How long does it take to become a political scientist?

Typically about six years of study in total. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do political scientists make?

The US median is $142,080 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a political scientist?

Yes — a degree is the usual way in.

Where can you train to become a political scientist?

1,298 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a political scientist

Science · SOC 19-3094

$142,080US median pay, 2025

-2%Projected growth, 2025–35

400Openings per year

DegreeUsual way in

How you get in

A degree is the usual way in.

Master's degree
Work as a political scientist

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Political Science and Government, General	CIP 45.1001	1,181
International Relations and Affairs	CIP 45.0901	331
International/Globalization Studies	CIP 30.2001	324
Public Policy Analysis, General	CIP 44.0501	157
Political Science and Government, Other	CIP 45.1099	53
National Security Policy Studies	CIP 45.0902	38
American Government and Politics (United States)	CIP 45.1002	30
International Relations and National Security Studies, Other	CIP 45.0999	24
Political Economy	CIP 45.1004	21
History and Political Science	CIP 30.4601	14
International Policy Analysis	CIP 44.0504	14
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics	CIP 30.5101	13
Canadian Government and Politics	CIP 45.1003	0

See the 1,298 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a political scientist?: Typically about six years of study in total. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do political scientists make?: The US median is $142,080 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a political scientist?: Yes — a degree is the usual way in.
Where can you train to become a political scientist?: 1,298 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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