Occupation AtlasPolitical Science Teachers, Postsecondary

O*NET · 25-1065.00

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach 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.

Also called Adjunct Instructor · Adjunct Political Science Instructor · Adjunct Political Science Professor · Adjunct Professor · Assistant Professor · Associate Professor · College Faculty Member · College Professor
20 more

Faculty Member · Geopolitics Teacher · Government Instructor · Government Professor · Government Teacher · Instructor · International Relations Professor · International Relations Teacher · Lecturer · Political Science Adjunct Instructor · Political Science Adjunct Professor · Political Science Faculty Member · Political Science Instructor · Political Science Professor · Political Theory Professor · Professor · Public Administration Professor · Public Administration Teacher · Public Policy Professor · University Faculty Member

Job Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation NeededHolland code SIA35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed

Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

SIASocial · Investigative · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social6.87
  • I Investigative5.47
  • A Artistic3.72
  • E Enterprising3.25
  • C Conventional3.02
  • R Realistic1.95

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Master's Degree4%
  • Doctoral Degree97%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (34%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (60%)
On-the-job training
None or short demonstration (54%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • SpeakingbasicImportance 4.6Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • InstructingImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • PersuasionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
Show the other 23

Tasks

19 core · 3 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as classical political thought, international relations, and democracy and citizenship.Importance 4.6
  2. Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.Importance 4.6
  3. Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.Importance 4.6
  4. Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.Importance 4.5
  5. Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.Importance 4.4
  6. Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.Importance 4.4
  7. Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.Importance 4.4
  8. Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.Importance 4.3
  9. Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.Importance 4.2
  10. Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.Importance 4.2
  11. Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.Importance 4.1
  12. Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.Importance 4.0
Show the other 10
  1. Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.Importance 3.8
  2. Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.Importance 3.7
  3. Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.Importance 3.5
  4. Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.Importance 3.3
  5. Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.Importance 3.2
  6. Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.Importance 3.2
  7. Act as advisers to student organizations.Importance 3.1
  8. Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.Importance 2.9
  9. Participate in campus and community events.Importance 2.8
  10. Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.Importance 2.2

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • English LanguageImportance 4.6Level 5.6
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 4.5Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Education and TrainingImportance 4.3Level 5.8
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 3.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Teach local history to school children
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.3Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
  • GeographyImportance 3.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 3.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
Show all 33
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • MathematicsImportance 2.8Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Communications and MediaImportance 2.7Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • PsychologyImportance 2.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 2.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Ask directions in a foreign city
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 2.5Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • AdministrativeImportance 2.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.7Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 1.5Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 1.4Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • DesignImportance 1.3Level —
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 1.3Level —
  • BiologyImportance 1.2Level —
  • TransportationImportance 1.2Level —
  • ChemistryImportance 1.1Level —
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.1Level —
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.0Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
  • MechanicalImportance 1.0Level —
  • PhysicsImportance 1.0Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Written ComprehensionImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Near VisionImportance 3.6Level 3.8
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
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  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.9
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • OriginalityImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • MemorizationImportance 2.8Level 2.9
  • Time SharingImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Far VisionImportance 2.3Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • VisualizationImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.6Level 0.6
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
  • Finger DexterityImportance 1.3Level —
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.1Level —
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.1Level —
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
  • Manual DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
  • StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.6Level 5.7
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.6Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Study international tax laws
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.6Level 5.9
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.4Level 5.6
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.3Level 5.7
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Processing InformationImportance 4.1Level 5.8
  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.1Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
Show all 41
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.8Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.8Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.7Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.7Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.4Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.4Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.7Level 2.7
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.5Level 2.7
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.7
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.1Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.1Level 2.6
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.3Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.2Level —
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.2Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.1Level —
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.8
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.7
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.7
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.5
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.2
  • Public Speaking4.2
  • Contact With Others4.1
  • Spend Time Sitting4.0
  • Telephone Conversations3.9

Technology

27 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (1)

  • Learning management system LMS

Hot (8)

  • C
  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • R
Other tools (18)
  • Blackboard Learn
  • Collaborative editing software
  • ContextMiner
  • Course management system software
  • Desire2Learn LMS software
  • DOC Cop
  • Email software
  • Empirisoft MediaLab
  • Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
  • Image scanning software
  • iParadigms Turnitin
  • Moodle
  • poLCA
  • Sakai CLE
  • W-NOMINATE
  • Web browser software
  • WinBUGS
  • z-Tree

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.