3 answers
Benjamin
Student
Lenox, Massachusetts
2
Questions
Asked
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What colleges are mostly known for their political science?
I have always been fascinated with the subject of political science, so when I'm ready to go to college, I want to be prepared.
3 answers
Iryna Tam
Writer, copywriter
188
Answers
Hagerstown, Maryland
Updated
Iryna’s Answer
Hi Benjamin!
Studying political science can open many doors, whether you're interested in government, international relations, public policy, law, or political theory. Here’s a list of some of the top colleges and universities known for their strong political science programs, along with brief descriptions of what makes them stand out.
Top Colleges for Political Science
1. Harvard University
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Highlights: Renowned for its faculty and research opportunities, Harvard offers a comprehensive political science program focusing on American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.
2. Stanford University
Location: Stanford, California
Highlights: Stanford's political science department is known for its interdisciplinary approach and strong emphasis on empirical research. Students have access to extensive resources and a collaborative environment.
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Highlights: While known primarily for its STEM programs, MIT offers a strong political science department with a focus on political economy, security studies, and urban studies.
4. Princeton University
Location: Princeton, New Jersey
Highlights: Princeton is renowned for its rigorous academic environment and offers personalized attention to students. Its program covers a broad range of topics including democratic governance and international relations.
5. Yale University
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Highlights: Yale’s political science program emphasizes theoretical and empirical research. The faculty includes leading scholars in various political science subfields.
6. Columbia University
Location: New York City, New York
Highlights: Columbia offers a diverse range of courses in political science and excellent opportunities for internships in government and non-profit organizations due to its urban location.
7. University of Chicago
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Highlights: The University of Chicago is known for its rigorous intellectual tradition and emphasis on critical thinking in political theory and policy analysis.
8. Georgetown University
Location: Washington, D.C.
Highlights: Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service and its political science department are highly regarded for their focus on international relations and public policy, benefiting from proximity to government institutions.
9. University of California, Berkeley
Location: Berkeley, California
Highlights: UC Berkeley's political science program is recognized for its strong emphasis on research, political theory, and social movements, making it a great choice for those interested in activism and public service.
10. Johns Hopkins University
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Highlights: The School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins is renowned for its focus on international relations, global politics, and policy studies.
Additional Considerations
Program Focus: Consider what areas of political science interest you most (e.g., international relations, public policy, political theory) and look at programs that have strengths in those areas.
Faculty: Research the faculty members in each program and their areas of expertise, as strong mentorship can enhance your educational experience.
Internships and Opportunities: Look for schools with strong connections to government agencies, NGOs, and think tanks in order to find internships and job placement opportunities after graduation.
Campus Culture: The overall environment of the college can impact your learning experience. Consider visiting campuses if possible and talking to current students to get a sense of fit.
These schools are just a starting point; many other universities offer excellent political science programs. As you prepare for college, think about what specific aspects of political science you're most interested in, and ensure that you choose a program that aligns with your academic and career goals. Good luck with your future studies in political science!
Studying political science can open many doors, whether you're interested in government, international relations, public policy, law, or political theory. Here’s a list of some of the top colleges and universities known for their strong political science programs, along with brief descriptions of what makes them stand out.
Top Colleges for Political Science
1. Harvard University
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Highlights: Renowned for its faculty and research opportunities, Harvard offers a comprehensive political science program focusing on American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.
2. Stanford University
Location: Stanford, California
Highlights: Stanford's political science department is known for its interdisciplinary approach and strong emphasis on empirical research. Students have access to extensive resources and a collaborative environment.
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Highlights: While known primarily for its STEM programs, MIT offers a strong political science department with a focus on political economy, security studies, and urban studies.
4. Princeton University
Location: Princeton, New Jersey
Highlights: Princeton is renowned for its rigorous academic environment and offers personalized attention to students. Its program covers a broad range of topics including democratic governance and international relations.
5. Yale University
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Highlights: Yale’s political science program emphasizes theoretical and empirical research. The faculty includes leading scholars in various political science subfields.
6. Columbia University
Location: New York City, New York
Highlights: Columbia offers a diverse range of courses in political science and excellent opportunities for internships in government and non-profit organizations due to its urban location.
7. University of Chicago
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Highlights: The University of Chicago is known for its rigorous intellectual tradition and emphasis on critical thinking in political theory and policy analysis.
8. Georgetown University
Location: Washington, D.C.
Highlights: Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service and its political science department are highly regarded for their focus on international relations and public policy, benefiting from proximity to government institutions.
9. University of California, Berkeley
Location: Berkeley, California
Highlights: UC Berkeley's political science program is recognized for its strong emphasis on research, political theory, and social movements, making it a great choice for those interested in activism and public service.
10. Johns Hopkins University
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Highlights: The School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins is renowned for its focus on international relations, global politics, and policy studies.
Additional Considerations
Program Focus: Consider what areas of political science interest you most (e.g., international relations, public policy, political theory) and look at programs that have strengths in those areas.
Faculty: Research the faculty members in each program and their areas of expertise, as strong mentorship can enhance your educational experience.
Internships and Opportunities: Look for schools with strong connections to government agencies, NGOs, and think tanks in order to find internships and job placement opportunities after graduation.
Campus Culture: The overall environment of the college can impact your learning experience. Consider visiting campuses if possible and talking to current students to get a sense of fit.
These schools are just a starting point; many other universities offer excellent political science programs. As you prepare for college, think about what specific aspects of political science you're most interested in, and ensure that you choose a program that aligns with your academic and career goals. Good luck with your future studies in political science!
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
780
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Benjamin, if your heart is set on studying political science, and you're aiming for a top-notch institution, there are several universities well-known for their robust political science programs, outstanding faculty, and a myriad of opportunities for students with a keen interest in politics, government, and international relations. These schools not only offer a challenging academic setting but also invaluable links to political networks and hands-on experience.
— Harvard is consistently recognized as one of the premier institutions for political science. Its Government Department presents a wide array of courses in political theory, American politics, comparative politics, and international relations. Being close to Washington, D.C., and having a vast alumni network, Harvard offers unmatched opportunities for internships, networking, and career growth in the political field.
— Stanford's political science program is highly esteemed for its cross-disciplinary approach and pioneering research. It provides specialized paths in areas like political behavior, political economy, and political institutions. Being in Silicon Valley, the university enables students to delve into the crossroads of politics, technology, and public policy.
— Princeton, renowned for its stringent academics, boasts a prestigious political science department that excels in both theoretical and empirical approaches to the field. The university also offers substantial opportunities for student participation in political research and internships, especially through its Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.
— Yale boasts a vibrant political science program with a strong focus on political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. Its political science faculty is highly respected for their research and teaching, and the university’s resources, like the Yale Law School and its close connection to New Haven's political scene, create an excellent setting for budding political scientists.
— UC Berkeley’s political science department is among the largest and most esteemed in the U.S. Its faculty comprises many leading scholars in political theory, American politics, comparative politics, and international relations. Berkeley’s history of political activism also provides students a unique insight into the crossroads of politics and social movements.
— Situated in the center of Washington, D.C., Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service is a top pick for students interested in political science, particularly in international relations, diplomacy, and public policy. The university's location grants students access to internships and networking opportunities with government agencies, think tanks, and international organizations.
— The University of Chicago, known for its rigorous intellectual environment, offers an exhaustive political science program that emphasizes both the theoretical and empirical study of politics. The university also puts a strong emphasis on research and critical thinking, preparing students for careers in academia, public service, or policy analysis.
— Columbia’s political science program is recognized for its strength in political theory, international relations, and political economy. The university’s location in New York City provides students access to a global political hub, with numerous opportunities for internships, research, and involvement in policy debates.
— Though traditionally known for its emphasis on technology and engineering, MIT boasts a highly esteemed political science department. Its strengths are in political economy, political theory, and security studies, with a focus on quantitative research methods and global policy analysis.
— For those contemplating international options, the University of Oxford offers one of the most prestigious political science programs globally. Its PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) degree is particularly renowned, offering an interdisciplinary approach to understanding political systems and policies.
These institutions are celebrated for their robust political science departments, but the best choice for you will hinge on your specific interests—be it political theory, public policy, international relations, or another area within the field. As you gear up for your college journey, I suggest deeply researching each program, considering faculty expertise, internship opportunities, and the overall campus atmosphere to find the best match for your academic and professional ambitions. By opting for a top political science program, you will not only secure a solid foundation in the subject but also be poised to make a significant impact in the political arena, whether through research, public service, or political advocacy.
— Harvard is consistently recognized as one of the premier institutions for political science. Its Government Department presents a wide array of courses in political theory, American politics, comparative politics, and international relations. Being close to Washington, D.C., and having a vast alumni network, Harvard offers unmatched opportunities for internships, networking, and career growth in the political field.
— Stanford's political science program is highly esteemed for its cross-disciplinary approach and pioneering research. It provides specialized paths in areas like political behavior, political economy, and political institutions. Being in Silicon Valley, the university enables students to delve into the crossroads of politics, technology, and public policy.
— Princeton, renowned for its stringent academics, boasts a prestigious political science department that excels in both theoretical and empirical approaches to the field. The university also offers substantial opportunities for student participation in political research and internships, especially through its Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.
— Yale boasts a vibrant political science program with a strong focus on political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. Its political science faculty is highly respected for their research and teaching, and the university’s resources, like the Yale Law School and its close connection to New Haven's political scene, create an excellent setting for budding political scientists.
— UC Berkeley’s political science department is among the largest and most esteemed in the U.S. Its faculty comprises many leading scholars in political theory, American politics, comparative politics, and international relations. Berkeley’s history of political activism also provides students a unique insight into the crossroads of politics and social movements.
— Situated in the center of Washington, D.C., Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service is a top pick for students interested in political science, particularly in international relations, diplomacy, and public policy. The university's location grants students access to internships and networking opportunities with government agencies, think tanks, and international organizations.
— The University of Chicago, known for its rigorous intellectual environment, offers an exhaustive political science program that emphasizes both the theoretical and empirical study of politics. The university also puts a strong emphasis on research and critical thinking, preparing students for careers in academia, public service, or policy analysis.
— Columbia’s political science program is recognized for its strength in political theory, international relations, and political economy. The university’s location in New York City provides students access to a global political hub, with numerous opportunities for internships, research, and involvement in policy debates.
— Though traditionally known for its emphasis on technology and engineering, MIT boasts a highly esteemed political science department. Its strengths are in political economy, political theory, and security studies, with a focus on quantitative research methods and global policy analysis.
— For those contemplating international options, the University of Oxford offers one of the most prestigious political science programs globally. Its PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) degree is particularly renowned, offering an interdisciplinary approach to understanding political systems and policies.
These institutions are celebrated for their robust political science departments, but the best choice for you will hinge on your specific interests—be it political theory, public policy, international relations, or another area within the field. As you gear up for your college journey, I suggest deeply researching each program, considering faculty expertise, internship opportunities, and the overall campus atmosphere to find the best match for your academic and professional ambitions. By opting for a top political science program, you will not only secure a solid foundation in the subject but also be poised to make a significant impact in the political arena, whether through research, public service, or political advocacy.
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
95
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
First, study Iryna's and Patrick's answers. They put it all together re the best Political Science institutions of higher learning.
I would add two things to their comments:
1. If you end up with a degree in Political Science what are you planning to do with it? It is a traditional major when going on to law school. Or if one concentrates on public administration, it is a very good qualifier to work for a governmental civil service; federal, state, local. Then, of course, there is getting involved with political parties and campaigning for public office. But I am not sure just why you are "fascinated" with Political Science. But if one of your desires may be to teach the subject at the college/university level Political Science, as well as other social science subjects, are becoming more and more difficult to obtain as the employment market has moved on to tech and finance.
2. The other issue, regarding those institutions listed in your other answers, is the fact that most, but not all, depend heavily on graduate students to do most of the work in undergraduate classes. I would take a look at discussions about this factor. Many graduate students at these institutions have organized regarding pay and working conditions. I personally know a professor at one of the Ivy League schools, not teaching a social science, who teaches only one undergraduate course per semester and his graduate assistant does most of the work. Talking to him and some of his colleagues tends to confirm my perspective on their attitude toward undergraduates. They spend the bulk of their time with their graduate classes and their PhD candidates. Therefore, it is my contention that these institutions have enormously good reputations in the field of Political Science, but it tends to be because of the graduate work and the research and publishing of the faculty. Therefore, as an undergraduate, one may not be exposed to the superior education that their reputation stands for.
The exception is MIT. Graduate students do not teach or become involved with undergraduate classes. They take their own classes and do their own work on their way to advanced degrees. All undergraduate classes at MIT are taught by a professor. If there is another person playing the role of a "graduate assistant" it is another professor. I have sat in on a number of undergraduate classes at MIT, not as a student, but as an observer, and watched two tenured professors working the classes. I've talked to students in some of those classes and learned that the "graduate assistant" professor is easily accessible with good office hours. No one I talked to had a complaint about the quality of their education or the assistance they received. If there is a downside to all this there's a long standing saying at MIT: "There are three things one can do at MIT; study, party, and sleep. Pick any two." The students have also managed, over the years, to terrorize Harvard in any number of ways. It's part of the Undergraduate Tradition.
I hope you find this helpful.
I would add two things to their comments:
1. If you end up with a degree in Political Science what are you planning to do with it? It is a traditional major when going on to law school. Or if one concentrates on public administration, it is a very good qualifier to work for a governmental civil service; federal, state, local. Then, of course, there is getting involved with political parties and campaigning for public office. But I am not sure just why you are "fascinated" with Political Science. But if one of your desires may be to teach the subject at the college/university level Political Science, as well as other social science subjects, are becoming more and more difficult to obtain as the employment market has moved on to tech and finance.
2. The other issue, regarding those institutions listed in your other answers, is the fact that most, but not all, depend heavily on graduate students to do most of the work in undergraduate classes. I would take a look at discussions about this factor. Many graduate students at these institutions have organized regarding pay and working conditions. I personally know a professor at one of the Ivy League schools, not teaching a social science, who teaches only one undergraduate course per semester and his graduate assistant does most of the work. Talking to him and some of his colleagues tends to confirm my perspective on their attitude toward undergraduates. They spend the bulk of their time with their graduate classes and their PhD candidates. Therefore, it is my contention that these institutions have enormously good reputations in the field of Political Science, but it tends to be because of the graduate work and the research and publishing of the faculty. Therefore, as an undergraduate, one may not be exposed to the superior education that their reputation stands for.
The exception is MIT. Graduate students do not teach or become involved with undergraduate classes. They take their own classes and do their own work on their way to advanced degrees. All undergraduate classes at MIT are taught by a professor. If there is another person playing the role of a "graduate assistant" it is another professor. I have sat in on a number of undergraduate classes at MIT, not as a student, but as an observer, and watched two tenured professors working the classes. I've talked to students in some of those classes and learned that the "graduate assistant" professor is easily accessible with good office hours. No one I talked to had a complaint about the quality of their education or the assistance they received. If there is a downside to all this there's a long standing saying at MIT: "There are three things one can do at MIT; study, party, and sleep. Pick any two." The students have also managed, over the years, to terrorize Harvard in any number of ways. It's part of the Undergraduate Tradition.
I hope you find this helpful.
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