Best Political Science Schools to Consider for Your Studies

Harvard University

Global Score: #4

With high university rankings, Harvard University's Department of Government is a distinguished hub for political science. The department emphasizes excellence in teaching and research across key political science fields, including American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory, as well as advanced areas like Political Methodology and Formal Theory.

Students benefit from diverse approaches such as Historical Institutionalism, Political Economy, and studies on Race, Ethnicity, and Politics. The department's faculty and programs address contemporary issues ranging from climate politics to democratic ethics. With over 400 undergraduate concentrators, 165 Ph.D. students, and visiting scholars, the department thrives on its varied perspectives and collaborative environment.

Graduate students receive extensive training, participating in supervised dissertation research, faculty projects, and teaching. They also access Harvard's renowned international studies centers and research institutes, enriching their academic experience. The Government Department's robust offerings make it a leader in the field, preparing students for impactful careers in research, education, and beyond.

Career Placement Rates: 89%

Campus Culture as Described by Students: Intense, Passionate, Diverse, and Life Changing

Campus Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard's campus is located in the historic city of Cambridge, across the Charles River from Boston, offering proximity to a vibrant academic and cultural hub.

Yale University

Global Score: #23

Yale University's Department of Political Science excels in research and teaching, with a faculty of approximately 45 experts spanning the discipline's subfields and global regions. The undergraduate major is among Yale's most popular, and its graduate program consistently produces scholars who advance the field in academic and professional settings.

The department fosters interdisciplinary collaboration through programs like Ethics, Politics, and Economics; Directed Studies; and partnerships with the Institution for Social and Policy Studies and the MacMillan Center. It also hosts seminars, lectures, and conferences that enhance the academic experience for the broader Yale community.

Students explore a broad spectrum of topics in political science, supported by Yale's commitment to intellectual rigor and diversity. This foundation prepares them for leadership in academia, public policy, and related fields, solidifying Yale's reputation as a leader in political science education.

Career Placement Rates: 92%

Campus Culture as Described by Students: Passionate, Fulfilling, Fast-paced

Campus Location: New Haven, Connecticut. Situated in downtown New Haven, Yale's campus is known for its iconic Gothic architecture and integrates seamlessly with the surrounding urban environment.

Stanford University

Global Score: #6

Stanford University's Department of Political Science is dedicated to the study and teaching of politics through a diverse and rigorous curriculum. The program covers domestic and international topics, focusing on governance systems, public policy, political behavior, and institutional design. Students engage with both qualitative and quantitative research methods, honing their analytical and communication skills for academic and professional success.

The department's strengths include American Politics, where topics like Congress, public opinion, and race are explored, and Political Methodology, which trains students in advanced techniques such as statistics and econometrics. Political Theory at Stanford combines normative analysis, institutional study, and the intellectual history of political thought, providing a comprehensive perspective on justice and power.

Stanford's approach equips students with critical thinking skills and knowledge essential for addressing modern political challenges, preparing them for impactful careers and engaged citizenship.

Career Placement Rates: 94%

Campus Culture as Described by Students: The dream, Great environment for academic and personal growth

Campus Location: Stanford, California. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford's sprawling campus covers over 8,000 acres, featuring cutting-edge facilities and a picturesque setting.

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

Global Score: #12

Being one of the best colleges for political science, the Charles and Louise Travers Department of Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley, features over 50 faculty and lecturers who teach and research across five core subfields. The department collaborates with more than 20 interdisciplinary centers and institutes on topics of global significance, enriching its academic community.

The undergraduate Political Science major emphasizes understanding the complexities of power, including its ethical dimensions, historical development, and societal impacts. Students engage with topics like justice, liberty, the U.S. political system, global political diversity, and the causes of war and peace. Courses range from large lectures to small seminars, providing diverse learning environments. With a focus on critical reading and analytical writing, the program challenges students to think deeply about political systems and their broader implications, preparing them for various academic and professional paths.

Career Placement Rates: 88%

Campus Culture as Described by Students: Diverse, liberal, crazy, and intelligent; Competitive, awe-inspiring, challenging

Campus Location: Berkeley, California. Berkeley's campus sits on the eastern side of the San Francisco Bay, offering stunning views and a dynamic college-town atmosphere.

Georgetown University

Global Score: #301

Georgetown University's Department of Government offers robust programs in American politics, international relations, comparative politics, political theory, and political economy. Known for its public engagement and interdisciplinary connections, the department collaborates closely with the Walsh School of Foreign Service, McCourt School of Public Policy, and Georgetown Law Center.

The Ph.D. program prepares scholars for influential roles in academia, government, and international affairs, addressing critical global and societal challenges. The department also provides four master's degrees focused on policy-oriented issues like democracy, conflict resolution, development, and U.S. politics at all levels. With a strong tradition in political science and a global perspective, Georgetown equips students with the analytical skills needed to address pressing political and social issues.

Career Placement Rates: 92%

Campus Culture as Described by Students: Challenging, Competitive, Inspiring

Campus Location: Washington, D.C.. Georgetown's campus is nestled along the Potomac River in the Georgetown neighborhood, providing a blend of historic charm and access to the nation's capital.

Columbia University

Global Score: #34

Columbia University's Department of Political Science, established in 1880 as the first of its kind in the nation, is recognized for its leadership in all major subfields of the discipline. Its faculty includes prominent scholars and award-winning researchers, and its graduates excel in academic, public, and private sectors worldwide.

Its political science school focuses on power and governance, exploring political institutions, processes, and behavior. It offers expertise in four key subfields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. Topics range from elections and constitutional law to cross-national comparisons, global security, and the history of political thought.

Interdisciplinary areas like political economy and advanced methodologies, including statistical analysis and formal modeling, further enhance the program's scope. Columbia's comprehensive curriculum prepares students for impactful careers and a deeper understanding of political dynamics.

Career Placement Rates: 89%

Campus Culture as Described by Students: Challenging, Passionate, Eye-opening

Campus Location: New York City, New York. Columbia's campus is in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, offering a central location near the cultural and professional opportunities of New York City.

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Global Score: #44

The Department of Political Science at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, consistently ranks among the nation's top programs, emphasizing excellence in teaching, research, and skill development. Faculty members engage in cutting-edge research while fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective writing among students.

Students have access to personalized learning experiences through research fellowships, independent study, and honors thesis opportunities. Practical experience is also emphasized, with internships and service-learning opportunities available. Career outcomes for political science concentrators span fields such as law, journalism, public policy, business, teaching, and roles in government or non-governmental organizations.

The program covers key subfields, including American Politics, Comparative Politics, World Politics, Political Theory, and Research Methods. The Ph.D. program focuses on producing scholars of the highest caliber, with customizable specializations to meet individual research interests and goals. This comprehensive approach prepares graduates for impactful careers in academia and beyond.

Career Placement Rates: 94%

Campus Culture as Described by Students: Leaders and Best, Those who actually work hard will be champions

Campus Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan. Located in the vibrant college town of Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan's campus is a mix of historic buildings and modern facilities.

Rice University

Global Score: #141

The Department of Political Science at Rice University combines rigorous research, graduate training, and liberal arts education to equip students for diverse careers in academia, government, business, law, and non-profit organizations. The undergraduate program introduces students to political science as a scientific study of political institutions, behavior, and public policy, with opportunities to specialize in American Politics, Comparative Politics, or International Relations.

Students gain skills in critical thinking, analytical writing, and independent research, fostering an understanding of political processes and active citizenship. Graduate students receive advanced training in quantitative and qualitative methods, specializing in areas such as political institutions, electoral behavior, and international conflict.

Rice's curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and practical applications, preparing students for professional success while advancing knowledge of key political phenomena.

Career Placement Rates: 92%

Campus Culture as Described by Students: Work Hard. Play slightly less hard, High-pressure.

Campus Location: Houston, Texas. Rice University's campus is in the Museum District of Houston, surrounded by green spaces and cultural institutions, just minutes from downtown.

Dartmouth College

Global Score: #243

Dartmouth College's Department of Government examines the foundations of order and governance alongside the challenges posed by division, conflict, and war. Faculty and students employ diverse methodologies, including textual analysis, surveys, experiments, interviews, and quantitative research, to explore political systems and behaviors.

The department addresses pressing issues such as conflict resolution, the evolution of democratic institutions, civil rights, partisanship, and public opinion. Faculty are prominent researchers contributing to the understanding of these enduring questions.

In addition to its core offerings in American, International, and Comparative Politics, as well as Political Theory, Dartmouth provides off-campus and foreign study opportunities. The department collaborates with centers such as the Dickey Center for International Understanding and the Rockefeller Center to host lectures, seminars, and conferences. These events connect students with faculty and visiting experts, enriching the study of politics both within and beyond the classroom.

Career Placement Rates: 94%

Campus Culture as Described by Students: Unforgettable, Challenging, but fun

Campus Location: Hanover, New Hampshire. Dartmouth's campus is in the small town of Hanover, nestled in the scenic Upper Valley region of New England, offering a quintessential college-town environment.

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University of Chicago

Global Score: #21

The Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago has a legacy of pioneering scholarship, shaping the discipline with influential faculty and graduates. Renowned figures such as Hans Morgenthau, Leo Strauss, and Herbert Simon have contributed to its global reputation for advancing political science.

The department's research spans a wide array of topics, from American elections to the origins of the modern state, with a strong emphasis on addressing fundamental political questions like justice, democracy, and the causes of war. The graduate program is particularly distinguished for fostering deep intellectual inquiry and producing leaders in academia, public policy, and global affairs. This commitment to rigorous exploration and intellectual breadth solidifies the University of Chicago's standing as a leader in the field.

Career Placement Rates: 92%

Campus Culture as Described by Students: Intellectual and quirky; Fast-paced

Campus Location: Chicago, Illinois. The University of Chicago's campus is located in the Hyde Park neighborhood, a historic area along Lake Michigan just seven miles south of downtown Chicago.