Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

International/Global Studies(masters)University of Pennsylvania, PA

$204,927

Public Policy Analysis(masters)Johns Hopkins University, MD

$97,034

Political Science and Government(masters)Johns Hopkins University, MD

$96,306

International Relations and National Security Studies(masters)Georgetown University, DC

$88,199

Public Policy Analysis(professional)University of California-Berkeley, CA

$88,105

Public Policy Analysis(masters)Harvard University, MA

$87,444

Public Policy Analysis(masters)Duke University, NC

$85,125

Public Policy Analysis(masters)Princeton University, NJ

$85,111

International Relations and National Security Studies(postbacc-cert)Syracuse University, NY

$84,781

International/Global Studies(masters)American Public University System, WV

$84,526

Public Policy Analysis(masters)Georgetown University, DC

$83,403

International Relations and National Security Studies(masters)Rice University, TX

$82,320

International/Global Studies(masters)University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus, OK

$82,287

International Relations and National Security Studies(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY

$80,448

Public Policy Analysis(masters)University of Chicago, IL

$79,721

International Relations and National Security Studies(masters)Troy University, AL

$79,581

International Relations and National Security Studies(masters)The University of Texas at El Paso, TX

$79,569

International Relations and National Security Studies(masters)American Public University System, WV

$79,105

Public Policy Analysis(bachelors)Cornell University, NY

$77,906

International Relations and National Security Studies(bachelors)Bucknell University, PA

$77,312

International Relations and National Security Studies(masters)Institute of World Politics, DC

$77,008

International Relations and National Security Studies(masters)Johns Hopkins University, MD

$76,550

Public Policy Analysis(masters)George Washington University, DC

$76,399

International Relations and National Security Studies(bachelors)Stanford University, CA

$76,166

International Relations and National Security Studies(certificate)Indiana University-Bloomington, IN

$76,120