuals who work in lower-paying fields, such as grant-making or professional organizations and educational services, still earn impressive salaries – most earn well over $70,000 per year. What's even better is that these jobs are expected to grow with an anticipated 7,500 new jobs created by 2026.
What can you do with a degree in political science?
You have multiple career options after receiving a graduate degree in political science. You might go on to conduct research in international relations, national politics, political theory, or comparative politics. You could also go on to forecast economic, political, and social trends and submit your research results in presentations and articles.
Political scientists can work for the federal or state government, or they can work as analysts for organizations that have a stake in policy making. For example, you might work for a labor union, political group, or nonprofit organization. You could even be self-employed! Regardless, your day as a full-time political scientist will allow you to explore all of the elements and factors that make a government function.
What are the requirements for a degree in political science?
To earn a master's degree in political science, you must first earn an undergraduate degree that includes coursework in writing, political science, and statistics. In many cases, you are more likely to be admitted to a graduate program if you have related work experience in political science. You will also be expected to have strong communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
After you enter your graduate program, you will take classes in topics like statistics, policy formation, research methods, program evaluation, and public policy. You may pursue coursework for related certificate areas such as international relations or public administration, too. With a graduate degree in political science, you will qualify for entry-level positions as well as higher-ranking research positions in research organizations, nonprofit organizations, and political campaigns.
What are the best degrees in political science?
When you're looking for the best degree in political science, the most important thing to note is that not all degrees are built the same depending on your chosen area of specialty as well as the industry in which you hope to work, the best master's in political science for you may not be the best degree for all others who are interested in the field.
This field is diverse and evolving quickly, and there's no one best program for every learner. However, our top programs are ones that are nationally respected for their academic rigor and affordability. Many of these schools provide networking and other career services to help graduates get a leg up on the competition.
What these schools all have in common is that they each offer world-class training in a discipline that is vital no matter where you are in the world. And when we put together our list of schools, we make sure that we utilize the most effective research techniques and reasoning to make sure that only the best programs in political science are included on this list.
We don't expect you to take our word for it. See for yourself! Take a look at our methodology page, where you can get a clearer idea of how we determine the most affordable online masters in political science.
Ready to learn more about how you can accelerate your career and make a difference in American government? Consider one of these ten most affordable online masters in political science today.
