Political Scientists
Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.
At a Glance
Political Scientists earns a median of $139,380/yr with -3.1% projected growth. Typical entry: Master's degree. Top skills: Analyzing Data or Information, Getting Information, Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge.
$139,380/yr
-3.1%
1
Master's degree
Skills & Requirements
Skills (11)
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Knowledge (6)
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Abilities (11)
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Technology (16)
Work Activities (21)
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Work Styles (1)
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