Political scientist
Also known as: pundit, political analyst, political scholar, political studies research scientist, political researcher, public administration researcher
About this occupation
Political scientists study political behaviour, activity and systems, including the elements that fall therein. Their study of the field ranges from the origins and evolution of various political systems to topical matters such as decision-making processes, political behaviour, political trends, society, and power perspectives. They advise governments and institutional organisations on governance matters.
Essential skills and knowledge
- statistics
- perform scientific research
- apply statistical analysis techniques
- report analysis results
- political science
- government policy implementation
- scientific research methodology
- apply scientific methods
- politics
- government policy
- political ideologies
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Political Scientists (O*NET 19-3094.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Teach political science.
- Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
- Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
- Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
- Advise political science students.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
- Typical education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Artistic, Enterprising
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Active Learning, Writing, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$142,080 a year (2025), 5,540 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentExtremely important (4.7)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.4)
- HistoryO*NET: History and ArcheologyImportant (3.4)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.4)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.3)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.2)
- GeographyO*NET: GeographyImportant (3.1)
- Divinity or PhilosophyO*NET: Philosophy and TheologyImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Sociologists
- Economists
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary
- Legislators
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
- Climate Change Policy Analysts
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
- Environmental Economists
- Survey Researchers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.