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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Median Salary
93,810
Job Outlook
-8%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 118,900 openings for postsecondary teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$59,390

10%

$93,810

Median

$117,870

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Doctoral degree

    96%

  • Master's degree

    3%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Political Science and Government, General
  • International Relations and Affairs
  • Public Policy Analysis, General
  • Political Economy
  • Political Science and Government, Other
  • Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
  • Education Policy Analysis
  • International Relations and National Security Studies, Other
  • American Government and Politics (United States)
  • History and Political Science
  • National Security Policy Studies
  • International Policy Analysis

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Education and Training
  • English Language
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Law and Government
  • History and Archeology

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.