Political Scientists
Did You Know:*
- The vast majority of bachelor's degree holders in sociology and political science find employment in niche areas with specialized titles, such as market analyst, research assistant, writer or policy analyst.
- Employment growth of sociologists is projected to grow much faster than average; political scientists, faster than the average.
- Candidates who hold a master's or Ph.D. degree will have the best employment prospects and advancement opportunities; competition for teaching positions, while keen, should ease as the expected number of retirements increases.
- Quantitative and qualitative skills are important for all workers.
Industry Areas
- Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation)
- Scientific Research and Development Services
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
Day-to-Day Tasks*
- Teach political science.
- Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
- Identify issues for research and analysis.
Overall Kind of Work*
Sociologists and political scientists study all aspects of human society and political systems-from social behavior and the origin of social groups to the origin, development and operation of poli...
Work Environment*
Civilian
Most sociologists and political scientists have regular hours. Generally working behind a desk, either alone or in collaboration with other social scientists, they read and write research articles...
Military
International relations officers work mainly in offices of U.S. embassies and missions located overseas.
Workweek Breakdown
The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.
- 1.66% (0-20 Hours)
- 19.26% (21-34 Hours)
- 16.49% (35-39 Hours)
- 53.44% (40 Hours)
- 1.92% (41-49 Hours)
- 7.23% (Over 50 Hours)
This data also pertains to Miscellaneous social scientists and related workers (19-3090)
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
Data: 
People: 
Things: 
Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
Verbal skills:
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
Math & Science Skills:
Technology Design & Control:
Leadership:
Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility:
Exposure to Job Hazards:
Physical Activity:
Decision Making:
Repetitiveness:
Level of Competition:
Time Pressure:
Business Breakdown
The different sectors people in this career currently work in.
- 27.09% (Private For-Profit)
- 21.39% (Private Not For-Profit)
- 20.70% (State and Local Govt)
- 22.19% (Federal Government)
- 8.64% (Self-Employed)
This data also pertains to Miscellaneous Social Scientists, Including Survey Researchers And Sociologists
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
1,314 Political Scientists in the military