Career Paths with a Master’s in Political Science: Opportunities & Potential

If you believe that earning a degree in Political Science is the first step toward a career in politics, you are certainly on the right track!

A degree in this field can certainly help you secure a seat in Parliament, but it also opens doors to a diverse array of professional opportunities across multiple sectors.

Why choose a Political Sciences degree?

Bachelor's and Masters in Political Sciences examine the core challenges of modern society, including international diplomacy, economic instability, globalisation, and global trade.

A Political Science Master's programme provides a deep dive into government operations, the influence of public policy on economic development, and how legislative changes shape social progress.

Politics touches every facet of our daily lives and is vital to a nation's prosperity, impacting everything from public education and job creation to healthcare access and housing policy.

Below are several top-tier universities we recommend for pursuing your Political Science studies:

• , the UK
• , the Netherlands
• , Germany
• , Austria
• , Denmark

Now, let’s explore some of the most sought-after careers in the field, along with typical responsibilities and salary expectations:

Lobbyist – 87,400 USD/year

• Talk with politicians and try to influence governmental decisions that benefit your clients
• Conduct research to understand the legislation and regulations
• Discuss lobbying strategies with clients and put them into practice

Political Campaign Manager – 60,400 USD/year

• Develop and coordinate promotional campaigns for political parties and politicians
• Manage budgets and decide which activities need more financial support
• Experiment with new campaign strategies and technologies and evaluate their impact

Policy Analyst – 67,600 USD/year

• Monitor and evaluate policies and legislations to determine their positive and negative impacts
• Analyse data and identify trends that can be used to support or stop the implementation of policies
• Prepare policy clarification documents and reports for clients

Read the inspiring story of Juniar, who completed a Political Science degree abroad.

Market Research Analyst – 57,500 USD/year

• Analyse markets and determine the sales potential of products or services
• Oversee the progress of research projects and overcome obstacles
• Analyse results and create detailed reports for clients

International Business Development Manager – 96,800 USD/year

• Develop and manage the implementation of individual business plans for each country
• Train and help other employees develop their business development knowledge and skills
• Analyse market trends and share insights with product development teams

Still deciding if a Political Science degree is the right path for you?

Legislative Assistant – 48,000 USD/year

• Administrative tasks: answer phone calls and emails, organise files, etc.
• Monitor the advancement of policies through the legislative process
• Attend meetings, events, and document what is discussed 

Legislative Analyst – 55,600 USD/year

• Help legislators with administrative and fiscal tasks
• Monitor legislation and fiscal issues that can affect your employer
• Create reports that highlight the potential impact of legislative changes

Public Relations (PR) Specialist – 58,300 USD/year

• Create promotional materials and share them on communication media to promote your client(s)
• Offer answers to official questions or delegate a spokesperson to do it
• Plan, organise and evaluate press conferences and other similar events

Journalist – 40,500 USD/year

• Collect information about news and events
• Collaborate with an editor and create new content
• Write, edit, and review stories

Editor – 51,500 USD/year

• Manage the content creation process, assign tasks, evaluate progress
• Offer suggestions, assess ideas, check the accuracy of facts, numbers, and other data
• Proofread and edit content written by other authors

Consider exploring international study opportunities. 

Pass on your knowledge and pursue a career in Political Education

A degree in Political Science provides a strong foundation for a career in Education. Combined with a teaching certification, you can share your academic expertise while highlighting the immense versatility of a background in political studies.

A Bachelor’s degree often qualifies graduates to teach Social Studies at the primary level. With a Master’s degree, you become eligible for roles at higher grade levels. To pursue a career as a university-level researcher or professor, you will typically require a PhD.

What is the highest paying job in Political Science?

While roles like lobbyists or international business managers may offer higher salary potential, average earnings in the field remain subject to several key variables:

• The country in which you work
• The organisation or political party/person for whom you work
• Your skills, experience, and negotiation skills
• The importance of the campaign or tasks you are responsible for

Rather than focusing solely on the highest-paying roles, we encourage you to seek a career path that aligns with your values and allows you to make a meaningful, lasting impact.

B.A. or B.Sc. in Political Science – which is better?

Many universities classify undergraduate Political Science programmes as Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees, reflecting the field's roots in the Liberal Arts rather than STEM-based disciplines.

Both B.A. and B.Sc. degrees will build your core Political Science expertise. However, the specific focus can vary; for example, B.Sc. programmes often incorporate more mathematics and statistics, which can significantly enhance your analytical and quantitative research skills.

Remember that universities hold the authority to name their degrees. A B.Sc. and a B.A. in Political Science may share remarkably similar curricula. We recommend reviewing the specific programme syllabus before applying to ensure the focus aligns with your personal goals.

Can you become a lawyer with a Political Science degree?

To become a licensed lawyer in the United States, you must obtain a postgraduate Law degree, known as a Juris Doctor (JD). Since any Bachelor’s degree is acceptable for entry into law school, a degree in Political Science is an excellent starting point, though it does not grant you the right to practice law immediately.

In the UK, the process is similar. The traditional path requires an undergraduate Law degree (LLB). If you have studied a different subject like Political Science, you must complete the one-year Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) to qualify.

Specific legal training follows the GDL depending on whether you wish to practice as a solicitor or barrister. You can find detailed requirements for practicing law in the UK on the Bellerbys College official website.

If you are planning to study abroad, always research the specific legal requirements for that jurisdiction. Career paths in law are rarely universal and often require region-specific qualifications.

Can I do an MBA degree after graduating a Bachelor’s in Political Science?

It depends on the institution's specific admissions policy.

MBA programmes generally accept applicants from any undergraduate discipline, making a Political Science background perfectly acceptable for business school entry.

However, keep in mind that many top-tier MBA programmes require 2-3 years of professional experience, which may be a hurdle if you are a fresh graduate.

There are, however, institutions that do not require prior work experience. It is up to you to research these options to find a school that aligns with your budget and academic expectations.

Political Sciences degrees provide diverse career options

As you can see, a career in Political Science is incredibly versatile, equipping you with highly transferable skills that are in demand by top employers across every industry.

Common professional roles for graduates include political scientist, state legislator, community service manager, city administrator, diplomat, political analyst, and consumer advocate, among many others.

You can also advance your career trajectory by pursuing an advanced degree in the field.