Public Policy Faculty Jobs | Top Academic Positions & Insights

Explore academic careers in Public Policy within Political Science. Opportunities range from teaching positions at universities to research roles in think tanks and government agencies. Key roles include policy analysts, researchers, and educators, offering a pathway to influence public decision-making and societal change.

Unlock Premier Public Policy Careers: Shape Tomorrow's Policies Today!

Public Policy faculty jobs offer a dynamic gateway to influencing government, society, and global challenges through academia. Aspiring professors and students alike find rewarding paths in this field, blending rigorous research with real-world application. From tackling climate change initiatives to analyzing healthcare reforms, Public Policy roles demand sharp analytical minds and a passion for public good. In 2023, demand surged 15% for policy experts amid election cycles and economic shifts, per HigherEdJobs data. Students can start with bachelor's programs in public administration or political science, advancing to MPP or PhD degrees at elite institutions like Harvard's Kennedy School or UC Berkeley. Professors enjoy tenure-track positions at research universities, with adjunct opportunities via adjunct professor jobs. Check average earnings on our professor salaries page, where Public Policy full professors averaged $128,000. Job seekers, explore higher ed jobs or professor jobs listings. Rate inspiring educators on Rate My Professor, and gear up with our free resume template. Discover career advice at higher ed career advice.

Educational Paths to Public Policy Expertise

Students eyeing Public Policy faculty jobs should build a strong foundation. Undergraduate majors in Public Policy or Political Science prepare for graduate work, with key skills in econometrics, statistics, and ethics. Top programs include Princeton's School of Public and International Affairs, boasting alumni in White House roles.

Graduate Degrees for Faculty Aspirants

MPP and MPA master's degrees lead to research roles, while PhDs unlock tenure-track Public Policy faculty jobs. Fringe quirk: Duke's Sanford School integrates gaming simulations for policy training, a unique edge in job markets.

Thriving Public Policy Faculty Opportunities

Tenure-track assistant professor positions in Public Policy dominate openings, especially in urban policy and inequality studies. Community colleges seek adjuncts via community college jobs, while R1 universities prioritize research grants. In California, environmental policy niches boom; browse California higher ed jobs. Evaluate candidates on Rate My Professor for Public Policy stars. Additional paths include research jobs or faculty jobs.

Assistant Professor, Public Policy: Focus on health policy; tenure-track at mid-tier unis.

Associate Professor: Lead policy labs; avg 10+ pubs required.

Find Public Policy Jobs Now

Public Policy Professor Salaries and Prestige

Public Policy professors command competitive pay, reflecting the field's prestige. AAUP 2023 data shows assistant profs at $94,500, associates at $109,200, full at $132,400 nationally. Coastal hubs like New York push figures to $150k+. Explore details via professor salaries or university salaries. High-profile roles at Ivy League schools via Ivy League add cachet.

Rank National Avg (2023) Top 10% Earners
Assistant Professor $94,500 $120,000+
Associate Professor $109,200 $140,000+
Full Professor $132,400 $180,000+

Emerging Trends and Quirky Niches

Public Policy academia heats up with AI ethics and pandemic preparedness. Fringe case: Space policy experts at George Washington University advise NASA, blending poli sci with astrophysics. Job growth projected 12% by 2030 (BLS). Students rate courses on Rate My Professor; professors seek career advice. UK options at jobs.ac.uk.

Key Resources for Public Policy Success

Leverage scholarships for studies, free cover letter template for apps. Find lecturers via lecturer jobs. Review profs on Rate My Professor and Rate My Professor tools.

Associations for Public Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

📚What degrees lead to Public Policy faculty jobs?

Bachelor's in Political Science or Public Policy, followed by MPP/MPA or PhD. Top programs at Ivy League schools prepare for tenure-track roles.

💰What are average Public Policy professor salaries?

2023 averages: $94k assistant, $132k full prof. Check detailed breakdowns on professor salaries.

🏛️Top schools for Public Policy studies?

Harvard Kennedy, Princeton SPIA, Michigan Ford. Rate faculty on Rate My Professor.

🔍How to land Public Policy academic jobs?

Build pubs, network via conferences. Search faculty jobs and use resume templates.

🚀Career paths after Public Policy degrees?

Academia, government, think tanks. Explore career advice or research jobs.

How to rate Public Policy professors?

Use Rate My Professor for insights on top educators in policy courses.

📈What trends shape Public Policy jobs?

AI ethics, climate policy booming. 12% growth projected; see professor jobs.

😲Quirky facts about Public Policy academia?

Experts advise on cannabis policy in legalizing states like Colorado, or space governance at NASA-linked programs.
49 Jobs Found

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
Academic / Faculty
Add this Job Post to Favorites
Closes: Feb 25, 2026

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Academic / Faculty
Add this Job Post to Favorites
Closes: Feb 23, 2026
View More