What can you do with a Politics degree?

First, some facts. Of the Politics graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 62 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? On par with the average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 67%, Politics graduates have about the same likelihood of finding work in this field as the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 67%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 45% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Politics graduate.

See the details:

View a random Politics graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 53%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2011 from Converse College with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Politics. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Americorps Vista
Park Center
Oct 2012 - Oct 2023
The Americorps Vista role may involve some understanding of social issues and community engagement that relates to politics, but it is not fundamentally centered on political science.

MRO Buyer
TRICOR
Nov 2013 - Oct 2023
The MRO Buyer position at TRICOR does not require political knowledge or skills, focusing instead on procurement and supply chain management.

Stellar Substitute
Gwinnett County Public Schools
Jul 2015 - Oct 2023
As a Stellar Substitute, the job may require some level of understanding of social studies concepts to manage classroom discussions, but it doesn't directly utilize political knowledge.

Social Studies Teacher- Middle School
Newton County School System
Jul 2016 - Oct 2023
The position of Social Studies Teacher at the Middle School level involves teaching knowledge that overlaps significantly with politics, making it directly relevant to the degree.

Middle School Teacher- History
Shiloh Hills Christian School
Sep 2020 - Oct 2023
Teaching History at Shiloh Hills Christian School directly aligns with the knowledge obtained from a Politics degree, as it shares thematic content and teaching objectives.

Teacher
Ivy Preparatory Academy at Kirkwood for Girls
Jul 2022 - Present
The role as a Teacher at Ivy Preparatory Academy involves teaching history and social studies, which is very relevant to the knowledge gained in a politics degree.

ABOUT

As an educator I strive to create lifelong learners that are eternally curious and striving to make a positive impact on the world around them. I will do this by creating a learning environment that is safe, supportive, and engaging for all students to maximize their potential.

What jobs can you get with a Politics degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When analyzing the various career paths taken by individuals who graduated with a degree in Politics, it’s evident that many of them have gravitated toward roles that closely relate to political fields. Predominantly, these graduates tend to find positions in legal and public service sectors, reflecting the practical applications of their academic training. For instance, many have worked as legal assistants, paralegals, or law clerks, where skills such as understanding legal principles and effective communication are essential. These roles are not only relevant but often vital for careers in law, which many politics graduates pursue as a natural progression from their studies.

On the other hand, there were also numerous individuals whose jobs appear less connected to the core themes of political science. For example, some grads transitioned into roles like e-commerce management or executive assistance, which broadly rely on organizational and administrative skills but do not require deep political knowledge. Positions in areas such as customer service or sales also surfaced, demonstrating that while some grads may have accumulated transferable skills during their studies, their professional paths may diverge significantly from political engagement. This split showcases a variety of career trajectories, but the overarching trend suggests that a significant portion of politics graduates often pursue careers intrinsically linked to their field of study, particularly in law, policy analysis, and public advocacy, while others find themselves in entirely different domains, indicating a mix of relevance and variance in how these degrees are applied in the job market.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Politics graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Politics graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Looking at the career trajectories of Politics graduates from various institutions, there seems to be a mix between those who have dived straight into relevant fields and others who might be struggling to find their footing in their chosen career path. To break it down a bit, many graduates kick off their careers in jobs that are directly tied to politics and policy-making. For instance, a good number have started as legal assistants, policy advisors, or in roles supporting legislative offices. This is pretty typical for someone with a Political Science degree, as these positions allow them to apply their education in a practical setting right out of college.

Fast forward five to ten years, and while some have moved on to impressive roles that align with politics—like legal positions or policy analysis—others seem to drift away from the core of their studies. Some folks are still within the sphere of public service or the legal system, but many have taken on roles that aren't directly connected to politics, like program management or even in retail sectors, which can be a bit disheartening for anyone looking at a political career. It's a mixed bag where some graduates soar to significant positions in advocacy, legal justice, or public policy, while others slide into more general career paths that feel detached from the passion that likely drew them to their degree in the first place.

So, if you’re contemplating a degree in Politics, you might want to have a bit of a game plan. While there are routes that keep you close to the heart of political workings, there’s also a chance you could end up in roles that, while they offer stability, aren’t what you might aim for in terms of making an impact in the political landscape. Being strategic about internships, building networks, and being open to various opportunities might really make a difference in shaping your post-graduation journey.

How hard is a Politics degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Politics can be a bit of a mixed bag, honestly. It’s not the easiest degree out there, but it’s also not the hardest. You’ll be doing a lot of reading, researching, and writing, especially if you get into topics like political theory or international relations. Some students find the concepts and theories pretty challenging, while others breeze through it if they enjoy discussing current events and debating policies. You’ll definitely need to keep up with the news and stay engaged, but if you’re passionate about politics and ready to dive into some lively discussions, you might find it to be more rewarding than tough!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Politics.

Do Politics graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at the career paths of these Politics graduates, it seems like some of them are really setting themselves up for decent financial futures, while others appear to be still climbing the ladder. For instance, the grad from The University of Dallas who worked in various legal roles, ending up in high-level positions like In-House Counsel and Legal Consultant, likely rakes in a pretty good salary, especially with the recent trends in legal fields paying well. In contrast, the grad from Whitman College focused more on policy work, which can sometimes offer lower starting salaries compared to private sector legal positions. However, they’re building skills in a meaningful area that can lead to stable government roles over time.

Then there's the recent grads from schools like UC Santa Cruz and Brandeis, who seem to be in roles primarily in education and non-profits, which usually don't pay as high as corporate jobs. While these fields are important and can be super fulfilling, they often come with tighter budgets. Overall, those who graduated a bit earlier and moved into legal or consultant roles seem better positioned for financial success right now. In contrast, some recent grads are likely figuring things out as they go, aiming for growth in potentially lower-paying sectors. It's a mixed bag overall, with a clear trend that earlier career choices affect financial trajectories significantly.

What buzzwords do Politics graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Politics. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Politics?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Politics (ordered by the average relevance score of their Politics graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count