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Political Science Graduate Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

... to graduate training. Desired Qualifications: Social science (e.g. sociology, political science, psychology, or economics) or related professional school (e.g. business, policy, social work ...

Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, or Economics) or related professional school (e.g. Business, Policy, Social Work, Public Health, Education, Law) graduate student preferred. PhD student ...

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Political Science Graduate information

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$21.4K

$42.2K

$68.9K

How much do political science graduate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for political science graduate in Michigan is $42,177.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,600.00 and $45,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a political science graduate?

Political science graduates are individuals who have completed a degree in political science, a field that studies government systems, political behavior, public policies, and international relations. They develop strong analytical, research, and communication skills, which are valuable in a wide range of careers. Political science graduates often pursue roles in government, public administration, policy analysis, international organizations, journalism, or continue their education in law or graduate school.

What types of entry-level roles are commonly available to political science graduates, and how can I determine which path best suits my interests?

Political science graduates often find entry-level opportunities in government agencies, non-profit organizations, public policy research, political campaigns, and consulting firms. To determine which path aligns with your interests, consider the aspects of your studies you enjoyed most—such as policy analysis, research, or community engagement—and seek internships or informational interviews in those areas. Many graduates start as research assistants, legislative aides, or policy analysts, gaining valuable experience and networking opportunities that can lead to more specialized roles. Exploring a variety of roles early on can help you identify the work environment and responsibilities that suit you best.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a political science graduate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Political Science Graduate, you need strong analytical thinking, research abilities, and a solid understanding of political systems, often backed by a bachelor's degree in political science or related fields. Familiarity with data analysis tools, statistical software (such as SPSS or Stata), and policy research platforms is commonly expected. Outstanding written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and adaptability are essential soft skills for engaging with complex issues and diverse audiences. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively analyzing policies, communicating findings, and contributing to informed decision-making in governmental, nonprofit, or private sector roles.

What is the difference between Political Science Graduate vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolitical Science GraduatePolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Political Science or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, or related field
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, NGOs, research institutions, think tanksGovernment departments, think tanks, consulting firms, advocacy groups
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across public sector, non-profits, research organizationsPrimarily in policy development, analysis, and advocacy roles
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While a Political Science Graduate typically holds a bachelor's degree and works in various public sector or research settings, a Policy Analyst often has additional training or experience in policy analysis and works specifically on developing and evaluating policies. Both roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but Policy Analysts usually focus more on policy formulation and impact assessment.

What can I do with a master's degree in political science?

A political science graduate with a master's degree can pursue careers in government, policy analysis, public administration, or international relations. These roles often require strong research, analytical, and communication skills, and may involve working in offices, think tanks, or NGOs.

What job is best for political science graduates?

Political science graduates often pursue careers as policy analysts, government relations specialists, legislative assistants, or public affairs managers. These roles typically require strong research, communication, and analytical skills, and may involve working in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or political consulting firms.

What kind of career can I get with a political science graduate?

A political science graduate can pursue careers in government, public policy, political analysis, lobbying, international relations, or non-profit organizations. These roles often require strong research, communication, and analytical skills, and may involve working with data, policy development, or advocacy efforts.

What are popular job titles related to Political Science Graduate jobs in Michigan?

For Political Science Graduate jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Political Science Graduate jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Political Science Graduate job openings:

Infographic showing various Political Science Graduate job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,177 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Legal Administrative Specialist (Case Manager)

Department of Justice

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/.
As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.
This position is also being announced to All U.S. Citizens and Nationals under 26-MIW-12989194-DE.Qualifications:GS-7: To be eligible at the GS-7 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions, as defined below: Specialized Experience, Education, OR a combination of Education and Experience.
- Specialized Experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level in the Federal service or equivalent paid/nonpaid experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience performing routine legal assistance tasks in a legal environment that require knowledge of litigative procedures. Specialized experience includes: (1) preparing routine legal documents such as motions, notices, subpoenas, proposed orders, and standard correspondence; (2) supporting the discovery process by indexing and organizing discovery materials; transmitting discovery productions; maintaining discovery logs; and tracking productions to opposing counsel; (3) assisting with hearing and trial preparation by compiling, organizing, and indexing evidentiary exhibits; preparing witness and exhibit lists; and assembling trial notebooks; and (4) assisting with trial preparation and courtroom presentations by preparing trial exhibits such as charts, graphs, and timelines and presenting trial exhibits in court using trial presentation software.
- Education: Successful completion of one (1) full year of progressively higher-level graduate education (18 semester hours or the number of units your school uses to describe one graduate year of academic study) in related field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law or Legal Studies, Political Science, Government, History, English) leading to a master's degree OR bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement. Superior academic achievement is as follows: standing in the upper third of your graduating class or major subdivision OR membership in one of the national scholastic honor Societies; OR Grade Point Average. Applicants must have a grade point average of: (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.
- Combining Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. In order to qualify based on a combination, a combination of specialized experience and graduate-level education as described above, which when combined equal 100% of the requirements.
GS-9: To be eligible at the GS-9 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions, as defined below: Specialized Experience, Education, OR a Combination of Education and Experience.
- Specialized experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level in the Federal service or equivalent paid/nonpaid experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience is includes: (1) drafting routine legal documents and correspondence such as routine motions, pretrial filings, summonses, or subpoenas; (2) managing discovery materials in multiple formats and utilizing appropriate software applications to organize, store, review, and manage discovery and evidence; (3) assisting attorneys with preliminary review of incoming discovery or evidentiary materials and identifying information relevant to assigned criminal or civil cases; (4) conducting factual and non-complex legal research in legal and non-legal databases in support of investigations and cases; (5) assisting with hearing or trial preparation by preparing trial subpoenas, assembling evidentiary exhibits, and preparing demonstrative exhibits; and (6) supporting attorneys during court proceedings or other live case presentations by operating trial presentation software and equipment to display exhibits or demonstratives, maintaining exhibit accounting systems, and coordinating witness logistics.
- Education: One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law or Legal Studies, Political Science, Government, History, English): a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree (such as an LL.B. or J.D., if related); OR 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree. Education at the graduate level must be in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.
- Combining Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. In order to qualify based on a combination, graduate education must be in excess of 1 full year.
GS-11: To be eligible at the GS-11 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions, as defined below: Specialized Experience, Education, OR a combination of Education and Experience.
- Specialized Experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level. Specialized experience includes: (1) managing discovery materials in multiple formats, including receiving, indexing, and organizing incoming discovery; and preparing, transmitting, and tracking outgoing discovery productions (2) performing case development activities including analyzing discovery and evidentiary materials; (3) assisting attorneys with trial preparation and presentation, including witness coordination, preparation of exhibits, and creation of demonstratives including charts and graphs, and providing courtroom presentation support; (4) conducting factual and legal research and preparing written summaries of factual and legal research; (5) using automated litigation support technology programs to process electronic discovery materials for retrieval and index digital evidence; and (6) ensures discovery and case development activities are complete, accurate, and timely at each stage of investigation or litigation.
- Education: One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g. Criminal Justice, Computer Science, Law, IT): Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in a related field; OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; OR LL.M., if related. Education must be in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.
- Combining Education and Experience: A combination of specialized experience as described in A and education as described in B which when combined equal 100% of the requirements. (Only graduate level education in excess of the first two years can be used in this calculation.)
Note: In order to be considered "qualified" for this position, your specialized experience must be described in your resume. Please be sure that your resume clearly states any and all of the specialized experience that you may have. If your specialized experience is not clearly stated in your resume, you may not be considered for this position.Education:All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see http://www.ed.gov
OR
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
Employment Type: OTHER