Education · 1 of 5
The path
A degree, then evidence you can handle data and write. The master's is common but not compulsory.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
History, government, English and statistics. Argue in writing, with evidence, as often as you can.
- 2
Bachelor's degree
4 years
Economics, political science, statistics, public health or almost anything analytical. Economics and statistics open the most doors, because the work is quantitative more often than people expect.
- 3
Internships and entry roles
During and just after the degree
A legislative office, a city department, a nonprofit or a federal internship program. This is how nearly everyone gets in, and it matters more than your grades.
- 4
Master's degree, usually
About 2 years
A Master of Public Policy or Master of Public Administration takes about 2 years. Schools in this field are accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration, which has more than 300 member institutions.
- 5
Analyst post
Ongoing
Federal jobs are advertised on USAJOBS (the official federal hiring site), and state and city jobs on their own portals. Expect the federal hiring process to take months.