Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

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About the Job

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

It is also Called

  • Adjunct Political Science Instructor
  • Adjunct Professor
  • Assistant Professor
  • Assistant Professor of Political Science
  • Assistant Professor of Public Administration
  • Associate Professor
  • Associate Professor of Political Science
  • Chair
  • College or University Faculty Member
  • College Professor

What They Do

  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as classical political thought, international relations, and democracy and citizenship.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
  • Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
  • Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
  • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
  • Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
  • Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
  • Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
  • Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.

Interests

People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: SEA.

This means people who work in this occupation generally have Social interests, but also prefer Enterprising and Artistic environments.

Work Values

People who work in this occupation generally prize Working Conditions, but also value Achievement and Recognition in their jobs.

Things They Need to Know

  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
  • Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
  • Philosophy and Theology - Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
  • History and Archeology - Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Things They Need to Be Able to Do

  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

Education Required

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Wages

In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $90,190.00 with most people making between $47,840.00 and $141,690.00

Outlook

1.67%
avg. annual growth

During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 1,200 people in California. It is projected that there will be 1,400 employed in 2020.

This occupation will have about 20 openings due to growth and about 20 replacement openings for approximately 40 total annual openings.

Industries that Employ this Occupation

Industry breakdown is not available for this occupation



California Career Resource Network