Post-secondary Political Science Teacher  What They Do

Just the Facts


Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary Career Video



Teaches courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

This career is part of the Education and Training cluster Teaching/Training pathway.


A person in this career:

  • Prepares and delivers lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as classical political thought, international relations, and democracy and citizenship.
  • Evaluates and grades students' class work, assignments, and papers.
  • Keeps abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
  • Initiates, facilitates, and moderates classroom discussions.
  • Plans, evaluates, and revises curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
  • Conducts research in a particular field of knowledge and publishes findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
  • Compiles, administers, and grades examinations, or assigns this work to others.
  • Prepares course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Supervises undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
  • Maintains student attendance records, grades, and other required records.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Irregular hours
  • Overtime work

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Adjunct Professor --
  • Associate Professor --
  • Government Professor --
  • Instructor --
  • Political Science Instructor --
  • Political Science Professor --
  • Professor --
  • Faculty Member --
  • Public Administration Professor --
  • Assistant Professor --