The Complete Guide to Becoming A Political Science Teacher, Postsecondary
The real pay, the real path, and the real day-to-day of teaching political science at the college level — before you spend years and thousands of dollars on a degree.
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
What does a political science professor actually do all day? And can you make a living at it? This guide tells you the truth before you commit.
About this book
You love politics. You love the classroom. You've thought about being a professor. But do you know what the job actually pays at the starting line? (Hint: an adjunct might earn $2,500 per course, with no office and no benefits.) Do you know why a PhD from a top-20 program can still lead to a decade of temporary contracts? And do you know what a good day in this job looks like after you've secured it? This guide answers those questions with concrete numbers, honest descriptions, and no 'follow your passion' nonsense.
Reader Reviews
Eric Rivera
★★★★★I'm a senior in high school considering political science, and this book was helpful, though not always reassuring. I appreciated that it didn't try to sell me on the career — the salary tables and the reality of adjuncting were useful if a bit bleak. Chapter 1 genuinely surprised me with how much time goes into grading and prep. It lost a star because I wish it had gone even deeper into 'what to do instead' if you don't want to be a professor, but for what it is, it's a solid reality check before I pick a major.
Angela Green
★★★★★I've been working in policy for five years and am thinking about teaching at a community college. This guide convinced me it's doable but not easy. I loved the chapter on the actual workday — the description of office hours and the committee meetings felt authentic. The pay chapter made me realize I'd take a pay cut, but the growth chapter showed me how to move into department chair or administration. It's not a fun read, but it's an honest one. I'm buying copies for my grad school friends.