Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

What the work involves

• Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as classical political thought, international relations, and democracy and citizenship.
• Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
• Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
• Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
• 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.

What to study

The fields of study the Department of Education links to this occupation, most widely taught first.

• Political Science and GovernmentSee 1,130 colleges that teach it
• History and Political ScienceSee 13 colleges that teach it
• International Relations and National Security StudiesSee 390 colleges that teach it
• Public Policy AnalysisSee 127 colleges that teach it

Who it suits

O*NET scores every occupation on six interest dimensions. This one leans hardest on these three.

• Helping and teaching

• Analytical and curious

• Creative and expressive

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