What Does a Policy Analyst Do?

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Published On Dec 30, 2024

Are you thinking about career opportunities that can enable you to contribute to the greater good of your community and country? Consider becoming a policy analyst. A policy analyst is a type of political scientist. The ultimate goals of a policy analyst are to research, analyze and influence public policy on a federal, state or local level based on fact. Policy analysts come from a myriad of backgrounds. However, if you're wondering how to become a policy analyst, you should start by earning your bachelor's degree and attending graduate school for a master's degree.¹

What Is a Policy Analyst?

Broadly speaking, political scientists study political systems and their development and operations. Policy analysts in particular study the impact that current and proposed laws may have on individuals and social groups. They also study political trends, ideas and governmental policies.

Policy analysts develop written reports that explain their research and findings with the intention of providing legislation or political trends based on qualitative and quantitative analysis. Quite often, when you see a new bill proposed in Congress, a policy analyst has first researched its potential impact and recommended introducing the legislation.

It is not uncommon for policy analysts to specialize in a particular area. Indeed, there are different types of policy analysts. Possible specializations can include economic, environmental, healthcare or law enforcement policies.

The work of policy analysts can have significant implications for society and its governance. For instance, a policy analyst may provide qualitative and quantitative data for programs designed to prevent crime in high-risk areas, fund public education or develop legislation geared toward mitigating climate change and/or dealing with its effects.²

Policy Analyst Job Responsibilities

Since policy analysts may work for a range of organizations and specialize in a number of areas, job responsibilities may vary.

A policy analyst job description may include any of the following tasks:²

Information gathering: The first step in any project is to identify an issue and compile information about it. Statistical data is particularly important for policy analysts. They may be responsible for generating statistical data (via surveys and other data collection methods) or compiling existing data.
Effects analysis: Using the compiled data, policy analysts identify existing or potential problems and examine how policy proposals may solve the problems.
Outcome evaluation: Before recommending a new policy or change, analysts assess the likely outcomes by studying similar policies and their effects. They also consider whether the potential benefits will outweigh any concerns.
Information distribution: Policy analysts write reports to explain their findings and recommendations, sharing them with stakeholders such as government agencies, politicians, the media and the public. Some may also publish their insights in editorials or articles.
Value judgments: Value judgments are at the heart of all laws. Some policy analysts philosophize about the ethical questions that underlie public policies.

Skills and Characteristics of Effective Policy Analysts

A typical policy analyst job description emphasizes a strong set of skills and characteristics, with research being a central focus. Given the extensive time spent analyzing policies, exceptional research abilities are crucial in this role.

Other essential skills and characteristics may include:^1,3

Communication skills
Critical thinking
Collaborative mindset
Sound ethical judgment
Creative problem-solving

The Role of a Policy Analyst in National Security Policy

Within the federal government, policy analysts can work for a variety of government agencies with a range of specializations. For example, some policy analysts may specialize in national security, and they may work for various agencies, such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).⁴

Here, policy analysts are responsible for evaluating the foreign policies, domestic politics, civil stability and other issues associated with foreign countries and their governments. They seek to develop a greater understanding of how those countries’ decision-making and ideologies may impact the national security of the U.S.⁴ Some policy analysts may specialize in national security but work for independent think tank institutes or other special interest groups rather than directly for the government.

What Is a Policy Analyst’s Job Outlook?

If you are thinking about working toward a career in public policy analysis, it is natural to be curious about the job outlook for this profession. In its career-related statistical data, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not differentiate between policy analysts and other political scientists. Therefore, the BLS estimates the job growth for political scientists to be as fast as average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033, with about 500 openings projected each year, on average, during this time.⁵ Additionally, the median annual wage for political scientists was $132,350 in May 2023, according to the BLS.⁶

Educational Requirements

Many employers require a minimum of a master’s degree for job applicants.³ Policy analysts may major in a range of subject areas, including political science, international relations, economics and philosophy. In addition, many analysts find that having a Master of Public Administration degree is helpful in their work.¹

Earn Your Bachelor of Arts in Government From GCU

Are you passionate about solving complex issues and making a real difference? A career as a policy analyst could be your path to shaping the future. By diving deep into research, analyzing data and evaluating policies, you’ll play a vital role in guiding decisions that can impact communities, economies and governments. Start developing the skills you need today to become a key player in the world of policy. Explore our Bachelor of Arts in Government with an Emphasis in Public Administration program followed by a Master of Public Administration with an Emphasis in Government and Policy.

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¹ Indeed Editorial Team. (2024, Aug. 18). How To Become a Policy Analyst In 5 Steps (Plus Job Duties). Indeed. Retrieved Oct. 7, 2024.

² U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). What Political Scientists Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Nov. 5, 2024.

³ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). How to Become a Political Scientist. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Nov. 5, 2024.

⁴ Central Intelligence Agency. (n.d.). Political Analyst. CIA. Retrieved Oct. 8, 2024.

⁵ COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective Aug. 29, 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Political Scientists, retrieved on Nov. 5, 2024.

⁶ The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Political Scientists as of May 2023, retrieved Nov. 22, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as political scientists, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.

Approved and verified accurate by the assistant dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences on Dec. 11, 2024.

What Is a Policy Analyst?

Policy Analyst Job Responsibilities

Skills and Characteristics of Effective Policy Analysts

The Role of a Policy Analyst in National Security Policy

What Is a Policy Analyst’s Job Outlook?

Educational Requirements

Earn Your Bachelor of Arts in Government From GCU

Share This Story

What Does a Policy Analyst Do?

Educational Requirements

Skills and Characteristics of Effective Policy Analysts

Policy Analyst Job Responsibilities

The Role of a Policy Analyst in National Security Policy

What Is a Policy Analyst?

What Is a Policy Analyst’s Job Outlook?

Earn Your Bachelor of Arts in Government From GCU