History and Political Science: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this interdisciplinary program explore the dynamic interplay between historical development and political systems, cultivating a nuanced understanding of how societies evolve and govern themselves over time. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis, evidence-based inquiry, and the ability to interpret complex social and political change across regions and eras.
- Comparative government and politics: Examines the structures, functions, and performance of political systems across different nations and cultural contexts, highlighting similarities and differences in governance models.
- Historiography: Investigates the methods, theories, and practices used by historians to interpret and construct narratives about the past.
- Historical research methods: Develops skills in sourcing, evaluating, and analyzing primary and secondary materials to produce rigorous historical scholarship.
- Political science: Focuses on the study of political behavior, institutions, policies, and systems through empirical and theoretical approaches.
- Political theory: Explores foundational ideas about power, justice, rights, liberty, and the nature of the state through engagement with major philosophical traditions.
- Records administration: Covers the management, preservation, and ethical use of archival and documentary materials essential to historical and political research.
- Systematic study of political institutions and behavior: Analyzes how political organizations operate and how individuals and groups influence political outcomes through voting, protest, policy formation, and leadership.
History and Political Science Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
History and Political Science Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with History and Political Science degrees, including Political Scientists, Managers, All Other and Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 747,010 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Scientists 19-3094 | $139,380 | $74,750 - $191,880 | 5,950 | $67.01 |
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other 19-3099 | $100,340 | $62,570 - $160,810 | 36,970 | $48.24 |
| Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1065 | $94,680 | $50,490 - $173,380 | 17,170 | N/A |
| History Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1125 | $81,500 | $47,730 - $158,140 | 19,860 | N/A |
| Historians 19-3093 | $74,050 | $38,630 - $128,500 | 3,140 | $35.60 |
| Social Science Research Assistants 19-4061 | $58,040 | $36,410 - $100,620 | 32,940 | $27.90 |
History and Political Science Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $66,393 in Utah to $170,310 in Delaware—a 157% difference. The highest-paying states include Delaware, District of Columbia, and Virginia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 747,010 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for History and Political Science by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 16 institutions offering History and Political Science programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in History and Political Science is found at Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (16 graduates), Indiana University (IUK), Kokomo (11 graduates), Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) (9 graduates), Southern Arkansas University (SAU), Main Campus (5 graduates), and Texas A & M International University (TAMIU) (5 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 69 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Other Award
|
16 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Indiana University (IUK) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Kokomo, Indiana | Public | iuk.edu |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Tifton, Georgia | Public | abac.edu |
| Southern Arkansas University (SAU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Magnolia, Arkansas | Public | saumag.edu |
| Texas A & M International University (TAMIU) |
Master's
|
5 | Laredo, Texas | Public | tamiu.edu |
| Eureka College (EC) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Eureka, Illinois | Private | eureka.edu |
| Glenville State University (GSU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Glenville, West Virginia | Public | glenville.edu |
| Friends University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Wichita, Kansas | Private | friends.edu |
| Northwest University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Kirkland, Washington | Private | northwestu.edu |
| Arizona State University |
Associate's
|
3 | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | ndm.edu |
| Curry College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Milton, Massachusetts | Private | curry.edu |
| Monmouth University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | West Long Branch, New Jersey | Private | monmouth.edu |
| Keuka College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Keuka Park, New York | Private | keuka.edu |
| King University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Bristol, Tennessee | Private | king.edu |
| Averett University (AU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Danville, Virginia | Private | averett.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about History and Political Science programs
How much can I earn with a History and Political Science degree?
Salaries for History and Political Science graduates vary by role and location. Political Scientists earn a median of $139,380 annually, while Managers, All Other earn around $136,550. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Delaware average $170,310 compared to $66,393 in Utah. Approximately 747,010 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest History and Political Science programs?
Currently 16 accredited institutions offer History and Political Science degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (16 graduates), Indiana University (IUK), Kokomo (11 graduates), and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) (9 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a History and Political Science degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Political Scientists, Managers, All Other, and Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 747,010 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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