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Political researcher education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a political researcher. Political researchers usually study political science, history, or area studies. 70% of political researchers hold a bachelor's degree, and 19% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 104 real political researcher resumes to see exactly what political researcher education sections show.
The most common colleges for political researchers are the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, Berkeley.
There are also many online political researcher courses to help get the education required to be a political researcher.
What education do you need to become a political researcher?
What degree do you need to be a political researcher?
- Bachelor's, 70%
- Master's, 19%
- Associate, 6%
- Doctorate, 3%
- Other Degrees, 2%
What should I major in to become a political researcher?
- Political Science, 43%
- History, 9%
- Area Studies, 7%
- Economics, 4%
- Other Majors, 37%
Most common colleges for political researchers
| Political researcher common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| University of California, Berkeley | 7.41% |
| University of California - Davis | 7.41% |
| University of California, Santa Barbara | 7.41% |
| Appalachian State University | 7.41% |
| University of Delaware | 7.41% |
Best majors for political researchers
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Political Science | 43.2% |
| 2 | History | 9.5% |
| 3 | Area Studies | 6.8% |
| 4 | Economics | 4.1% |
| 5 | Journalism | 4.1% |
Best colleges for political researchers
The best colleges for political researchers are University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, and Stanford University.
A political researcher with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for political researchers. 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 political researchers.
1. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,584
Enrollment
10,764
2. University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA • Private
In-state tuition
$17,653
Enrollment
16,405
3. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
In-state tuition
$55,465
Enrollment
6,483
4. Tufts University
Medford, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$56,382
Enrollment
5,597
5. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,354
Enrollment
7,083
6. Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Private
In-state tuition
$53,399
Enrollment
7,356
7. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$56,225
Enrollment
19,548
8. University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX • Private
In-state tuition
$10,610
Enrollment
40,329
9. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$50,420
Enrollment
7,582
10. Duke University
Durham, NC • Private
In-state tuition
$55,695
Enrollment
6,596
20 best online courses for political researchers
Advertising disclosure
1. Understanding Korean Politics
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...
2. Chinese Politics Part 1 – China and Political Science
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...
3. Navigating Office Politics: Get What You Want at Work
Learn how to gain influence and get more done in your organization by understanding and navigating office politics...
4. International Politics Mastery: Levels of Analysis
Learn '3 Levels of Analysis' to speak confidently about international problems even without prior university education...
5. The Politics of Skepticism
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...
6. Comparative Political Systems
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...
7. Master Polite English
Learn the 3 Golden Rules and 6 Principles of Polite Speaking in English...
8. Research Methodology
Academic Research Business Research Thesis & Dissertation Report Research Paper / Journal...
9. American Politics, Foreign Policy, and US-India Ties
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...
10. Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics
If you’ve ever skipped over the results section of a medical paper because terms like “confidence interval” or “p-value” go over your head, then you’re in the right place. You may be a clinical practitioner reading research articles to keep up-to-date with developments in your field or a medical student wondering how to approach your own research. Greater confidence in understanding statistical analysis and the results can benefit both working professionals and those undertaking research...
11. How to Write a Successful Research Paper
Complete Research Paper Writing Blueprint With Instructions And Templates For Every Section. Master Academic Writing...
12. How to Write an Effective Research Paper
Learn how to write award-winning research papers with easy steps. Includes examples and a research paper template...
13. Market Research
"Finding the Story in the Data” is the most important emerging capability for market researchers according to GRIT (Greenbook Research Industry Trends) Report 2016. This specialization, designed for learners with no previous Marketing Research experience teaches a comprehensive marketing research approach that will help learners find and communicate the story in the data.\n\nStudents will learn how to initiate a research project for targeted business needs, conduct research through multiple...
14. Politics and Ethics of Data Analytics in the Public Sector
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...
15. Research Methods For Business Students
A-Z guide to writing a rockstar Research Paper with a bulletproof Research Methodology!...
16. Research Methodology: Complete Research Project Blueprint
Research Methodology From A-Z. A Step-by-Step Guide Through Research Design, Data Collection, Analysis, & Interpretation...
17. Operational Research for Humanitarians
Evidence is central to good decision-making both in the humanitarian sector and beyond. Every day, a vast amount of evidence is generated that is relevant to humanitarian actors, much of it through research by academics and practitioners. This evidence can be incredibly valuable. It can help us better understand a situation and make humanitarian action more effective and accountable. The difficulty comes with understanding what evidence is relevant to our circumstances, where to find it, and...
18. Market Research: Dekker's Complete Marketing Research Course
Competitor Analysis, Market Research Analysis, Marketing Analytics, Consumer Analytics, Conversion Rate Optimization...
19. Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
Learn the basics of conducting qualitative research. Learn to design interviews, conduct observations, and analyze data...
20. The Beginners Course for Clinical Research
The Essentials of Clinical Trials - Clinical Research for Beginners...
Top 10 most affordable universities for political researchers
The most affordable schools for political researchers are University of Florida, baruch college of the city university of new york, and california state university - long beach.
If the best universities for political researchers 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 political researchers.
1. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,381
Cost of attendance
21,034
2. Baruch College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,262
Cost of attendance
14,046
3. California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,798
Cost of attendance
18,306
4. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
5. Florida International University
Miami, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,556
Cost of attendance
19,434
6. Hunter College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,182
Cost of attendance
13,998
7. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC • Private
In-state tuition
$8,987
Cost of attendance
25,527
8. University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,368
Cost of attendance
21,034
9. University of Washington
Seattle, WA • Private
In-state tuition
$11,207
Cost of attendance
25,275
10. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Cost of attendance
16,714
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for political researchers
The hardest universities for political researchers to get into are University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, and Stanford University.
Some great schools for political researchers 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 political researchers 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. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
2. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
17%
SAT average
1,507
3. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
4. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
5. Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Admissions rate
15%
SAT average
1,506
6. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
Admissions rate
5%
SAT average
1,520
7. Yale University
New Haven, CT • Private
Admissions rate
6%
SAT average
1,517
8. Tufts University
Medford, MA • Private
Admissions rate
15%
SAT average
1,461
9. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,513
10. Claremont McKenna College
Claremont, CA • Private
Admissions rate
9%
SAT average
1,446
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for political researchers
The easiest schools for political researchers to get into are Mount Saint Mary's University, thomas more university, and sonoma state university.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a political researcher 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 political researchers.
1. Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Admissions rate
84%
SAT average
1,031
2. Thomas More University
Crestview Hills, KY • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
1,099
3. Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
1,072
4. La Roche College
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
99%
SAT average
1,008
5. Linfield College
McMinnville, OR • Private
Admissions rate
81%
SAT average
1,117
6. University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, TX • Private
Admissions rate
88%
SAT average
1,044
7. Notre Dame de Namur University
Belmont, CA • Private
Admissions rate
82%
SAT average
983
8. D'Youville College
Buffalo, NY • Private
Admissions rate
100%
SAT average
1,072
9. Holy Names University
Oakland, CA • Private
Admissions rate
70%
SAT average
849
10. Albertus Magnus College
New Haven, CT • Private
Admissions rate
58%
SAT average
931
Average political researcher salary by education level
| Political researcher education level | Political researcher salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $57,788 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $50,036 |
| Doctorate Degree | $60,207 |
Political researcher education FAQs
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025