If you’re interested in government and politics at all levels, you might want to consider becoming a political science professor. Professionals in this field typically teach at the college or university level while conducting research on a variety of political science topics. The steps to becoming a political science professor will begin early in life, usually in high school. You must graduate from high school or obtain an equivalent qualification before enrolling in a college degree program in political science or a related field.
It is a good idea to devote some time in high school to improving your writing and research skills. It’s a good idea to take psychology and sociology classes if your school offers them. You will need to apply for admission to a college program while you are still a senior in high school. Apply to several programs to ensure that you have a backup plan in case your first choice falls through. If you want to be a political science professor, a degree in political science is the best choice, but a degree in English, history, sociology, or psychology may also help you achieve your goals.
While pursuing your bachelor’s degree, you should look for government internships to gain valuable work experience and a solid understanding of how governments operate. You might even want to volunteer in a local, state, or federal election to gain a better understanding of how the political system works. This will provide you with invaluable knowledge and experience that will aid you in your future career as a professor of political science. After earning your bachelor’s degree, you should be prepared to pursue a master’s degree or a PhD program to further your education.
Specific political science topics should be the focus of your master’s degree studies. Consider what topics you want to pursue once you start your PhD work when selecting such topics. To become a political science professor at a college or university, you’ll almost always need a PhD, but if you just want to be a lecturer or instructor, a master’s degree may suffice. Gaining specific experience in the political science field is another way to become a political science professor without a PhD. Your body of work, as well as your education, will need to demonstrate that you are a subject matter expert.