High Ranking Political Science Programs?

Hey everyone, I'm thinking of going into politics, and I'm starting to scout out potential colleges for a poli sci major. Anyone have suggestions for top schools for political science?

Sure, there are several excellent programs to consider if you're interested in political science.

At the top of many lists sits Harvard University, which is renowned for its program in Government. It fosters serious scholarship and lively campus political discussion.

Stanford University also has an outstanding Political Science program. It's hailed for its diverse faculty whose strengths lie in a wide range of subfields.

Princeton University's Politics department is known for combining strong theory-based coursework with real-world applications, offering expansive research opportunities, and offering a public policy track.

Yale University's Department of Political Science is another great option. It emphasizes the international and comparative dimensions of political science and offers concentrations in areas such as political philosophy and empirical theory.

The University of Chicago Political Science Department has a rich history and a unique approach to the discipline, offering courses that are interdisciplinary and evidence-based.

For a strong program at a public institution, consider the Political Science department at UC Berkeley. They are known for both their broad curriculum and their emphasis on producing politically engaged students.

Keep in mind each of these schools takes a slightly different approach to political science, and each has its own strengths and specializations. You should research each program to find the one that aligns best with your goals. For example, if you're interested in international relations, a program such as those offered by Georgetown or Johns Hopkins could be a great fit. But if you're more interested in local and state politics, a program such as University of California, Berkeley might be a more fitting choice.

It's also worth noting that these are highly selective programs at top-tier universities. However, there are plenty of other great political science programs at a wide range of institutions. So don't let the prestige or rankings deter you—look at what each program offers and how it aligns with your interests and career goals.

Lastly, don’t forget to consider factors such as location, campus culture, and extracurricular opportunities in politics-related clubs or internships—which can be excellent supplements to your studies. Those real-world experiences in politics can often be just as valuable as the coursework itself.