🔍 Career Paths in State Politics and Policy

The field of State Politics and Policy within Political Science offers a variety of academic career paths. The first sentence highlights the importance of understanding state-level governance.

📚 Job Types and Roles

Faculty Positions: Teaching and researching state politics at universities.
Research Analysts: Conducting policy research at think tanks or research institutions.
Policy Advisors: Advising state governments on policy development and implementation.
Legislative Staff: Assisting state legislators with policy analysis and drafting.
Nonprofit Roles: Working on state policy advocacy and implementation.
Consultants: Providing expertise on state policy to various organizations.

🏫 Top Universities and Institutions

Harvard University: Known for its Kennedy School of Government.
University of Michigan: Offers strong programs in public policy and state politics.
University of California, Berkeley: Renowned for its Goldman School of Public Policy.
Georgetown University: Its McCourt School of Public Policy focuses on state and local governance.
Indiana University: The O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs is a leader in state policy research.
Brookings Institution: A top think tank for state policy analysis.

💼 Salary Expectations and Job Demand

Salaries in State Politics and Policy vary by role and location. Faculty positions at top universities can range from $70,000 to over $150,000 annually. Research analysts and policy advisors typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000. The demand for experts in state policy is growing, driven by the need for informed policy-making at the state level.

📈 Hiring Trends and Academic Funding

Hiring trends in academia for State Politics and Policy show an increase in demand for faculty who can bridge theory and practice. Funding opportunities include grants from the National Science Foundation, state government research contracts, and fellowships from policy institutes.

🌐 Industry Connections and Interdisciplinary Opportunities

The field of State Politics and Policy connects with industries like public administration, law, and economics. Interdisciplinary opportunities include collaborations with departments of economics, sociology, and urban planning, enhancing the understanding and impact of state policy research.

Associations for State Politics and Policy

State Politics and Policy Section of the American Political Science Association
A section of APSA dedicated to promoting research and scholarship on politics, policy, and governance in the American states.
National Conference of State Legislatures
A bipartisan organization that provides state legislatures with research, technical assistance, and opportunities to exchange ideas on pressing state issues.
Council of State Governments
A national organization that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy across all branches of government.
International Political Science Association
A global association that promotes the advancement of political science, including research on subnational and regional politics worldwide.
European Consortium for Political Research
An independent scholarly association that supports political science research in Europe, with standing groups focused on local, regional, and federal politics.
Political Studies Association
The leading UK association for the study of politics, including research on devolved administrations, local government, and regional policy.
Canadian Political Science Association
An organization that advances political science in Canada, with emphasis on provincial politics, federalism, and subnational policy issues.