Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Best History and Political Science institutions in the US, ranked by earnings

Compare 16 U.S. colleges offering History and Political Science by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 15 states.

Institutions
16
offering CIP 30.46
States offered
15
with a program page
With earnings data
0
College Scorecard
Degrees / yr
69
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
1 year after graduation
US pay · Political Scientists
$137,600
BLS OEWS 2024

About History and Political Science programs

The History and Political Science program offers students an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of political power and its historical context. This program is ideal for those interested in exploring the relationships between historical events and political systems, providing a comprehensive foundation for analyzing contemporary issues.

Learn more about History and Political Science

What you'll learn

Students in this program develop essential skills such as critical thinking, reading comprehension, and effective communication. Coursework typically includes subjects related to law, government, history, and communications, equipping graduates with the knowledge necessary to engage thoughtfully with political and historical discourse.

Top 16 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).

Graduate earnings for this program are not yet reported by College Scorecard. Explore the states below to see where it's offered.

Offered across 15 states

The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.

StateInstitutionsMedian earningsTop institution by earnings
Arizonalimited2
Arkansaslimited1
Georgialimited1
Illinoislimited1
Indianalimited1
Kansaslimited1
Marylandlimited1
Massachusettslimited1
New Jerseylimited1
New Yorklimited1
Tennesseelimited1
Texaslimited1
Virginialimited1
Washingtonlimited1
West Virginialimited1

Careers & outlook

The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-3094, Political Scientists, and its national outlook.

Graduates of the History and Political Science program can pursue various careers, often requiring a master's degree. While the job outlook shows a decline of 3.1%, there are approximately 500 annual openings, with a median wage of $139,380 for positions in this field.

Projected growth (2024–2034)
-3.1%
Decline
Openings / yr (US)
~500
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$139,380
typically Master's degree
National employment
5,950
Political Scientists
US average pay
$137,600
annual, BLS OEWS 2024
US median pay
$139,380
annual

Top-paying metros

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
$153,650avg
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$129,840avg
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
$125,710avg
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
$123,320avg
Ann Arbor, MI
$117,700avg

Related careers

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
$106,440 avg · 36,970 jobs
Social Science Research Assistants
$63,560 avg · 32,940 jobs
History Teachers, Postsecondary
$93,710 avg · 19,860 jobs
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
$105,160 avg · 17,170 jobs
Political Scientists
$137,600 avg · 5,950 jobs

Skills & knowledge in History and Political Science programs

From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.

Skills you'll build

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Active Learning
Critical Thinking
Writing
Learning Strategies
Mathematics

Knowledge areas

Law and Government
English Language
Education and Training
History and Archeology
Mathematics
Communications and Media

What graduates do on the job

  • Teach political science.
  • Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
  • Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
  • Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
  • Advise political science students.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.

Tools & technology

Adobe AcrobatBare Bones Software BBEditCQ Press Political Reference SuiteData visualization softwareDataMystic TextPipe ProEBSCO Publishing Academic Search PremierEBSCO Publishing Political Science CompleteEmail software

Concentrations within History and Political Science

Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).

  • History and Political Science
    CIP 30.4601

    A program with a general synthesis of history and political science or a specialization which draws from history and political science

Common questions

What is the focus of the History and Political Science program?+

The program focuses on the interplay between historical events and political systems.

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills.

What is the job outlook for graduates?+

The job outlook indicates a decline of 3.1%, with about 500 annual openings.

What level of education is typically required for careers in this field?+

Most careers in this field require a master's degree.

Related programs

Other programs in the same field of study.

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