Political Science Professor

Industry:
Education
Last Updated:
September 19, 2023

Job Description Overview

A Political Science Professor job description involves teaching and researching political processes and institutions at the college or university level. As an expert in the field, a Political Science Professor teaches courses on topics such as American government, international relations, public policy, and political theory. They create lesson plans, assignments, and exams to help students understand complex concepts related to politics.

Political Science Professors also conduct original research and contribute to the academic community by publishing scholarly articles, presenting at conferences, and reviewing papers for academic journals. They may also serve on committees within their department or institution to advise on policy and curriculum development.

To become a Political Science Professor, one typically needs a Ph.D. in Political Science or a related field, as well as teaching experience. Strong communication skills and a passion for politics are essential. As a Political Science Professor, you will have the opportunity to shape the minds of future leaders in government, business, and beyond.

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Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Teach students about the structures, processes, and theories surrounding politics and government.
  • Assist students in understanding historical and contemporary political systems and events.
  • Develop and deliver course curricula and assessments to measure student understanding of political science concepts.
  • Mentor students and provide guidance for academic and career pursuits in political science.
  • Develop and conduct research on political science topics, publishing findings in academic journals and presenting at conferences.
  • Engage in professional development activities to stay current on new research and pedagogical strategies.
  • Serve on committees, advise student organizations, and participate in departmental and university-level activities.
  • Evaluate and assess student performance and provide constructive feedback for improvement.
  • Create a learning environment that is inclusive, respectful, and intellectually stimulating for all students.
  • Cultivate positive relationships with other faculty members, staff, and administration to advance educational goals and objectives.

Experience and Education Requirements

If you want to become a Political Science Professor, you will need a lot of education and experience. First, you will need a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, which will take about 4 years of college. Next, you will need to get a Master's degree in Political Science, which takes about another 2 years of college. Finally, you will need to get a Ph.D. in Political Science, which could take another 4-6 years of college.

During your education, you will need to gain experience by doing things like research, working as a teaching assistant, and writing papers. You may also need to have some experience working in the government or other political organizations. After you have completed all of these steps, you will be qualified to apply for a job as a Political Science Professor.

Salary Range

The salary range for Political Science Professors in the Education industry in the United States typically ranges from $43,000 to $249,000 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and the institution they work for. According to data from payscale.com, the average salary of Political Science Professors in the US is around $86,000 per year. 

In other countries, the salary range for Political Science Professors is slightly different. In Canada, the average salary for a Political Science Professor is around CAD 121,000 per year, based on data from neuvoo.ca. In the United Kingdom, according to data from jobs.ac.uk, the average salary is around £51,000 per year.

Sources:

  • https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=PoliticalScienceProfessor/Salary
  • https://neuvoo.ca/salary/?job=Political+Science+Professor
  • https://www.jobs.ac.uk/salary-checker/subject/social-sciences-studies-political-science

Career Outlook

If you want to become a Political Science Professor, the career outlook appears very good over the next 5 years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for postsecondary teachers, including political science professors, is expected to grow 9% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than average for all occupations. This growth is due to the increasing number of students enrolled in colleges and universities who need professors in various fields to instruct them. Additionally, colleges and universities are continuously opening new campuses, which creates more employment opportunities for political science professors. Therefore, it is a considerable career choice with potential for growth and stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does a Political Science Professor do?

A: A Political Science Professor is a teacher who educates college students about politics, government, and public policies. They conduct research and publish scholarly articles, books, and reports.

Q: What qualifications are required to become a Political Science Professor?

A: A Political Science Professor needs a doctoral degree in Political Science or a related field, such as Public Policy, Law, or International Relations. They also need strong research, writing, and teaching skills.

Q: What kind of courses does a Political Science Professor teach?

A: A Political Science Professor teaches a range of courses, such as American Government, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, International Relations, Public Policy, and Law and Society. 

Q: What kind of research does a Political Science Professor conduct?

A: A Political Science Professor conducts research on political and social phenomena, such as elections, social movements, public opinion, international conflict, and policy-making. They analyze data and use theoretical frameworks to develop explanations for political behavior and outcomes.

Q: What is the job outlook for Political Science Professors?

A: The job outlook for Political Science Professors is positive, as the demand for educated and informed citizens increases. However, there is strong competition for tenure-track positions at top colleges and universities.


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