Political Theory Jobs ✅ Best University Positions Await

Ignite Your Passion for Ideas: Political Theory Careers That Shape Tomorrow!

Political Theory faculty jobs offer a profound opportunity to delve into the foundational ideas that govern societies, from ancient philosophers like Plato and Aristotle to modern thinkers such as John Rawls and Judith Butler. Aspiring academics and students alike find this niche within Political Science jobs both intellectually stimulating and impactful. Whether you're a graduate student eyeing a PhD or a seasoned professor seeking tenure-track roles, the field blends philosophy, ethics, and politics in unique ways. Discover tenure-track assistant professor positions, associate professor openings, and full professor chairs emphasizing democratic theory, critical theory, or feminist political thought.

Trends show rising demand for specialists in identity politics and global justice, especially post-2020 social movements. For job seekers, platforms like AcademicJobs.com higher ed jobs list exclusive postings from elite universities. Students, start by majoring in political science with theory electives—think courses on Machiavelli or Foucault—then pursue a PhD, which takes 5-7 years on average. Check Rate My Professor for insights on top political theory instructors. Parents and advisors, note the prestige: political theorists often influence policy think tanks. Explore professor jobs today and unlock earnings potential detailed at professor salaries.

Studying Political Theory: Essential Paths for Students

Undergrads should prioritize programs with strong theory tracks, like those at the University of Chicago or UC Berkeley, where fringe quirks include interdisciplinary ties to philosophy departments. A bachelor's in political science sets the stage, but a master's sharpens focus on normative theory. PhD programs demand rigorous quals on thinkers like Hannah Arendt. Career paths lead to academia, think tanks like Brookings, or NGOs. Use higher ed career advice for resumes via our free resume template. Rate standout profs on Rate My Professor to choose mentors.

Top Undergraduate Theory Concentrations

Princeton: Elite normative theory focus
Harvard: Government dept with Rawls seminars
Yale: Political theory and law blend

International quirk: Oxford's PPE program uniquely mixes theory with econ.

Find Political Theory Scholarships

Political Theory Faculty Job Opportunities and Trends

The job market is competitive—APSA data shows 200-300 applicants per tenure-track spot—but niches like environmental political theory boom. Recent hires include roles at military academies like West Point, analyzing just war theory. Search higher ed faculty jobs or lecturer jobs for adjunct starts. Prestige peaks at Ivy League; see Ivy League schools. Fringe case: Community colleges seek theory adjuncts for gen ed, listed on community college jobs.

Location hotspots: New York (Columbia), California (Stanford), and Massachusetts (MIT Poli Sci). Remote options grow via remote higher ed jobs.

Salaries and Earnings for Political Theory Professors

Per AAUP 2023 data, assistant professors average $92,500, associates $108,000, full professors $154,000—higher at privates like Stanford ($170k+ full). Trends: 4% annual raises amid inflation. Women in theory earn 92% of men, per APSA. Quirks: Midwest state schools offer $80k starts but lower COL. Dive deeper at professor salaries and university salaries. Compare via Rate My Professor for workload insights.

Rank	Average Salary (USD)	Top 10% Earn
Assistant Prof	$92,500	$115,000
Associate Prof	$108,000	$135,000
Full Prof	$154,000	$220,000+

View Detailed Political Theory Salary Data

Elite Political Theory Faculty and Programs

Standouts: Princeton's Philip Pettit on republicanism; Berkeley's Wendy Brown on neoliberalism. Rate them on Rate My Professor. Programs shine at Chicago (Strauss legacy) and Toronto (surprise Canadian hub). Advice: Network at APSA conferences. Find mentors via career advice.

Associations for Political Theory

Association for Political Theory
An organization dedicated to promoting the study and teaching of political theory through conferences, publications, and networking opportunities.
American Political Science Association
A leading professional organization for the study of political science, with a strong focus on political theory through its dedicated sections and resources.
Political Studies Association
A UK-based association that advances the study of politics, including political theory, through research, events, and publications.
International Political Science Association
A global organization that fosters the development of political science, including political theory, through international collaboration and conferences.
European Consortium for Political Research
A pan-European association promoting political science research and training, with a significant emphasis on political theory and methodology.
Australian Political Studies Association
An association that supports political studies in Australia, including political theory, through annual conferences and scholarly activities.
Canadian Political Science Association
A national organization advancing political science in Canada, with dedicated efforts in political theory research and education.

Frequently Asked Questions

📖What defines Political Theory as a field?

Political Theory examines foundational ideas on power, justice, and governance, from Plato's Republic to contemporary critiques like Foucault's biopower. Interdisciplinary with philosophy, it influences policy debates.

💼How competitive is the Political Theory job market?

Highly competitive—APSA reports 250+ applicants per tenure-track role—but niches like global justice theory see growth. Check faculty jobs for openings.