EKU Online > Bachelor of Arts in Political Science > Political Science Career Opportunities

Prepare for a Challenging Career and Unique Possibilities

A political science degree hones the writing, communication, analytical, and data skills that are fundamental to entry-level positions within political and governmental institutions. This kind of education will prepare you to think critically and independently, help you appreciate differing points of view, and broaden your knowledge of current affairs.

Political science careers are challenging and offer unique opportunities. A bachelor’s degree in political science can lead to employment in a wide variety of fields. Whether you have a budding political career or have your eye on law school, an online bachelor’s degree in political science could be your first step to a rewarding career.

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Increase earnings and advancement opportunities

Career Success Starts with a College Degree

Regardless of U.S. labor market conditions one constant holds true: Education boosts earnings and reduces unemployment.

According to the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities (APLU) the earnings gap between college graduates and those with less education continues to widen. In 2021, median income for recent graduates reached $52,000 a year for bachelor’s degree holders aged 22–27. For high school graduates the same age, median earnings were $30,000 a year.

Those with a bachelor’s degree earn, on average, 75% more over the course of their lifetime.* In addition to increased earning potential, a bachelor’s degree can provide opportunities for promotion or entry into a new career.

*Georgetown University Center on Education and Workforce

People with a bachelor’s degree earn on average

+0%
more over their lifetime than those with only a high school diploma

Popular Political Science Careers

Social Services Manager

National Median Annual Salary
$74,000/year
12% growth increase thru 2031
Local Estimated Base Salary
$37,700/year
Updated May 2023
Organizations for Social Services Managers in Kentucky:
Pinnacle Treatment Centers
$69,200
Dungarvin
$64,800
Signature Healthcare
$45,700
Bachelor's typically required for entry-level positions

Public Relations Specialist

National Median Annual Salary
$62,800/year
8% growth increase thru 2031
Local Estimated Base Salary
$57,499/year
Updated May 2023
Organizations for Public Relations Specialists in Kentucky:
Deloitte
$73,200
Community Action Council
$52,354
Gods Pantry Food Bank
$55,000
Bachelor's typically required for entry-level positions

Fundraising Manager

National Median Annual Salary
$119,860/year
8% growth increase thru 2031
Local Estimated Base Salary
$101,797/year
Updated May 2023
Organizations for Fundraising and Development Managers in Kentucky:
Home of the Innocents
$80,000
United Way
$76,347
University of Kentucky
$70,990
Bachelor's typically required for entry-level positions

*National job opportunities data is based on national medians and figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlook handbook.
*Local job opportunities data is based on estimated base pay and figures from Indeed.com.

Other Political Science Careers

  • Policy analysts
  • Public administrators within local, state and federal government agencies
  • Community service manager
  • Economic development officers
  • Nonprofit managers
  • Economic development specialists within local, state and federal government agencies
Traditional and Non-Traditional Careers for Political Science Graduates

After earning a degree in political science, many new graduates wonder what sort of careers are available as a comfortable entry into the field. One of the largest preconceptions that new graduates have is that political science careers are limited to state and local government or law positions. The reality is the opposite, as there are a wide range of interesting and fulfilling careers available for new graduates.

The traditional road of government and law
While the options are numerous, many graduates find great careers in the more traditional fields of government and law work. An example of a position in the field of government is Public Policy Specialist, where a graduate could expect to review, analyze and draft policy based on a certain set of criteria. Law is also a common option, with careers as a paralegal or attorney common amongst political science graduates.

Stepping outside the box
If you’re looking for a career outside the more traditional paths, there are a variety of options to choose from. One option is going into media, which includes political commentators. This position allows for nuanced discussion on political matters, balancing information and personal opinion.

The private sector also offers a variety of positions, including research specialist, in which you conduct research, analyze data and produce reports for private corporations, all of which are skills adopted and learned through the EKU Political Science program.

Whether you are interested in traditional or non-traditional career paths, you will find numerous fulfilling career opportunities as a political science graduate.

EKU Online Career Services

Career planning is tough, but with EKU you don’t have to tackle the process alone.

The EKU Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all of your career and professional development needs. We offer a variety of services to current online EKU students and alumni to help you with your career development, decision-making and job search.

Services include:

  • Creating/Updating Your Resume and Cover Letter
  • Interviewing Tips and Coaching
  • Career Documents Review
  • Job Search
  • “I can confidently say that — as someone who doesn’t even live in the United States — EKU’s online program has been extremely accommodating and flexible. I can discuss advising appointments over email, and I can have my textbooks shipped to my address overseas.” – Sydney Garner Lewis
  • “After the birth of our first child, I knew I needed to go back and finish what I started,” said McKenzie. “I was happy that I could pick up where I left off at EKU even though I lived in a different state.” – EKU Online student and mom
  • “I chose EKU because I am a unique student with unique needs, and EKU provides an avenue for students like me to succeed.” – EKU Online Psychology student Jason Tate
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