If you are interested in pursuing a lucrative career that will allow you to study the many ways in which politics influence communities, economies, and trends, you should consider a masters in political science.
With a degree in political science, you will have the skills and experience necessary to analyze current events and politics from not only our own country and your local community but also on a global scale. You will be able to design research projects and measure the trends and larger impacts of public policy.
You aren’t limited to a bland, one-size-fits-all career, either. With one of these degrees, you can also specialize in multiple areas, like foreign policy, environmental politics, and more. The sky’s the limit when you receive a dynamic masters in political science.
What kind of political science degree should you get?
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You’ll want to think about the many features of a masters program before you decide on the best program for your needs. It can be tough to narrow down the myriad master’s programs in political science to find the best one for you, but thinking about pivotal factors like affordability, location, and overall quality will help you make your final decision.
No matter what kind of program you choose, earning a college degree can be demanding of your time and resources. It will require several years of commitment, so you want to make sure you choose the best possible program out there. Select a college that is fully accredited, which will ensure that your program meets the highest academic standards.
Beyond that, you’ll also want to consider the format in which the program is offered. Can you take some classes online? How big are the class sizes? While a masters degree will help elevate your resume to the top of the stack, making it a smart career move, you also want to make sure your degree provides you with plenty of hands-on experiences, too.
If you want to learn more about all of the programs that are out there, consider exploring an online degree program. You will want to take a look at our comprehensive ranking of the Best Online Colleges and Universities to give you a better picture.
How much money do people make with a degree in political science?
Because your specific job title will vary once you receive a degree in political science, your salary won’t be set in stone, either, with people in different careers enjoying different salaries. However, you can rest assured that, with a masters degree in political science, your average earnings will be much higher on average than they would if you only had a bachelor’s.
The average salary for political scientists was $117,570 in May, 2018. The highest earners – those working for the federal government – tend to earn salaries in excess of $126,000! Even those who earn the lowest salaries, which are workers in educational services, still earn impressive paychecks averaging $70,430 each year.
While the average growth rate across this sector is only 3% by 2026, which is slightly slower than the national average, the likelihood of you finding a job in this field will depend upon the industry in which you want to work. For example, professionals who work directly as social scientists are in high demand, enjoying a rapid growth rate of 11% by 2026.
What are the requirements for a degree in political science?
To apply for a masters degree in political science, it’s often required that you hold an initial bachelor’s degree in a related area. It doesn’t have to be in political science; a majority of programs accept students who have majored in topics besides political science, as long as applicants have some form of foundational knowledge in the discipline.
Some – but not all – programs will also require or prefer some professional experience. In many cases, this can give you a jump start on your degree, as some universities offer course credit for prior life experience. If you have experience in politics, government, or even campaigning, be sure to mention it when you apply.
While you are enrolled in your program of study, you will take classes that allow you to explore the relationship between the government and other societies, looking at how government influences (and is influenced by) a community. You may take courses in areas like research methods and statistics or even pursue unique electives like Global Politics based on your interest. You may complete a capstone, thesis, or comprehensive examination before graduating. Most students can complete a degree in two years or less.
What are the best degrees in political science?
Ready to fill out some college applications but not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place. Here at College Choice, we believe in giving you the most accurate, most helpful information to help you find the college of your dreams.
The best degree in political science will vary depending on your unique skills, preferences, and career goals. Therefore, we aim to provide you with a large variety of programs to help make the decision-making process a little easier.
When you begin working as a political scientist, you want to be armed with some impressive skills in research, communication, and policy analysis – these are skills you can’t get in any way except by engaging in hands-on experience and some rigorous coursework.
The best political science degrees that we’ve rounded up do just that, providing you with access to the skills you need for a successful career through courses taught by talented faculty, impressive support services, and generous financial aid. The schools on our list aren’t just good – they’re some of the best you will find.
Want to learn more about how we weed out the best schools for you to choose from? Take a look at our methodology page, which will give you a clearer idea of how we find the best schools for you.
What are you waiting for? Grab a pen to mark down your favorites and get to reading – these are the best masters in political science you’re going to find.
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