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Assistant professor of political science education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become an assistant professor of political science. Assistant professors of political science usually study political science, history, or education. 49% of assistant professors of political science hold a bachelor's degree, and 26% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 119 real assistant professor of political science resumes to see exactly what assistant professor of political science education sections show.

The most common colleges for assistant professors of political science are the University of California, Santa Barbara and the University of California, Santa Barbara.

There are also many online assistant professor of political science courses to help get the education required to be an assistant professor of political science.

What education do you need to become an assistant professor of political science?

What degree do you need to be an assistant professor of political science?

The most common degree for assistant professors of political science is bachelor's degree, with 49% of assistant professors of political science earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 26% and master's degree degree at 22%.
  • Bachelor's, 49%
  • Master's, 26%
  • Doctorate, 22%
  • Associate, 2%
  • Other Degrees, 1%

What should I major in to become an assistant professor of political science?

You should major in political science to become an assistant professor of political science. 60% of assistant professors of political science major in political science. Other common majors for an assistant professor of political science include history and education.

Most common colleges for assistant professors of political science

Assistant professors of political science often get their degrees at University of California, Santa Barbara, Western Washington University, and Harvard University. Here are the most common colleges for assistant professors of political science in the US based on their resumes.
Assistant professor of political science common collegePercentages
University of California, Santa Barbara13.33%
Western Washington University6.67%
Harvard University6.67%
Ohio State University6.67%
Minnesota State University - Mankato6.67%

Best majors for assistant professors of political science

RankMajorPercentages
1Political Science59.8%
2History5.2%
3Education4.1%
4English4.1%
5Area Studies4.1%

Best colleges for assistant professors of political science

The best colleges for assistant professors of political science are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and Harvard University.

An assistant professor of political science with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for assistant professors of political science. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become assistant professors of political science.

1. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

2. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$50,420

Enrollment

7,582

3. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$55,695

Enrollment

6,596

4. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

5. Georgetown University

Washington, DC • Private

In-state tuition

$54,104

Enrollment

7,089

6. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

7. Rice University

Houston, TX • Private

In-state tuition

$47,350

Enrollment

3,962

8. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$59,430

Enrollment

8,216

9. Brown University

Providence, RI • Private

In-state tuition

$55,466

Enrollment

6,752

10. University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • Private

In-state tuition

$17,653

Enrollment

16,405

20 best online courses for assistant professors of political science

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1. Chinese Politics Part 1 – China and Political Science

coursera

This course offers a conceptual framework for understanding China that highlights the intersection of politics and economics. It shows that rather than develop into a full blown market economy, state and party officials at all levels of the political system maintain significant influence in economic development. Such a “political” economy has had both positive and negative outcomes, which we will assess in detail. We also look at the origins, views, backgrounds and relations among leaders, and...

2. Comparative Political Systems

coursera

Comparative politics covers a wide variety of topics and themes. The course starts with the definition of the comparative method giving special emphasis to concept formation and historical and institutional approaches. The bulk of the course is devoted to the theory of coalitions and the processes of government formation, functioning, termination. Through several in-depth analyses, the course will throw light on the way democratic regimes are governed. Electoral rules will receive special...

3. International Politics Mastery: Levels of Analysis

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4.7
(539)

Learn '3 Levels of Analysis' to speak confidently about international problems even without prior university education...

4. Navigating Office Politics: Get What You Want at Work

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4.4
(797)

Learn how to gain influence and get more done in your organization by understanding and navigating office politics...

5. Understanding Korean Politics

coursera

This course will select six most outstanding issues in contemporary Korean politics and will engage in an in-depth, interactive inquiry of those issue. They include Korean politics in history, institutional setting of Korean politics, and dynamics of political culture in Korea, profiles of political leadership, myth and reality of the developmental state and the Korean economic miracle, and debates on Korean unification. The course will expose students to contending theories and empirical...

6. American Politics, Foreign Policy, and US-India Ties

coursera

This specialization is intended for people interested in politics and international affairs. You will learn about the United States and how its history, culture, politics, and foreign policy leave a significant impact on the world. You will also gain insights into US-India relations - which is the most important bilateral relationship among democracies of the world...

7. Master Polite English

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4.5
(2,618)

Learn the 3 Golden Rules and 6 Principles of Polite Speaking in English...

8. The Constitution and American Government

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4.2
(255)

History, Government, and Civics in the United States...

9. The Politics of Skepticism

coursera

This is a course about the history of Skepticism from the ancient Greeks to today, with special attention to the political ramifications of questioning man's ability to know the world and himself with any certainty. We will discuss the debates raging between Plato and the Sophists, the rise of Christianity in the Roman world, and the so-called 'Skeptical Crisis' of the Renaissance as well as Pierre Bayle's Skepticism and David Hume's. In addition the Natural Law tradition will be explored and...

10. Politics and Ethics of Data Analytics in the Public Sector

coursera

Deepen your understanding of the power and politics of data in the public sector, including how values — in addition to data and evidence — are always part of public sector decision-making. In this course, you will explore common ethical challenges associated with data, data analytics, and randomized controlled trials in the public sector. You will also navigate and understand the ethical issues related to data systems and data analysis by understanding frameworks, codes of ethics, and...

11. Master Public Policy Analysis: Advanced

udemy
4
(267)

Learn Advanced Policy Analysis Concepts and Practice For The Real World!...

12. Data Science Bootcamp 2022: 5 Data Science Projects

udemy
4.5
(745)

Data Science and Machine Learning Masterclass with Python with 5 Data Science Real World Projects...

13. The Art and Science of Economic Policy

coursera

Economic policy affects every citizen. And economic policymaking is best done as a collaborative process with a wide range of stakeholders. This course brings an understanding of the relevance and impacts of economic policymaking in everyday life, and the ways for citizens to be involved in shaping economic policy, in an accessible and interesting manner. Taught by Dr. Vijay Kelkar and Dr. Ajay Shah, along with Aromar Revi, Director, IIHS, the course synthesises more than one hundred years of...

14. Computational Social Science Methods

coursera

This course gives you an overview of the current opportunities and the omnipresent reach of computational social science. The results are all around us, every day, reaching from the services provided by the world’s most valuable companies, over the hidden influence of governmental agencies, to the power of social and political movements. All of them study human behavior in order to shape it. In short, all of them do social science by computational means. In this course we answer three...

15. Digital Governance

coursera

Big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomous cars, chatbots, just a few terms that have become a part of our professional legal and political vocabulary. Emerging technologies and technological advancement have confronted us in our daily practice and will continue to do so in the future. Whether we’re buying something online, taking part in an election, or chatting with friends across the globe. Technology is here and it is here to stay. However, as convenience as these new...

16. Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society Part 1

coursera

This course seeks to turn learners into informed consumers of social science research. It introduces concepts, standards, and principles of social science research to the interested non-expert. Learners who complete the course will be able to assess evidence and critically evaluate claims about important social phenomena. It reviews the origins and development of social science, describes the process of discovery in contemporary social science research, and explains how contemporary social...

17. Comparative Research Designs and Methods

coursera

Emile Durkheim, one of the founders of modern empirical social science, once stated that the comparative method is the only one that suits the social sciences. But Descartes already had reminded us that “comparaison n’est pas raison”, which means that comparison is not reason (or theory) by itself. This course provides an introduction and overview of systematic comparative analyses in the social sciences and shows how to employ this method for constructive explanation and theory building. It...

18. Science Matters: Let's Talk About COVID-19

coursera

Welcome to ‘Science Matters: Let's Talk about COVID-19’, from the Jameel Institute at Imperial College London. The outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is the most significant public health emergency of the 21st century so far. As the epidemic spreads, people around the world want to understand the science behind the most pressing questions: how many people have been infected? How dangerous is the virus? When will a vaccine be available? How can the epidemic be contained, and...

19. Studying Cities: Social Science Methods for Urban Research

coursera

Welcome! Are you looking to learn more about how to conduct scientific research, specifically in an urban or local context? Then you have found the right course: Studying Cities: Social Science Methods for Urban Research by the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS), Erasmus University Rotterdam. During the course you will gain more insight in the different steps of the research cycle, and build a firm foundation for your own future research endeavors. Before any (urban)...

20. Being a researcher (in Information Science and Technology)

coursera

The course provides a broad view of how to become and progress as a researcher. It spans over a wide range of topics, from the historical development of scientific thought to research methodology, to the pragmatics of publication, research funding, evaluation, and promotion in a researcher’s career. It also stresses the ethical aspects of research. Although the course speaks about scientific research in general, it especially focuses on the field on Information and Communication Science and...

Top 10 most affordable universities for assistant professors of political science

The most affordable schools for assistant professors of political science are Baruch College of the City University of New York, university of florida, and hunter college of the city university of new york.

If the best universities for assistant professors of political science are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for assistant professors of political science.

1. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

2. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

3. Hunter College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,182

Cost of attendance

13,998

4. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

5. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

6. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

7. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Cost of attendance

21,623

8. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,410

Cost of attendance

20,456

9. University of Washington

Seattle, WA • Private

In-state tuition

$11,207

Cost of attendance

25,275

10. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for assistant professors of political science

The hardest universities for assistant professors of political science to get into are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and Harvard University.

Some great schools for assistant professors of political science are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for assistant professors of political science based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

4%

SAT average

1,497

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

3. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

Admissions rate

5%

SAT average

1,520

4. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

Admissions rate

9%

SAT average

1,516

5. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

6. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

7. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,512

8. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,507

9. University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • Private

Admissions rate

7%

SAT average

1,520

10. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,506

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for assistant professors of political science

The easiest schools for assistant professors of political science to get into are Mount Saint Mary's University, holy names university, and linfield college.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as an assistant professor of political science without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for assistant professors of political science.

1. Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

84%

SAT average

1,031

2. Holy Names University

Oakland, CA • Private

Admissions rate

70%

SAT average

849

3. Linfield College

McMinnville, OR • Private

Admissions rate

81%

SAT average

1,117

4. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

Admissions rate

82%

SAT average

983

5. La Roche College

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

99%

SAT average

1,008

6. University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, TX • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,044

7. San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA • Private

Admissions rate

72%

SAT average

1,054

8. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

991

9. Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA • Private

Admissions rate

87%

SAT average

1,093

10. Portland State University

Portland, OR • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

1,111

Average assistant professor of political science salary by education level

According to our data, assistant professors of political science with a Doctorate degree earn the highest average salary, at $93,302 annually. Assistant professors of political science with a Master's degree earn an average annual salary of $73,065.
Assistant professor of political science education levelAssistant professor of political science salary
Master's Degree$73,065
Doctorate Degree$93,302

Assistant professor of political science education FAQs

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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