Job Description For a Political Scientist
Political scientists research political systems. They may study politics on a small scale, such as a town election, to a much larger scale, such as international political relations and foreign policy. Political scientists can be found teaching within colleges or universities or conducting valuable research for a multinational business.
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Roles
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According to CollegeBoard.com, political scientists conduct research in a wide variety of areas. They may interview people within a neighborhood about their relationships with neighbors, or they may provide a forecast report on the growth of the European Union. A political scientist may study how Supreme Court decisions affect the population, or conduct public-opinion surveys pertaining to a political candidate. They may also research election results or monitor elections of a newly formed foreign government.
Environment and Hours
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Most political scientists work behind a desk, states the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Political scientists may work alone or as a team with other social scientists where they read and write reports or research articles. Some are employed by colleges and universities where they are given flexible work schedules and divide time between research, teaching, writing, consulting and other responsibilities. Political scientists may go on foreign assignment where they adjust to cultures, climates and languages. Most have regular hours.
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Education and Training
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According to the Princeton Review, most jobs require at least a master's degree. If teaching in college or university is the goal, then a Ph.D. is required. Students may choose to specialize in a field, such as public administration, public law or international relations. Language and computer skills greatly improve job opportunities. Entrants typically begin as trainees in political science research at colleges or universities or work as an assistant inside an independent public opinion research organization.
Salary
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Political scientists earned a national average hourly rate of $48.58 and a national average yearly income of $101,050 in May 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment Statistics Survey Program. The industries that employed the highest number of political scientists in 2009 were: the federal executive branch (average salary of $114,040); scientific research and development services ($77,160); colleges, universities and professional schools ($54,190); local government ($83,790); and social advocacy organizations ($77,410).
Outlook
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics National Employment Matrix, employment for political scientists is expected to grow much faster than average at a rate of 19 percent through 2018. Job growth is reflective of the growing interest in public policy research.
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References
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