Top 10 Political Science Colleges in the US

princetonWith the end of the US presidential race just around the corner, election fever is slowly gripping the entire nation. Politics has become a topic of hot discussion with political experts cropping up from every nook and corner. But there is so much more to politics than the ongoing presidential elections.

If you are interested in politics and wish to acquire in-depth understanding about how the government and political system work, then you must check out political science programs across major US universities. As the name suggests, political science is the study of how a government functions and the analysis of political systems, political behavior, etc. It is closely related to different fields of education such as law, economics, sociology, anthropology, history, etc.

There are different sub disciplines of political science, namely -Comparative politics, International political economy, International relations, Political theory, Public administration, Public law and Political methodology. The students of political science find job opportunities in government agencies, law firms, media as well as teaching communities.

If you want to study politics up close and want to make a career out of it, then check out our list of the top 10 US universities that offer the best political science programs:

  1. Harvard Kennedy School:

Harvard University is one of the most sought after universities for pursuing a major in popular courses like medicine, engineering, law, etc. But when it comes to political science, Harvard is considered one of the pioneers. John F Kennedy School of Government, also known Harvard Kennedy School, offers Masters’ programs such as Master in Public Policy, Master in Public Administration, Master in International Development, etc., as well as doctoral programs such as Ph.D. in Political Economy & Government (PEG), Ph.D. in Public Policy (PPOL), etc. Apart from Harvard Kennedy School, the university has a Department of Government that offers undergraduate as well as post-graduate courses.

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Tuition Fee: $42,292 annually

Acceptance Rate: 6%

Average Salary: $45,000

  1. Department of Political Science, Yale University:

One of the six reputed Ivy League schools, Yale University is a popular destination for political science students. The Department of Political Science offers undergraduate as well as graduate programs to students with keen interest in political science. Apart from the sought after Ph.D. degree, Yale offers MA programs as well.

Location: New Haven, Connecticut

Tuition Fee: $44,000 annually

Acceptance Rate: 6.3%

Average Salary: $48,000

  1. Department of Politics, Princeton University:

Considered to be one of the nation’s largest undergraduate programs in the study of politics, Princeton University offers world class programs under the Department of Politics. The undergraduate program focuses on four major fields – American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations and Political Theory. Apart from undergraduate courses, the Department of Politics offers Ph.D. degree too.

Location: Princeton, New Jersey

Tuition Fee: $40,170 annually

Acceptance Rate: 7.4%

Average Salary: $55,000

  1. Department of Political Science, Stanford University:

Another popular hub for political studies is Stanford University. Many renowned politicians and senators, including former President Herbert Hoover, were alumni of Stanford. The Department of Political Science of Stanford University offers undergraduate programs like B.A. in Political Science and graduate programs like M.A. in Political Science and Ph.D. in Political Science.

Location: Stanford, California

Tuition Fee: $43,683 annually

Acceptance Rate: 5.1%

Average Salary: $54,000

  1. Department of Political Science, Columbia University:

Established in 1880, Columbia University has the oldest political science department in the country. The Department of Political Science offers undergraduate programs such as B.A. in Political Science and other honors degrees. It also offers graduate programs like M.A in Political Science, Ph.D. in Political Science, etc.

Location: New York

Tuition Fee: $49,138 annually

Acceptance Rate: 6.9%

Average Salary: $51,000

  1. Department of Political Science, University of California, Berkeley:

UC Berkley is considered to be one of the best colleges to pursue a political science degree thanks to it’s world class program and highly qualified faculty members. The Department of Political Science, also known as Berkeley Political Science, offers undergraduate programs like B.A. in Political Science and graduate programs like Ph.D. in Political Science.

Location: Berkeley, California

Tuition Fee: $35,850 annually

Acceptance Rate: 16%

Average Salary: $45,000

  1. MIT Political Science:

Apart from producing some world class mathematicians, scientists, lawyers and doctors, MIT has a reputation of producing world leaders and respected politicians. The MIT Political Science department offers undergraduate programs like Major in Political Science, Minor in Political Science, Minor in Applied International Studies, etc. It also offers graduate programs like M.Sc. in Political Science and Ph.D. in Political Science.

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Tuition Fee: $45,016 annually

Acceptance Rate: 7.9%

Average Salary: $44,000

  1. Department of Political Science, Washington University in St. Louis:

Known for its blend of theory and practice, Washington University in St. Louis is one of the best colleges for a Political Science degree. The Department of Political Science offers undergraduate programs such as B.A. in Political Science and graduate programs like Ph.D. in Political Science. These programs concentrate mainly on American Politics, Comparative Politics and International Politics.

Location: St. Louis Missouri

Tuition Fee: $46,467

Acceptance Rate: 17.1%

Average Salary: $64000

  1. College of Literature, Science and Arts, University of Michigan—Ann Arbor:

Political Science is one of the popular programs in College of Literature, Science and Arts at University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. It concentrates on five primary fields namely Political Theory, American Politics, Comparative Politics, World Politics and Research Methods. It offers undergraduate courses like B.A. in Political Science. It also offers Ph.D. in Political Science, which is one of the most sought after degrees among the graduates.

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Tuition Fee: $41,906 annually

Acceptance Rate: 32.2%

Average Salary: $46,000

  1. Department of Government, Dartmouth College:

Last but not the least in our list is Dartmouth College, known for its Government/Political Science programs. The Department of Government mainly concentrates on American Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics and Public Law. It offers undergraduate programs like Major in Political Science, Minor in Political Science as well as honors degree.

Location: Hanover, New Hampshire

Tuition Fee: $46,752 annually

Acceptance Rate: 11.5%

Average Salary: $48,000

Getting into one of these top 10 colleges for political science is certainly no cakewalk. Study political science in one of these esteemed institutions to quench your thirst for in-depth political knowledge. The best courses are waiting for you.
*The tuition fees and expected average salary mentioned above are for undergraduate courses and are subjected to change every year.