Jobs, Salaries and Career after Masters in International and Global Studies - Updated 2023

2020 median Pay for International and Global Studies

The median annual wage for political scientists was $125,350 in May 2020.

Pay

They may work additional hours to finish reports and meet deadlines.

Best paying jobs for Biological and Physical Sciences - Updated 2022

Number of Jobs for International and Global Studies

Number of Jobs in 2020 was 7,000

Education required

Master's degree

Job Outlook for International and Global Studies

Employment of political scientists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 700 openings for political scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Job description of International and Global Studies

Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. They research political ideas and analyze governments, policies, political trends, and related issues.

Duties

Political scientists typically do the following:

  • Research political subjects, such as the U.S. political system and foreign relations
  • Collect and analyze data from sources such as public opinion surveys
  • Develop and test political theories
  • Evaluate the effects of policies and laws on government, businesses, and people
  • Monitor current events, policy decisions, and other related issues
  • Forecast political, economic, and social trends
  • Submit research results by giving presentations and publishing articles

Political scientists usually conduct research in one of the following areas: national politics, comparative politics, international relations, or political theory.

Often, political scientists use qualitative methods in their research, gathering information from numerous sources. For example, they may use historical documents to analyze past government structures and policies. Political scientists also rely on quantitative methods to develop and research theories. For example, they may analyze voter registration data to identify voting patterns. Political scientists study a wide range of topics such as U.S. political parties, how political structures differ among countries, globalization, and the history of political thought.

Political scientists also work as policy analysts for organizations that have a stake in policy, such as government, labor unions, and political groups. They evaluate current policies and events using public opinion surveys, economic data, and election results. From these sources, they try to anticipate the effects of new policies.

Political scientists often research the effects of government policies on a particular region or population, both domestically and internationally. As a result, they provide information and analysis that help in planning, developing, or carrying out policies.

Many people with a political science background become postsecondary teachers and high school teachers.

How to become International and Global Studies

Political scientists need a master’s degree or Ph.D. in political science, public administration, or a related field.

Education

Most political scientists need to complete either a master’s or Ph.D. program. To be admitted to a graduate program, applicants should complete undergraduate courses in political science, writing, and statistics. Applicants also benefit from having related work or internship experience.

Political scientists often complete a master of public administration (MPA), master of public policy (MPP), or master of public affairs degree. These programs usually combine several disciplines, and students can choose to concentrate in a specific area of interest. Most offer core courses in research methods, policy formation, program evaluation, and statistics. Some colleges and universities also offer master’s degrees in political science, international relations, or other applied political science specialties.

Some political scientists also complete a Ph.D. program, which requires several years of coursework followed by independent research for a dissertation. Most Ph.D. candidates choose to specialize in one of four primary subfields of political science: national politics, comparative politics, international relations, or political theory.

Jobseekers with a bachelor’s degree in political science usually qualify for entry-level positions in a related field, such as assistants or research assistants for research organizations, political campaigns, or nonprofit organization. They may also qualify for some government positions. Others go into fields outside of politics and policymaking, such as business or law.

Other Experience

Entry-level jobseekers can benefit from internships or volunteer work through clubs and political organizations. These activities can give students a chance to apply their academic knowledge in a professional setting and to develop the analytic, research, and writing skills needed for the field.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Political scientists often use qualitative and quantitative research methods. They require analytical skills to collect, evaluate, and interpret data.

Communication skills. Political scientists often collaborate with other researchers when writing reports or giving presentations. They must communicate their findings to a wide variety of audiences.

Creativity. Political scientists must continually explore new ideas and information to produce original papers and research. They must stay current on political subjects and come up with new ways to think about and address issues.

Critical-thinking skills. Political scientists must be able to examine and process available information and draw logical conclusions from their findings.


What people in similar profession do

Job Title What they do How to become one
Data Visualization Management analysts recommend ways to improve an organization’s efficiency. Management analysts typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and several years of related work experience. Education A bachelor’s degree is the typical entry-level requirement for management analysts. However, some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). Management analysts address a range of topics, and many fields of study provide a suitable educational background. Fields of bachelor's degree study may include business, social science, and engineering. Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations The Institute of Management Consultants USA (IMC USA) offers the Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation to those who meet minimum levels of education and experience and who complete other requirements.
Peace and Conflict Studies Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators facilitate negotiation and dialogue between disputing parties to help resolve conflicts outside of the court system. Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators learn their skills through a combination of education, training, and work experience. Education Education is one part of becoming an arbitrator, mediator, or conciliator. Few candidates receive a degree specific to the field of arbitration, mediation, or conflict resolution. Rather, many positions require an educational degree appropriate to the applicant’s field of expertise, and a bachelor’s degree is often sufficient. Many other positions, however, require applicants to have a law degree, a master’s in business administration, or some other advanced degree. Work Experience in a Related Occupation Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators are usually lawyers, retired judges, or business professionals with expertise in a particular field, such as construction, finance, or insurance.
International and Global Studies Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. Political scientists need a master’s degree or Ph.D. in political science, public administration, or a related field. Education Most political scientists need to complete either a master’s or Ph.D. program. To be admitted to a graduate program, applicants should complete undergraduate courses in political science, writing, and statistics. Applicants also benefit from having related work or internship experience. Political scientists often complete a master of public administration (MPA), master of public policy (MPP), or master of public affairs degree.
Sustainability Studies Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists. Natural sciences managers usually advance to management positions after years of employment as scientists. Natural sciences managers typically have a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D. in a scientific discipline or a related field, such as engineering. Some managers may find it helpful to have an advanced management degree—for example, a Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree. Education Natural sciences managers typically begin their careers as scientists; therefore, most have a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D. in a scientific discipline or a closely related field, such as engineering.
Nutrition Sciences Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists. Natural sciences managers usually advance to management positions after years of employment as scientists. Natural sciences managers typically have a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D. in a scientific discipline or a related field, such as engineering. Some managers may find it helpful to have an advanced management degree—for example, a Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree. Education Natural sciences managers typically begin their careers as scientists; therefore, most have a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D. in a scientific discipline or a closely related field, such as engineering.
Museum, Museology and Curatorial Studies Archivists and curators oversee institutions’ collections, such as of historical items or of artwork. Museum technicians and conservators prepare and restore items in those collections. Archivists, curators, and conservators typically need a master’s degree in a field related to their position. Museum technicians typically have a bachelor’s degree. Experience gained through an internship or by volunteering in archives or museums is helpful. Education Archivists. Archivists typically need a master’s degree in history, library science, archival studies, political science, or public administration.
Natural Sciences Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists. Natural sciences managers usually advance to management positions after years of employment as scientists. Natural sciences managers typically have a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D. in a scientific discipline or a related field, such as engineering. Some managers may find it helpful to have an advanced management degree—for example, a Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree. Education Natural sciences managers typically begin their careers as scientists; therefore, most have a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D. in a scientific discipline or a closely related field, such as engineering.
Cognitive Science Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists. Natural sciences managers usually advance to management positions after years of employment as scientists. Natural sciences managers typically have a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D. in a scientific discipline or a related field, such as engineering. Some managers may find it helpful to have an advanced management degree—for example, a Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree. Education Natural sciences managers typically begin their careers as scientists; therefore, most have a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D. in a scientific discipline or a closely related field, such as engineering.
Medieval and Renaissance Studies Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past by studying historical documents and sources. Although most historian positions require a master’s degree, some research positions require a doctoral degree. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree may qualify for some entry-level positions, but most will not be traditional historian jobs. Education Historians need a master’s degree or Ph.D. for most positions. Many historians have a master’s degree in history or public history.

Job Outlook for other majors in Biological and Physical Sciences

Job Title Number of jobs Median Salary Job outlook
Data Visualization 907600 $87660 Faster than average
Peace and Conflict Studies 6900 $66130 As fast as average
International and Global Studies 7000 $125350 As fast as average
Sustainability Studies 79000 $137940 As fast as average
Nutrition Sciences 79000 $137940 As fast as average
Museum, Museology and Curatorial Studies 35000 $52140 Much faster than average
Biological and Physical Sciences 79000 $137940 As fast as average
Natural Sciences 79000 $137940 As fast as average
Cognitive Science 79000 $137940 As fast as average
Medieval and Renaissance Studies 3100 $63100 Slower than average

Find scholarships and financial aid for International and Global Studies graduate programs

$500 $20000

How will you rate the search results?

 0.0 rating, based on 0 reviews

Your review has been sent

Select rating
Your review must be at least 10 characters long
Your review must be not longer than 2000 characters

Related Graduate Programs


Source and Credit : Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/