<p>I'm thinking about starting college and majoring in Poli Sci. After finishing my undergrad I'm hoping to go to grad school to get a PhD. I plan on specializing in international relations. However one thing I'm concerned about is the job market. I've heard that the job market is "tight" although I don't really know what that means. Does it mean that the chances favor me not getting a tenure track job? That it is more likely to get a job as a adjunct or part-time professor? </p>
<p>I've heard of the horrible job market for history, English, and linguistics PhDs but I've never been able to find much detail about poli sci PhDs. For those of you who think I'm too young to be thinking about this now I'm 21 yrs old and I want to start undergrad with at least some sense of direction. </p>
<p>I know this is a very broad question and there are a lot of things to take into consideration like what school I graduate from, but I was hoping for at least a general idea. And what other options are there besides Universities, excluding think tanks.</p>
<p>I hope its not my username that prevents people from answering my thread.</p>
<p>I’m currently working on my PhD in PoliSci, so I imagine I can be of some help here. First of all, it’s importnt to note that many people start off college with a totally misguided perception of what political science is - we do not sit around all day and talk about current events and politics. This is a data-driven major that requires students to think critically and philosophically but still be competant in statistical analysis. I always try to make people aware of that first thing because a lot of people get frustrated when they find out that they actually have to do research.</p>
<p>Anyway, on to the PhD question. PoliSci, English, Philosophy, and History are by far the four most common PhD awarded every year. Naturally, this means there is an ever-growing supply but a relatively stable demand. Chances are you will be able to find a job teaching somewhere, but probably starting out as an underpaid visiting professor. You’re going to have to shop around - hard - for a tenure track position that will satisfy you, especially with an emphasis in international relations. Obviously your best way to get an edge is to get into one of the top graduate programs in the country, but this is a long shot for most students. Another option is to work for the government, although once again this is a highly competitive field and you’re still not going to get paid very much.</p>
<p>In sum, you will be able to find a job; however, you will probably have to start out as a visiting professor and slowly work your way up towards tenure.</p>
<p>Let me know if you have any further questions.</p>