Career Profile

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

What they do:

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.

Also Called:

Adjunct Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Faculty Member, Government Professor, Instructor, Political Science Instructor, Political Science Professor, Professor, Public Administration Professor, Adjunct Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Faculty Member, Government Professor, Instructor, Political Science Instructor, Political Science Professor, Professor, Public Administration Professor
$49,010
Starting Salary (2025)
$86,950
Median Salary (2025)
2.0%
Projected Job Growth
1,890
TX Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Social
Working with people
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Artistic
Conceptual, Creative Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Independence
Analytical Thinking
Stress Tolerance
Achievement/Effort
Persistence
Initiative

What key skills are needed for this job?

Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Instructing
Active Learning
Writing
Active Listening

Expected Knowledge

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Law and Government

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Common Activities

Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 5

Extensive Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Doctoral degree 97%
  • Master's degree 3%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

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