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How do I become a political science researcher?
I like politics and American history. I intend on majoring in political science #political-science #college-major #politics
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Austin’s Answer
You've got the right idea by majoring in political science at college. But ask yourself what type of researcher do you want to be? An academic, teaching at university and writing research papers, a political operative working on campaigns, a think tank researcher? all of these would have slightly different approaches. I would concentrate on trying out these different roles through internships during college and see which ones you like the most. Ask lots of questions about how others in those fields like the work, what drew them to it and go from there.
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Elin’s Answer
Hi Philip!
If you would like to pursue academic research at a university, you would need to enroll in a graduate program to receive a doctorate degree in political science. Perhaps you could work as a research assistant in college to get a better idea of what a career in academic research is like. I would also advise you to talk to your professors to get their advice on coursework and other preparations for the graduate school applications. Bear in mind that most academic researchers also need to do some teaching so you would need to consider whether you would enjoy that.
Best of luck!
If you would like to pursue academic research at a university, you would need to enroll in a graduate program to receive a doctorate degree in political science. Perhaps you could work as a research assistant in college to get a better idea of what a career in academic research is like. I would also advise you to talk to your professors to get their advice on coursework and other preparations for the graduate school applications. Bear in mind that most academic researchers also need to do some teaching so you would need to consider whether you would enjoy that.
Best of luck!
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Roger’s Answer
Hello Philip: I earned my bachelor's degree in political science. The key I believe is to get that good internship with a think tank, an interest group and/or even student government. If you could get experience specifically with the Congressional Research Service, the non-partisan think tank within the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, you could set yourself up lovely.
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Christopher’s Answer
As others have said, I think it depends very much on what kind of political science research you want to do. If you want to do purely academic research in political science, that almost always requires a PhD. It is an intense course of study and can take a long time (6-8 years sometimes) but those who complete it do find it rewarding. Most often, graudates from these programs go on to teach and research at universities, though some do work for government agencies, think tanks and non-profits.
If this is truly your interest, when you get to college, you should major in political science (obviously) though you may want to consider a double major. Focus on coursework that is research and writing heavy. If possible see about helping a professor with their research. It's a good way to learn about what the day to day work of a political scientist is like.
If this is truly your interest, when you get to college, you should major in political science (obviously) though you may want to consider a double major. Focus on coursework that is research and writing heavy. If possible see about helping a professor with their research. It's a good way to learn about what the day to day work of a political scientist is like.