From Urban Politics to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Students in a lecture in CASLPolitical science is about power: who has it, how they use it, how they retain it, and how they respond to efforts to wrest it away. It explores the complexities of political systems, behaviors, and ideologies along with some of today’s hottest topics: Should women have the right to get an abortion? How does society keep police officers accountable? What should the United States do to protect democracy at home and advance human rights abroad? When will political leaders take meaningful action on climate change?

As a political science major at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, you’ll study three broad areas:

  • American politics (including political institutions, behavior, and public policy)
  • Global politics (including comparative politics and international relations)
  • Political theory

Where a Political Science Degree Will Take You

A political science degree from UM-Dearborn opens a broad swath of potential career paths. It prepares you for careers in public administration, public policy analysis, lobbying, journalism, political consulting, law, and elected office at the local, state, and federal levels as well as careers in education. It also lays the groundwork for graduate studies leading to teaching, research, or administrative positions at the university level.

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States for 2022. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$132,350 Median Salary

Political Scientists (master’s usually required)

Employment of political scientists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 600 openings for political scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$66,750 Median Salary

Public Relations Specialists

Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 25,800 openings for public relations specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$60,960 Median Salary

Survey Researchers (master’s usually required)

Employment of survey researchers is projected to decline 4 percent from 2022 to 2032.

Despite declining employment, about 700 openings for survey researchers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$99,410 Median Salary

Management Analysts

Employment of management analysts is projected to grow 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 92,900 openings for management analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$57,500 Median Salary

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Employment of news analysts, reporters, and journalists is projected to decline 3 percent from 2022 to 2032.

Despite declining employment, about 6,000 openings for news analysts, reporters, and journalists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

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Application Deadlines

UM-Dearborn has rolling admissions throughout the year, and deadlines depend on your student type. Apply early, priority consideration for financial aid and scholarships may be given to earlier applicants.

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Tuition

Get started early on your financial planning for college. Complete the net price calculator to get an estimate of your cost to attend UM-Dearborn.

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Go Blue Guarantee

Students at UM-Dearborn are eligible for the Go Blue Guarantee - University of Michigan’s landmark promise of free tuition for high-achieving in-state undergraduate students from qualifying backgrounds. Major financial support is available for students who do not fully qualify.

Paying for College
Narissa Ayoub

How to Get Involved

Students working in the library

You can help your friends register to vote, join the UM-Dearborn Political Science Association, participate in an Alternative Spring Break trip, check out any of the more than 150 student clubs and organizations on campus, and much more.

Next Steps

Become a part of the UM-Dearborn community and put your dreams to work for you.