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Political Science Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Loyola

$47K - $48K/mo

Position Title Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor (Political Science) Employee Type Regular Office/Department Political Science Work Environment Remote and hybrid positions are open to applicants ...

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$11K

$138.5K

How much do political science professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for political science professor in the United States is $137,306.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $137,000.00 and $137,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do political science professors make in the US?

Political science professors in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, with salaries varying based on experience, education level, institution type, and geographic location. Professors at research universities or with tenure tend to earn higher salaries, and additional income may come from research grants or consulting. Entry-level positions generally start lower, while senior or tenured faculty can earn significantly more.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Political Science Professor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Political Science Professor, you typically need a Ph.D. in political science or a related field, a strong record of research, and teaching experience at the collegiate level. Familiarity with learning management systems (such as Canvas or Blackboard), statistical software (like SPSS or Stata), and academic publishing tools is often essential. Outstanding communication, mentorship, and critical thinking skills help you engage students and collaborate effectively with colleagues. These abilities are crucial for fostering an enriching learning environment, advancing research, and contributing to your academic institution.

What does a political science professor do?

A political science professor teaches undergraduate and graduate students about government systems, political behavior, and policy analysis. They conduct research, publish scholarly articles, and may serve on academic committees, often working in universities or colleges. Strong analytical, research, and communication skills are essential for this role.

What are the main responsibilities of a Political Science Professor throughout the academic year?

A Political Science Professor typically divides time between teaching courses, conducting and publishing original research, and participating in departmental and university service. Responsibilities include preparing lectures, grading assignments, advising students, and staying current with political science developments. Professors may also mentor graduate students, serve on committees, and organize academic events or conferences. Collaboration with colleagues on research and interdisciplinary initiatives is common. Balancing these diverse tasks requires strong organizational skills and a passion for education and scholarship.

What is the highest paying political science job?

The highest paying political science-related roles are often in government or private sector leadership, such as policy directors, government affairs directors, or senior consultants, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. Positions requiring advanced degrees, extensive experience, and specialized skills in policy analysis, lobbying, or strategic planning tend to offer the highest compensation.

What is a Political Science Professor job?

A Political Science Professor is an academic who teaches courses on government, political systems, public policy, and international relations at a college or university. They conduct research, publish scholarly articles, and guide students in political theory and practice. Responsibilities may include lecturing, mentoring students, and participating in academic conferences. Many also engage in departmental administration and collaborate with policymakers or think tanks.

Do political science professors make good money?

Political science professors' salaries vary based on factors such as experience, education level, and institution type, but they generally earn a moderate income compared to other academic roles. Salaries typically range from around $50,000 to over $100,000 annually, with faculty at research universities often earning more than those at community colleges. Advanced degrees and research experience can lead to higher compensation and career advancement.
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Political Science Professor jobs near you
Assistant Professor of Political Science (Public Law) Tenure-Track Position

Assistant Professor of Political Science (Public Law) Tenure-Track Position

University of the Pacific

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$74K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Title Assistant Professor of Political Science (Public Law) Tenure-Track Position Campus Stockton Department Department of Political Science Posting Number F01079 Full or Part Time Full Time Open Date 06/01/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Days Per Week Weeks Per Year
Position Description
Primary Purpose and Essential Functions
The Department of Political Science, Law, and International Studies invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor specializing in Public Law, with a start date of Fall 2027. We seek a colleague whose research and teaching center on courts, constitutional law, judicial behavior, and the role of law in U.S. politics. The successful candidate will contribute to a vibrant department with strengths across the major subfields of Political Science. The successful candidate will:
  • Teach five (5) courses per year (2-3 or 3-2), most of which will be lower-division courses in public law and U.S. politics and upper-division courses in constitutional law (civil liberties, civil rights, and/or separation of powers) and judicial politics. One of the courses will be within Pacific's CORE Seminar series.
  • Maintain a productive research agenda with promise of peer-reviewed publication.
  • Advise students within the department and provide service to the department, college, university, and profession commensurate with rank.

Faculty within the Department have diverse research interests, value high quality teaching, and share a strong commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Department offers majors in Political Science, Political Science with a concentration in Criminal Justice, and International Studies as well as minors in International Studies, Political Science, Pre-Law Studies, and Public Affairs. For more information about Pacific's Political Science department, visit: http://www.pacific.edu/Academics/Schools-and-Colleges/College-of-the-Pacific/Academics/Departments-and-Programs/political-science.html

* Note:
  • This is an in-person role, and the successful candidate must be willing to relocate within California, preferably within 25 miles of the (Stockton) Pacific campus.
  • This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty, and staff.
Minimum Qualifications
  • A Ph.D. in Political Science or a closely related field is required by the time of appointment.
  • Evidence of a productive research agenda with promise of peer-reviewed publication is required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • We welcome candidates whose work draws on empirical and interpretive approaches to the study of law and courts.
  • Substantive areas of specialization may include, but are not limited to, judicial behavior and decision-making, constitutional development, federalism and separation of powers, rights and civil liberties, comparative judicial politics, criminal justice, or the intersection of law and political institutions.
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in undergraduate teaching is strongly preferred.
  • Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
  • Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
  • Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative but not definitive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Hiring Range $74,000 per year. We consider factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, internal equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer Special Instructions
Applicants should submit the following:
  1. A cover letter;
  2. Curriculum vitae;
  3. Research statement;
  4. Teaching philosophy;
  5. Course syllabi and course evaluations (if available);
  6. A writing sample (dissertation chapter, conference paper, or published work); and
  7. Contact information for at least three references or three (3) letters of recommendation under separate cover.

Applications should be submitted through direct link to Pacific's hiring portal.
Review of applications will begin on June 15, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
Contact Information
Questions about this position should be directed to the Chair for the Department of Political Science, Law, and International Studies, Dr. Dari Tran (dtran1@pacific.edu).
Contact Email dtran1@pacific.edu
Reference Letter Information
Are Applicants Required to Submit References for This Posting? Yes Minimum Number of References 3 Maximum Number of References 3 Background Check Statement
All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to execute a release and authorization for a background screening.
AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: University of the Pacific complies with California Assembly Bill 810, requiring candidates accepting conditional job offers to disclose any final administrative or judicial findings, ongoing proceedings, allegations, resignations under investigation, or appeals related to sexual harassment or misconduct within the past seven years.
Anti-Discrimination/EEO Policy Statement
University of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity across backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. Pacific does not unlawfully discriminate in its hiring of faculty and staff, or in the provision of its employment benefits to its faculty and staff on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, sex/gender, marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, or mental or physical disability, or other legally protected characteristics or combination of such characteristics. While we strive to attract a broad and representative pool of candidates, all hiring decisions are made based on merit, selecting the most qualified individual for each position.

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