What Do Political Science Professor Do?
Career Description Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Life As a Political Science Professor: What Do They Do?
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
- Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
- Act as advisers to student organizations.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
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Political Science Professor Skills
When polled, Political Science Professors say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Types of Political Science Professor
- Public Administration Teacher
- Adjunct Professor
- Lecturer
- Public Administration Professor
- Assistant Professor of Public Administration
Political Science Professor Job Outlook
There were about 21,200 jobs for Political Science Professor in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,200 new jobs for Political Science Professor by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,900 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Political Science Professor are Utah, Colorado, and Montana. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, South Dakota, or North Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Political Science Professor Make?
The average yearly salary of a Political Science Professor ranges between $43,310 and $177,360.

Political Science Professors who work in District of Columbia, New York, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How much do Political Science Professors make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $76,380 |
Arizona | $81,700 |
Arkansas | $81,780 |
California | $112,360 |
Colorado | $82,870 |
Connecticut | $79,650 |
District of Columbia | $127,410 |
Florida | $93,470 |
Georgia | $101,720 |
Hawaii | $83,680 |
Idaho | $86,230 |
Illinois | $89,860 |
Indiana | $97,460 |
Iowa | $99,780 |
Kansas | $64,730 |
Kentucky | $91,440 |
Maine | $85,990 |
Maryland | $102,500 |
Massachusetts | $136,210 |
Michigan | $98,830 |
Minnesota | $99,800 |
Mississippi | $75,000 |
Missouri | $85,510 |
Montana | $58,830 |
Nebraska | $72,280 |
New Hampshire | $101,800 |
New York | $125,360 |
North Carolina | $90,070 |
Ohio | $96,840 |
Oklahoma | $68,000 |
Oregon | $86,280 |
Pennsylvania | $100,620 |
Rhode Island | $122,390 |
South Carolina | $82,140 |
South Dakota | $76,340 |
Tennessee | $89,080 |
Texas | $81,070 |
Utah | $83,350 |
Washington | $86,630 |
West Virginia | $54,150 |
Wisconsin | $90,940 |
Wyoming | $62,590 |
What Tools & Technology do Political Science Professors Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Political Science Professors:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Google Docs
- R
- C
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Learning management system LMS
- Blackboard Learn
- Collaborative editing software
- iParadigms Turnitin
- Desire2Learn
- DOC Cop
- Sakai CLE
- Course management system software
How do I Become a Political Science Professor?
Education needed to be a Political Science Professor:

What work experience do I need to become a Political Science Professor?

Where do Political Science Professors Work?

Below are examples of industries where Political Science Professors work:

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Political Science Professor might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: UKWiki at English Wikipedia via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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