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Political Science Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

Political Science information

See Bellingham, WA salary details

$25.5K

$50.3K

$82.1K

How much do political science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for political science in Bellingham, WA is $50,297.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $54,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a political science?

A Political Science job involves analyzing government systems, political behavior, and public policies. Careers in this field can include roles in government, law, education, journalism, and research. Professionals may work as policy analysts, political consultants, public relations specialists, or legislative assistants. They study political trends, advise policymakers, and help shape public policy decisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in political science?

To thrive in a Political Science role, you need strong analytical skills, research proficiency, and a solid educational background such as a degree in political science or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, statistical software (like SPSS or Stata), and report-writing platforms is often beneficial. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively are important soft skills for this profession. These abilities help professionals evaluate complex political systems, present findings clearly, and effectively contribute to research projects and policy discussions.

What are typical career paths and advancement opportunities for someone with a background in political science?

A background in Political Science opens doors to a wide range of career paths, including policy analysis, government administration, legislative assistance, public relations, and research roles in think tanks or NGOs. Many professionals start in entry-level positions such as research assistants or policy analysts and can advance to senior analyst, managerial, or advisory roles with experience and additional education. Working in this field often provides opportunities to specialize in areas like international relations, public policy, or political campaigning. Career growth may also include pursuing further academic qualifications, such as a master's or Ph.D., leading to teaching or high-level research positions. The diversity of paths lets you tailor your career based on personal interests and strengths.

Is a political science degree any good?

A political science degree provides a foundation in government, policy analysis, and research skills, which can lead to careers in government, law, journalism, or public administration. However, job prospects often depend on additional experience, networking, and advanced education such as law school or graduate degrees. The degree is valuable for those interested in understanding political systems and engaging in related fields.

What is the best career for political science?

A degree in political science can lead to careers such as policy analyst, government advisor, legislative assistant, or political consultant. These roles often require strong research, communication, and analytical skills, and may involve working in government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations.

What kind of job can a political science degree get you?

A political science degree can lead to careers such as policy analyst, government official, political consultant, legislative assistant, or public relations specialist. These roles often require strong research, communication, and analytical skills, and may involve working in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private firms.

What cities near Bellingham, WA are hiring for Political Science jobs?

Cities near Bellingham, WA with the most Political Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Political Science job openings in Bellingham, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,297 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Political Science - Non-Tenure Track Faculty Vacancy Pool

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Western Washington University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

290th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Political Science - Non-Tenure Track Faculty Vacancy Pool
Work type: NTT Faculty
Location: Bellingham, WA
Categories: College of Humanities & Social Science
Position Title Political Science - Non-Tenure Track Faculty Vacancy Pool
About the University
Western Washington University, with over 15,000 students in seven colleges and the graduate school, is nationally recognized for its educational programs, students and faculty. The campus is located in Bellingham, Washington, a coastal community of 90,000 overlooking Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades Mountain range. The city lies 90 miles north of Seattle and 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. Western has additional sites in Anacortes, Bremerton, Everett, Port Angeles, and Poulsbo. Western is recognized nationally for its successes, such as being named one of the top public master's-granting institutions in the Pacific Northwest for 25 years in a row by U.S. News & World Report.
Western Washington University is committed to achieving excellence through advancing inclusive success, increasing our Washington impact, and focusing on transformational education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and based on innovative scholarship, research, and creative activity. Western's greatest strength is the outstanding students, faculty, staff, and alumni/ae who make up its community. Western supports an inclusive governance structure for all and provides a learning and working environment in which everyone can thrive. In pursuit of this excellence, individual employees are expected to establish and maintain productive and effective inclusive working relationships amongst diverse populations including staff, faculty, administration, student, and external constituents. Further, individual employees are expected to have the ability to operationalize sustainability concepts (economic, societal, environmental) into all aspects of performing their job duties.
About the Department
The Department of Political Science has 14 full-time tenured and tenure track faculty members and approximately 340 majors and minors. Our work encompasses American politics, comparative politics, international relations, public policy, and political theory. We bring cross-cultural and intersectional knowledge to bear on all of our course offerings.
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Political Science Department support Western's mission, which states that together with our students, staff, and faculty, we are committed to making a positive impact in the state and the world with a shared focus on academic excellence and inclusive achievement. We encourage applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and other candidates from underrepresented backgrounds and with diverse experiences interested in this opportunity.
For more information about the department, please visit: https://chss.wwu.edu/political-science
About the Position
The Political Science Department maintains a vacancy pool of qualified persons interested in temporary part-time teaching positions. In anticipation of possible openings throughout the academic year, applications are accepted continuously. Positions may become available at any time and are typically filled on a quarterly basis.
Position Responsibilities: The department, college and University value teaching, and we expect you to be an excellent teacher; to be current in your discipline; to engage students actively in their own learning including discussion, writing, and analysis; and to set high standards regarding course content. You are expected to provide students with feedback on their coursework and examinations, and to be available to students through regularly scheduled office hours in keeping with department policy. You must have your students evaluate your course(s) using the standard University evaluation forms, or others approved by the provost, and you must make those evaluations available to the department chairs and faculty for annual review.
Required Qualifications
  • ABD or MA in Political Science or related field
  • Demonstrated ability and commitment to cultivating learning environments that are equitable and inclusive of students with diverse social identities and backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Political Science or related field
  • Preference will be given to those with teaching experience

Conditions of Employment All employees must comply with our Immunization policies, including Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60-days of hire. Please reach out to HR@wwu.edu if you need information regarding medical or religious exemption and applicable accommodations.
Salary
Commensurate with experience and qualifications
Benefits Information Benefits Overview for Faculty Positions
Bargaining Unit
United Faculty of Western Washington
Application Instructions
Please log in and submit your application via Western PageUp. A cover letter and curriculum vitae are required and should address your experience related to the position responsibilities and the required and preferred qualifications. Additional materials are required as outlined below. Please upload your materials as noted in Western PageUp.
You will be asked to provide names and contact information of three professional references.
Required Supplemental Materials
Sample syllabi and teaching evaluations are required.
Closing Date Notes
Applications to the Vacancy Pool can be submitted for consideration from November 1, 2025 to October 31, 2026.
Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with applicable laws, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, citizenship or immigration status, pregnancy, use of protective leave, genetic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed, religion, veteran or military status, disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal (including a service animal in training) by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU's Policies on Prohibiting Discrimination Based on A Protected Class and Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Sex. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu
WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3751 or 711 (Washington Relay).
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: This report is provided pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act ("The Clery Act"). It includes statistics for the previous three calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on Western's campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Western; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report in printed or alternate formats by contacting the Office of Student Life at student.life@wwu.edu. The report can be found at: Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
All new employees must comply with the immunization policy and show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service before beginning work at WWU. A thorough background check will be conducted on all new hires and rehires, which includes a sexual misconduct background check.
Job no: 502802
Advertised: Nov 10 2025 09:00 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: Oct 31 2026 23:55 Pacific Daylight Time
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