O*NET-SOC 19-3094.00

Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

Preparation

ItemValue
Preparation zoneZone 5 – Extensive preparation needed
What O*NET says the zone requiresExtensive skill, knowledge, or experience is needed
Broad occupation in O*NETTrue (Yes)
Skills listed for this occupation6
Abilities listed for this occupation6
Tasks listed for this occupation5
Interest scores given for this occupation6

Skills

The 6 skills with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

SkillO*NET elementImportanceDate
Reading Comprehension2.A.1.a4.2508/2022
Active Learning2.A.2.b4.1208/2022
Active Listening2.A.1.b4.1208/2022
Speaking2.A.1.d4.1208/2022
Critical Thinking2.A.2.a4.008/2022
Writing2.A.1.c4.008/2022

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Abilities

The 6 abilities with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

AbilityO*NET elementImportanceDate
Written Comprehension1.A.1.a.24.6208/2022
Oral Comprehension1.A.1.a.14.1208/2022
Oral Expression1.A.1.a.34.1208/2022
Inductive Reasoning1.A.1.b.54.008/2022
Speech Clarity1.A.4.b.54.008/2022
Written Expression1.A.1.a.44.008/2022

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Tasks

The tasks O*NET records for this occupation, with the type, respondent count and date each record carries.

TaskTypeIncumbents respondingDate
Teach political science.Core2608/2022
Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.Core2608/2022
Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.Core2608/2022
Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.Core2608/2022
Advise political science students.Core2608/2022

Work interests

The interest scores O*NET gives this occupation, on the six interest types.

InterestScoreDate
Investigative6.6211/2023
Artistic3.7811/2023
Enterprising3.711/2023
Conventional3.611/2023
Social3.4711/2023
Realistic1.011/2023

More occupations in preparation zone 5

Source: O*NET 29.1 Database (Occupation Data, Job Zones, Skills, Abilities, Task Statements, Interests), U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Data fetched 2026-10-31. See about and sources.