Picture this: A dynamic classroom where students engage in heated debates about global politics, constitutional law, and public policy while a knowledgeable professor guides the discussion toward deeper understanding of complex political systems.
Think about someone who combines deep academic knowledge with the ability to inspire critical thinking about democracy, governance, and political institutions. That’s what political science professors do every day, shaping future political analysts, public servants, and informed citizens.
These educators not only teach but also conduct research and publish scholarly works that advance our understanding of political phenomena.
Total employment: 21,700 (2023)
Common Names for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Adjunct Professor
- Assistant Professor
- Associate Professor
- Faculty Member
- Government Professor
- Instructor
- Political Science Instructor
- Political Science Professor
- Professor
- Public Administration Professor
What Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary Do
Political science teachers at the postsecondary level educate students on government systems, political theories, and global affairs while conducting research. Primary responsibilities include:
- Course Instruction: Plans and delivers comprehensive political science lectures, facilitates classroom discussions, and presents complex political theories and concepts in an engaging manner to promote student understanding and critical thinking about government systems and political processes.
- Curriculum Development: Designs and updates course syllabi, learning materials, and assessment methods to ensure alignment with department objectives and current political developments while maintaining academic rigor and relevance.
- Student Assessment: Evaluates student performance through various methods including exams, research papers, and presentations to measure comprehension of political science concepts and provide constructive feedback for improvement.
- Research Contribution: Conducts and publishes original research in political science fields, contributing to academic knowledge and staying current with emerging political theories, trends, and methodologies to enhance teaching effectiveness.
- Academic Advising: Provides guidance to students regarding course selection, career paths in political science, and academic progress, helping them navigate their educational journey and professional development.
- Departmental Collaboration: Participates in department meetings, serves on academic committees, and contributes to institutional governance to maintain program quality and promote educational excellence.
- Professional Development: Engages in continuous learning through conferences, workshops, and scholarly activities to stay updated with evolving political science teaching methodologies and current events.
- Student Mentoring: Supervises undergraduate and graduate research projects, thesis work, and independent studies to foster academic growth and research skills in political science.
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