Kerry Whisnant, an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and professor of physics at Iowa State University, may be on to something that will greatly impact team winning percentages. Mathematical models that he and other fanatic baseball statisticians have helped produce may accurately predict teams' successes. Whisnant and other members of the Society for American Baseball Research have analyzed...
Political Scientist
Political scientists study the structure and theory of government and seek practical and theoretical solutions to political problems. Most current studies and research concentrate on tangible topics such as welfare reform, political campaigns and elections, foreign relations, and immigration.
Low-end Salary:
$36,774/yr
Median Salary:
$53,973/yr
High-end Salary:
$71,674/yr Education:
Most jobs require a master’s degree. If teaching at the college and university level is the goal, then nothing less than a Ph.D. will do. Students who specialize in a particular field such as public administration, international relations, or public law will fare slightly better in seeking jobs.
Math Required:
College Algebra
Geometry
Trigonometry
Calculus I and II
Statistics
When Math Is Used:
Political scientists use math and statistics to predict the probability of political events occurring. They may also use regression analysis and a mathematical procedure called The Surplus Procedure, which is a formula, developed by mathematical political scientist Steven Brams, used in order to allocate resources to best benefit all parties.
Potential Employers:
The vast majority of political scientists are teachers at colleges and universities where they conduct research and write books and articles on political theory. They may also enter political life. They generally do not run for public office, but very often their expertise is enlisted by candidates to ensure a successful run or reelection. Some become political commentators on television and radio or write columns for newspapers; others become public opinion pollsters.
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Quote Of The Day
"I feel my training in mathematics provided me with the invaluable ability to apply logic, reason, and careful quantitative, as well as qualitative, analysis to my work. These thought processes are desired and applicable to almost any field."
Senior Engineer
Figures represent salary potential.
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Mathematical Association of America