best colleges for phd in political science

Ph.D. Admissions

Apply here . 

Preparing to Apply

Before starting the application process please read the information about the graduate program requirements  and read our  Frequently Asked Questions . You may also find the Guide to Getting Into Grad School helpful. 

The Political Science department recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

All questions regarding graduate admissions should be directed to politicalscience [at] stanford.edu (subject: Admissions%20Enquiry) ( politicalscience[at]stanford[dot]edu ) .

The principal goal of the Stanford Ph.D. program in political science is the training of scholars. Most students who receive doctorates in the program do research and teach at colleges or universities. We offer courses and research opportunities in a wide variety of fields in the discipline, including American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Political Methodology. The program is built around small seminars that analyze critically the literature of a field or focus on a research problem. These courses prepare students for the Ph.D. comprehensive exam requirement within a two-year period and for work on the doctoral dissertation.  

Admission to the graduate program in political science is highly selective. About twelve to fifteen students, chosen from a large pool of applicants, enter the program each year. The small size of our student body allows more individual work with members of the faculty than most graduate programs. It also makes possible financial assistance in one form or another to most students admitted to the Ph.D. program. 

Graduate Admissions FAQ

Please visit our list of  frequently asked questions.

You may also find the following links useful if you have general questions about student life and graduate study at Stanford University:  

Vice Provost of Graduate Education (VPGE)

• Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook (GAP)
• Graduate Life Office
• Stanford Bulletin
• Explore Courses

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Join dozens of Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS). KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford. Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment. If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about KHS admission .

Graduate Program

Pushing the Scholarly Frontier

PhD in Political Science

Our doctoral students are advancing political science as a discipline. They explore the empirical phenomena that produce new scholarly insights—insights that improve the way governments and societies function. As a result, MIT Political Science graduates are sought after for top teaching and research positions in the U.S. and abroad. Read where program alumni are working around the world.

How the PhD program works

The MIT PhD in Political Science requires preparation in two of these major fields:

• American Politics
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Models and Methods
• Political Economy
• Security Studies

We recommend that you take a broad array of courses across your two major fields. In some cases, a single course may overlap across the subject matter of both fields. You may not use more than one such course to "double count" for the course distribution requirement. Keep in mind that specific fields may have additional requirements.

You are free to take subjects in other departments across the Institute. Cross-registration arrangements also permit enrollment in subjects taught in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University and in some of Harvard's other graduate schools.

Requirements

1. number of subjects.

You will need two full academic years of work to prepare for the general examinations and to meet other pre-dissertation requirements. Typically, a minimum of eight graduate subjects are required for a PhD.

2. Scope and Methods

This required one-semester seminar for first-year students introduces principles of empirical and theoretical analysis in political science.

3. Statistics

You must successfully complete at least one class in statistics.

You must successfully complete at least one class in empirical research methods.

5. Philosophy

You must successfully complete at least one class in political philosophy.

6. Foreign language or advanced statistics

You must demonstrate reading proficiency in one language other than English by successfully completing two semesters of intermediate-level coursework or an exam in that language, or you must demonstrate your knowledge of advanced statistics by successfully completing three semesters of coursework in advanced statistics. International students whose native language is not English are not subject to the language requirement.

7. Field research

We encourage you to conduct field research and to develop close working ties with faculty members engaged in major research activities.

8. Second Year Paper/workshop

You must complete an article-length research paper and related workshop in the spring semester of the second year. The second-year paper often develops into a dissertation project.

9. Two examinations

In each of your two elected fields, you must take a general written and oral examination. To prepare for these examinations, you should take at least three courses in each of the two fields, including the field seminar.

10. Doctoral thesis

As a rule, the doctoral thesis requires at least one year of original research and data collection. Writing the dissertation usually takes a substantially longer time. The thesis process includes a first and second colloquium and an oral defense. Be sure to consult the MIT Specifications for Thesis Preparation as well as the MIT Political Science Thesis Guidelines . Consult the MIT academic calendar to learn the due date for final submission of your defended, signed thesis.

Questions? Consult the MIT Political Science Departmental Handbook or a member of the staff in the MIT Political Science Graduate Office .

PhD in Political Science

You are here: american university school of public affairs phd programs phd political science.

PhD Political Science (On-Campus)

Dive deeply into US and global politics. Learn empirical methods that allow you to produce meaningful research with profound impact. Prepare yourself for university-level teaching.

(202) 885-6230

[email protected]

Kerwin Hall, Room 306 on a map

202-885-6203

Fax: 202-885-2967

[email protected]

Kerwin Hall, Room 230 on a map

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At the Heart of Policy and Politics

The PhD in Political Science at the School of Public Affairs draws from the breadth and depth of intellectual resources within the Department of Government and across American University, providing our students with rigorous substantive and methodological training. Students work closely with prominent scholars who have made major contributions to academic research and national and global policy via cutting-edge research and professional activities.

Our students organize their programs around a choice of three fields of study. For their primary and secondary fields, students specialize in American politics, comparative politics, or political methodology. Students may also take courses in other departments and schools within the university and even at other Washington, DC-area universities.

Learn and Make Professional Connections

In addition to their coursework, doctoral students are introduced into the discipline and make professional connections through a variety of research workshops in the Department of Government and the School of Public Affairs. They also benefit from exposure to activities, conferences, and research opportunities offered by the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies , the Women & Politics Institute , the Center for Data Science , and the Center for Environmental Policy , all of which are directed by Department of Government faculty.

Publish and Present

We encourage graduate students to present research papers at major academic conferences, co-author papers with faculty members, publish in top journals, and seek prestigious awards to fund their research. All students receive a yearly stipend to attend research conferences.

Become an Expert

Our students wield multiple skills at graduation. They have already produced original research and taught classes, and are prepared for careers in academia and beyond.

The PhD degree in Political Science requires 36 credit hours of approved graduate work. Most students complete 12 credits in their primary field of study, 12 credits in research design and methodology, 6 credits in their secondary field of study, and 6 credits of electives, which they choose in consultation with their advisor.

As work on the dissertation project progresses, students register for dissertation credit to maintain active status. They take  Doctoral Continuing Enrollment (GOVT-898)  during the third year of study and  Doctoral Dissertation (GOVT-899)  after their dissertation proposal is approved.

A minimum grade point average of 3.20 in all coursework is required to remain in good standing and to earn the degree. Full-time status is considered to be nine credit hours per semester. Students are expected to complete the degree in four to five years.

Students advance to PhD candidacy by successfully completing all required courses, passing a qualifier paper and two written comprehensive exams (one in each of their fields of study), and defending their dissertation proposal. To earn the degree, students must complete the dissertation and pass a final oral defense of the dissertation.

More information about course requirements can be found here .

For more information, please contact the SPA Graduate Admissions Office at 202-885-6230 or  [email protected] .

Applicants are considered and students admitted for the fall semester only. Please refer to the  application deadlines  page for the deadline to apply. 

While previous academic or professional work in politics or political science is not required, applicants need to demonstrate a serious commitment to a career in this field. The personal statement on reasons for pursuing graduate study in the program is essential, along with the other required application materials .

We accept PhD applicants for full-time study only. Students must be funded either by the School of Public Affairs or by an external sponsoring organization (self-funding is not permitted for newly admitted doctoral students).

For more information, please contact the SPA Graduate Admissions Office at 202-885-6230 or [email protected] .

The PhD in Political Science is a 36-credit-hour program. To estimate the cost of tuition, please see the  current cost per credit hour  for graduate students.

Unless applicants expect to be funded through a reliable external source, they must request consideration for funding on their application. Upon acceptance into the program, students selected for AU funding are granted a fellowship with full funding for four years of study, contingent on maintaining satisfactory progress each year. Some limited funding is available on a competitive basis for a fifth year of study.

As a requirement for the fellowship, students work 20 hours a week with a faculty member. If possible, our graduate office will assign students to faculty members with expertise in their areas of research interest. 

Students must advance to candidacy by the end of their third year of study to continue receiving funding.

• Government Department
• Curriculum & Requirements
• Program Handbook

Ph.D. Program

Thank you for visiting the graduate program website and for giving us the opportunity to introduce ourselves. We take special pride in our Department’s high national ranking in the discipline — and in the shared determination of our faculty to continue to build an exciting intellectual community. Our graduate program combines outstanding faculty and students, a broad-ranging curriculum oriented toward research, and the resources of one of the nation’s great universities. In addition to housing many leading departments in the social science, humanities and natural sciences, UCLA offers one of the world’s foremost research libraries, exceptional computing facilities, and an extensive network of interdisciplinary centers and institutes that foster linkages across disciplinary boundaries.

Our Department is a fairly large one, staffed by approximately 45 core faculty. Each year we aim for an entering class of about 15 to 20, which allows for considerable personal attention to each of our students. Currently, we have about 150 students in residence. We consider ourselves a “full service” department: our large and intellectually diverse faculty offers coursework and opportunities for research in all of the major sub-fields of the discipline. In addition, our graduate students have found that our curriculum facilitates intensive study in a number of cross-cutting areas – empirical and theoretical, contemporary and historical. Among these interdisciplinary concentrations are political economy, American political development, race and politics, and the philosophical, historical, and literary dimensions of political theory. Because UCLA is home to a large number of centers for language and area studies our students often focus their doctoral research on the politics of specific world regions while drawing theoretical and empirical leverage from sources that transcend conventional boundaries.

Our emphasis on rigorous academic training and independent research creates a diverse and intellectually exciting graduate student community. Most of our doctoral graduates go on to careers in academic institutions, but many have also found challenging employment in the public sector or in private organizations that emphasize research and analytic skills. In the past decade or so, our graduates have obtained tenure-track academic positions at Princeton, Yale, Harvard, Harvard’s Kennedy School, Stanford, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Michigan, UC Berkeley, and UC San Diego. Others have joined such institutions as the World Bank, the State Department, the Federal Reserve Bank, RAND, and the Carnegie Endowment.

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Political Science and Government Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 226 results

MIT School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Cambridge, MA •

Massachusetts Institute of Technology •

Graduate School

Massachusetts Institute of Technology ,

Graduate School ,

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

Stanford University Department of Humanities and Sciences

Stanford, CA •

Stanford University •

Stanford University ,

STANFORD, CA ,

Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

New Haven, CT •

Yale University •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: The resources at Yale are outstanding. While some of the required courses are slow-moving and less informative, I do have more academic freedom in my second year to the program to take classes that I enjoy across all departments (including data science, statistics, computer science, and law). ... Read 2 reviews

Yale University ,

NEW HAVEN, CT ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The resources at Yale are outstanding. While some of the required courses are slow-moving and less informative, I do have more academic freedom in my second year to the program to take classes that I... .

Read 2 reviews.

University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley

Graduate School •

EDINBURG, TX

• • Rating 4.6 out of 5   117

University of Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA

• • Rating 4.43 out of 5   74

Lehigh University

BETHLEHEM, PA

• • Rating 4.45 out of 5   20

Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Harvard University •

• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   9 reviews

Other: I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student' in the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Through this School, I will be focusing my time at the John A. Paulson school of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Looking forward to wrapping up my final year on campus! ... Read 9 reviews

Harvard University ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I am Harvard Extension School student pursuing a master degree, ALM, in sustainability. I have achieved a 3.89 in this program so far and have qualified, applied, and accepted as a 'Special Student'... .

Read 9 reviews.

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ •

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: The best part of the Princeton University mechanical engineering graduate degree is the excellent faculty that teach the courses. They are incredibly knowledgeable and also very willing to help students in office hours or in sponsorship of projects. The worst part of the Princeton University mechanical engineering graduate degree is the lack of structure for the graduate research program which can leave you feeling unsure on the direction of your research. ... Read 3 reviews

PRINCETON, NJ ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The best part of the Princeton University mechanical engineering graduate degree is the excellent faculty that teach the courses. They are incredibly knowledgeable and also very willing to help... .

Read 3 reviews.

Sanford School of Public Policy

Durham, NC •

Duke University •

• • Rating 4.75 out of 5   4 reviews

Current Master's student: My academic experience at Duke has been the most rewarding in my life. What makes Duke so great is the opportunity through the Sanford Policy School to exchange and engage ideas with professors and peers connected to my area of policy analysis. I have gotten the chance through summer internships to have real-world policy experience in analysis and implementation. Because my policy analysis is explicitly based on healthcare, I have focused on black maternal outcomes as my point of reference. I have had the opportunity to work with Professor Carolyn Barnes and collaborate since she is an expert in social and economic welfare and its effects on low-income families. The introductory and intermediate microeconomics, macroeconomics, and statistics classes give students a solid technical base when drafting briefs. One thing I would change is to provide more accessibility of recorded lectures when sick after the coronavirus. ... Read 4 reviews

Duke University ,

DURHAM, NC ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says My academic experience at Duke has been the most rewarding in my life. What makes Duke so great is the opportunity through the Sanford Policy School to exchange and engage ideas with professors and... .

Read 4 reviews.

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Brown University Graduate School

Providence, RI •

Brown University •

Brown University ,

PROVIDENCE, RI ,

School of Arts & Sciences - University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA •

University of Pennsylvania •

University of Pennsylvania ,

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

Rice University School of Humanities

Houston, TX •

Rice University •

Blue checkmark.

Rice University ,

HOUSTON, TX ,

Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Evanston, IL •

Northwestern University •

Northwestern University ,

EVANSTON, IL ,

College of Arts and Science

Nashville, TN •

Vanderbilt University •

Vanderbilt University ,

NASHVILLE, TN ,

Washington University in St. Louis - Arts & Sciences

St. Louis, MO •

Washington University in St. Louis •

Washington University in St. Louis ,

ST. LOUIS, MO ,

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• Law Schools
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College of Arts and Letters - University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN •

University of Notre Dame •

Doctoral Student: The faculty at Notre Dame is excellent. The student to professor ratio makes for a wonderful one to one interaction between students and teachers. At Notre Dame, my interests, dreams, goals, research and career path matter. I loved this most. I feel taken seriously and supported with every possible resources for my mental, academic and career success. One gets many opportunities to grow talents through research, and presentations with helpful and supportive feedback from students and professors. For these reasons, I find it a place to be! On the down side, the weather is at first always a challenge for one who is not used to the harsh and gloomy midwestern winter. ... Read 2 reviews

University of Notre Dame ,

NOTRE DAME, IN ,

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The faculty at Notre Dame is excellent. The student to professor ratio makes for a wonderful one to one interaction between students and teachers. At Notre Dame, my interests, dreams, goals, research... On the down side, the weather is at first always a challenge for one who is not used to the harsh and gloomy midwestern winter. .

Social Sciences Division - University of Chicago

Chicago, IL •

University of Chicago •

• • Rating 3.75 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: The University of Chicago offers many clubs you can attend. Do to COIVD most of the clubs meet online and some in person one day out of the week. There's boxing, archery, fencing, and one of my personal favorites ju-jutsu, just to name a few. These sports are completive but they also have clubs that are just for fun and any body of any skill level can join. There is also this amazing climbing wall in the recreation center but we are not allowed to climb it at the moment because of COVID restrictions. It's also convent to be surrounded by hospitals (Rush and UIC). I got hurt while I was at school, I broke my arm, and I did not have to call on anyone to take me to the hospital, I could just walk. The food is okay and you get to chose from a good selection of things. The rooms where a nice size and most of the students were so friendly it was easy to make friends. ... Read 4 reviews

University of Chicago ,

CHICAGO, IL ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The University of Chicago offers many clubs you can attend. Do to COIVD most of the clubs meet online and some in person one day out of the week. There's boxing, archery, fencing, and one of my... .

Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Los Angeles, CA •

University of Southern California •

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

Cornell University College of Arts & Sciences

Ithaca, NY •

Cornell University •

Cornell University ,

ITHACA, NY ,

Rackham School of Graduate Studies

Ann Arbor, MI •

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor •

• • Rating 4.8 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: The Landscape Architecture program at UMich School for Environment and Sustainability is rooted in advancing sustainable design and ecological function, rather than pure aesthetics. We have some amazing faculty very dedicated to this mission, some of whom are legends within the field. This program attracts and retains students who are diverse, passionate, friendly and helpful, and the experience at this school has been very rewarding. The curriculum is challenging but thought provoking, and everyone in the studios is happy and willing to help, fostering a warm sense of comradery and support. ... Read 5 reviews

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor ,

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The Landscape Architecture program at UMich School for Environment and Sustainability is rooted in advancing sustainable design and ecological function, rather than pure aesthetics. We have some... .

Read 5 reviews.

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - Georgetown University

Nw Washington, DC •

Georgetown University •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: The program is highly practical. The professors explain concepts in class and give us home works to submit on each topic discussed on a weekly basis. This enables us to grasp the concepts more. We are informed of the professors office time and so we can email them to make inquiries and get assistance when needed. We make presentations during class which train us to become more bold and be able to communicate the concepts easily. We are able to discuss and critic writings independently. We work on projects in groups of about 3-4 and discuss findings to the entire class and professor. We review research papers and make meta-analyses inform of class projects. The program is well structured and i am gaining skills. My worst experience is having to worry about Tuition and other related school bills. ... Read 2 reviews

Georgetown University ,

NW WASHINGTON, DC ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The program is highly practical. The professors explain concepts in class and give us home works to submit on each topic discussed on a weekly basis. This enables us to grasp the concepts more. We... .

UCLA College of Letters and Science

University of California - Los Angeles •

• • Rating 3 out of 5   1 review

University of California - Los Angeles ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.

Read 1 reviews.

Krieger School of Arts & Sciences

Baltimore, MD •

Johns Hopkins University •

• • Rating 4.53 out of 5   19 reviews

Master's Student: I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student Advisor, Alexis has been extremely helpful in initiating my enrollment process and answering all of my questions in a timely matter. My intended Advanced Academic Program is the accelerated (2 semester), dual-modality, 40-credit M.S. in Biotechnology, Biodefense concentration. All of the anticipated course subjects are diverse and there's even a customizable core lab course on campus (at least until Summer 2024). I can't wait and I wish you all the best in your search for academic programs or professional certifications. ... Read 19 reviews

Johns Hopkins University ,

BALTIMORE, MD ,

19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I have yet to enroll for Fall 2023 after receiving my acceptance letter due to a delay in my need-based financial aid from JHU. However the Homewood Campus in Baltimore is beautiful and my Student... .

Read 19 reviews.

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA •

University of Virginia •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Alum: Very good in some areas, excellent in other areas, many academic choices available in all areas of study ... Read 1 review

University of Virginia ,

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Very good in some areas, excellent in other areas, many academic choices available in all areas of study .

Laney Graduate School

Atlanta, GA •

Emory University •

Master's Student: I chose the graduate programs at Emory because they are ranked among the best in the country. The school of nursing also provides the clinical experiences, something many of the online only nurse practitioner programs do not do. ... Read 2 reviews

Emory University ,

ATLANTA, GA ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says I chose the graduate programs at Emory because they are ranked among the best in the country. The school of nursing also provides the clinical experiences, something many of the online only nurse... .

UC Berkeley College of Letters & Science

Berkeley, CA •

University of California - Berkeley •

University of California - Berkeley ,

BERKELEY, CA ,

College of Arts & Sciences - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC •

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill •

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ,

CHAPEL HILL, NC ,

College of Social Sciences & Humanities - Northeastern University

Boston, MA •

Northeastern University •

• • Rating 1 out of 5   2 reviews

Northeastern University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 1 stars.

University of Dallas

• • Rating 4.11 out of 5   9

University of North Texas

• • Rating 4.61 out of 5   129

College of Arts, Sciences and Education - Florida International University

Florida International University •

Showing results 1 through 25 of 226

Law and Political Science

Whether one examines a president’s power over government agencies, legislative responses to judicial decisions, or the impact of international agreements, law and politics are often so interdependent that it is difficult to define one without reference to the other. Lawyers work within institutions that are shaped by the politics of agencies, courts, legislatures, the electorate, and the international system. Legal institutions, in turn, have reciprocal effects on the distribution, use, and limits of political power.

Accordingly, research at the intersection of law and political science investigates some of the most interesting and fundamental questions in both fields. These include (among others): How do law enforcement agencies police themselves to avoid corruption, when their own personnel often have such strong incentives to resist oversight? Why and when do federal agencies or international organizations sometimes issue regulations contrary to the interests of those who created them? Who has power within legislative assemblies, and how is that power shaped by developments outside the legislature? What explains differences in the institutions of representative government across jurisdictions? How (much) does money influence politics under different systems of campaign finance regulation? What explains the votes of regulatory commissioners on telecommunications policy? What forces make it easier (or harder) for a country to comply with international law? How should legal responsibilities be allocated across organizations? How do laws and law-like systems of social norms affect public attitudes or corporate behavior? And how do independent regulatory institutions emerge in developing countries?

In preparing students to tackle such questions, Stanford’s JD/PhD program in political science combines a first-rate legal education with training from one of the strongest political science departments in the world. Stanford’s rich heritage in areas pertaining to law, politics, and policy is also reflected in institutions bridging disciplines within Stanford and connecting the university to the policy world.

These resources help Stanford provide an unparalleled experience for the next generation of cutting-edge scholars in law and political science. The program also prepares graduates to become leaders in other settings where it is valuable to understand the political context, consequences, and origins of laws and legal institutions. In recent years, students from Stanford’s JD/PhD program in political science have joined the faculties at Columbia, MIT, Cornell, Northwestern, the University of Southern California, the University of San Diego, and elsewhere. Others have pursued careers in government, research institutes, or private law practice.

Course Requirements

As many as 54 quarter units of approved courses may be counted toward both degrees. No more than 31 quarter units of courses that originate outside the law school may count toward the law degree.

A partial list of regular workshop series (at which students are welcome) includes:

• Legal Studies Workshop (Law School)
• American Politics Workshop (Political Science)
• International Relations Workshop (Political Science)
• Comparative Politics Workshop (Political Science)
• Social Science and International Security Workshop (Freeman Spogli Institute)
• Organizational Behavior and Social Psychology Workshop (Graduate School of Business)
• Political Economics Workshop (Graduate School of Business)
• Political Theory Workshop (Freeman Spogli Institute and Political Science)
• Law and Economics Workshop (Law School)
• Seminar on Collective Choice (Hoover Institution)

Note to applicants:  The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program awards full funding to Stanford graduate students from all disciplines, with additional opportunities for leadership training and collaboration across fields. Joint Degree applicants are encouraged to apply to the  Knight – Hennessy Scholars Program.  Please be aware that the Knight-Hennessy Scholars applications are due in early Autumn one year prior to enrollment. View dates and deadlines: knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/dates-and-deadlines .

Gerhard Casper

• Professor of Law, Emeritus
• President Emeritus of Stanford University
• Peter and Helen Bing Professor in Undergraduate Education, Emeritus
• Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI Stanford)
• Senior Fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR)

Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar

• Visiting Scholar

Nora Freeman Engstrom

• Ernest W. McFarland Professor of Law
• Co-Director, Deborah L. Rhode Center on the Legal Profession

Thomas C. Heller

• Lewis Talbot and Nadine Hearn Shelton Professor of International Legal Studies, Emeritus
• Faculty Director, Steyer-Taylor Center for Energy Policy and Finance

Deborah Hensler

• Judge John W. Ford Professor of Dispute Resolution

Daniel E. Ho

• William Benjamin Scott and Luna M. Scott Professor of Law
• Professor of Political Science
• Professor of Computer Science (by courtesy)
• Senior Fellow, Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)
• Senior Fellow, Stanford Institute for Economic and Policy Research
• Director of the Regulation, Evaluation, and Governance Lab (RegLab)

Erik G. Jensen

• Director of the Rule of Law Program
• Lecturer in Law

Pamela S. Karlan

• Kenneth and Harle Montgomery Professor of Public Interest Law
• Co-Director, Supreme Court Litigation Clinic

Nathaniel Persily

• James B. McClatchy Professor of Law
• Senior Fellow, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies
• Co-Director, Cyber Policy Center
• Professor, by courtesy, Political Science
• Professor, by courtesy, Communications

Robert L. Rabin

• A. Calder Mackay Professor of Law

Jane S. Schacter

• William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Law

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2024 Best Political Science & Government Schools

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 607 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Political Science & Government Schools ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 47,686 degrees in political science & government to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

• Best Overall Political Science & Government Schools List

Choosing a Great Political Science & Government School

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Pick Your Political Science & Government Degree Level

The political science school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings , including this list of the Best Political Science & Government Schools. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat , our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology .

Featured Political Science & Government Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

BA in Political Science

Gain a solid understanding of American political history, the current political landscape, and the major political parties with this online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.

Best Schools for Political Science & Government in the United States

Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the political science degree levels they offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Political Science

Yale University is a great option for students interested in a degree in political science & government. Yale is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New Haven. A Best Colleges rank of #8 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Yale is a great university overall.

There were approximately 165 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Yale in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the political science & government program at Yale University earn $22,934 above the average college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

Every student who is interested in political science & government has to check out Harvard University. Located in the city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.

There were approximately 191 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the political science & government major at Harvard University earn $24,409 above the average graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

University of Pennsylvania is a great decision for students interested in a degree in political science & government. UPenn is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Philadelphia. A Best Colleges rank of #4 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UPenn is a great university overall.

There were about 133 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at UPenn in the most recent data year. Political Science & Government degree recipients from University of Pennsylvania get an earnings boost of around $15,530 over the typical earnings of political science & government majors.

Every student who is interested in political science & government needs to look into Georgetown University. Georgetown is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Washington. A Best Colleges rank of #15 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Georgetown is a great university overall.

There were approximately 308 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Georgetown in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the political science & government degree program at Georgetown University earn $20,731 more than the standard college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

UChicago is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Chicago. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UChicago is a great university overall.

There were about 131 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent data year. Political Science & Government degree recipients from University of Chicago earn a boost of around $13,683 above the average earnings of political science & government graduates.

Columbia is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #14 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were approximately 308 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent year we have data available. Those political science & government students who get their degree from Columbia University in the City of New York receive $17,697 more than the average political science student.

Located in the large city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 36 colleges for overall quality in the state of Maryland.

There were about 159 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent year we have data available. Those political science & government students who get their degree from Johns Hopkins University receive $32,976 more than the typical political science grad.

Duke is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Durham. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were approximately 133 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent data year. Political Science & Government degree recipients from Duke University receive an earnings boost of approximately $8,731 above the average earnings of political science & government majors.

Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #3 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Stanford is a great university overall.

There were approximately 99 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Stanford in the most recent year we have data available. Political Science & Government degree recipients from Stanford University get an earnings boost of approximately $12,008 over the typical income of political science & government graduates.

Located in the large city of Houston, Rice is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. This university ranks 1st out of 115 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 44 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Rice in the most recent year we have data available.

Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were approximately 125 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the political science & government major at Northwestern University earn $11,561 more than the standard graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Notre Dame. This university ranks 1st out of 42 schools for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were about 190 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Notre Dame in the most recent year we have data available. Those political science & government students who get their degree from University of Notre Dame receive $8,637 more than the typical political science student.

Located in the town of Hanover, Dartmouth is a private not-for-profit college with a moderately-sized student population. This college ranks 1st out of 17 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Hampshire.

There were approximately 153 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Dartmouth in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the political science & government degree program at Dartmouth College make $22,696 above the average college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

Located in the large city of Nashville, Vanderbilt is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 45 schools for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were about 124 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent data year. Political Science & Government degree recipients from Vanderbilt University receive an earnings boost of about $9,528 over the average income of political science & government majors.

Located in the city of Ithaca, Cornell is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 142 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 157 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Cornell in the most recent year we have data available. Political Science & Government degree recipients from Cornell University get an earnings boost of about $17,070 over the typical earnings of political science & government majors.

WUSTL is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Saint Louis. This university ranks 1st out of 48 schools for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were approximately 92 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at WUSTL in the most recent year we have data available. Political Science & Government degree recipients from Washington University in St Louis receive an earnings boost of about $11,510 over the typical earnings of political science & government graduates.

Located in the medium-sized city of Berkeley, UC Berkeley is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 492 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at UC Berkeley in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the political science & government major at University of California - Berkeley get $6,127 more than the typical graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

Located in the large city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #11 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 139 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the political science & government major at University of Southern California make $6,644 more than the average college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

UCLA is a very large public university located in the city of Los Angeles. This university ranks 5th out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 707 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at UCLA in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the political science program report average early career income of $35,138.

Located in the small city of Princeton, Princeton is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #10 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Princeton is a great university overall.

There were approximately 100 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Princeton in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the political science & government program at Princeton University make $3,432 above the typical graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

Brown is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Providence. This university ranks 1st out of 9 schools for overall quality in the state of Rhode Island.

There were roughly 75 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Brown in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the political science & government major at Brown University make $15,787 more than the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

Claremont McKenna is a small private not-for-profit college located in the large suburb of Claremont. A Best Colleges rank of #13 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Claremont McKenna is a great college overall.

There were roughly 46 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Claremont McKenna in the most recent data year.

NYU is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New York. This university ranks 4th out of 142 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were about 248 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at NYU in the most recent data year. Those political science & government students who get their degree from New York University make $14,089 more than the average political science grad.

Located in the city of Washington, GWU is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 8 schools for overall quality in the state of District of Columbia.

There were roughly 469 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent data year. Those political science & government students who get their degree from George Washington University make $23,481 more than the average political science graduate.

UW - Madison is a very large public university located in the large city of Madison. This university ranks 1st out of 46 schools for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were about 391 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the political science program report average early career income of $35,789.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Political Science & Government Schools

Additional Award Winners

This section shows the rest of the colleges awarded a Best Political Science & Government Schools badge. Showing in this list means the college was ranked in the top 15% of the 607 different United States political science & government schools we analyzed.

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Political Science & Government Schools award.

Political Science & Government by Region

View the Best Political Science & Government Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Associate degrees in political science, master's degrees in political science, best value in political science & government, best for non-traditional students in political science & government, best online in political science & government, most popular online in political science & government, bachelor's degrees in political science, doctor's degrees in political science, highest paid grads in political science & government, best for veterans in political science & government, most popular in political science & government, most focused in political science & government.

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Rankings in Majors Related to Political Science

Political Science & Government is one of 13 different types of Social Sciences programs to choose from.

Political Science Concentrations

View All Political Science Concentrations >

Most Popular Majors Related to Political Science

View All Political Science Related Majors >

Notes and References

• The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
• Credit for the banner image above goes to UKWiki at English Wikipedia .

More about our data sources and methodologies .

Popular Reports

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Colleges Offering a Political Science Major

This social science degree requires students to study government in theory and practice. Students who keep up with current events and who are interested in political theory and international relations should consider this degree. Schools offering a political science and government major are listed below.

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Here are the best colleges with a Political Science Major

Princeton university, massachusetts institute of technology, harvard university, stanford university, yale university, university of pennsylvania, california institute of technology, duke university, brown university.

Princeton, NJ

• #1 in National Universities

The ivy-covered campus of Princeton University, a private institution, is located in the quiet town of Princeton, New Jersey. Princeton was the first university to offer a "no loan" policy to financially needy students, giving grants instead of loans to accepted students who need help paying tuition.

(fall 2022)

SAT, GPA and More

Cambridge, MA

• #2 in National Universities

Though the Massachusetts Institute of Technology may be best known for its math, science and engineering education, this private research university also offers architecture, humanities, management and social science programs. The school is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just across the Charles River from downtown Boston.

• #3 in National Universities  (tie)

Harvard University is a private institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. This Ivy League school is the oldest higher education institution in the country and has the largest endowment of any school in the world.

Stanford, CA

The sunny campus of Stanford University is located in California’s Bay Area, about 30 miles from San Francisco. The private institution stresses a multidisciplinary combination of teaching, learning, and research, and students have many opportunities to get involved in research projects.

New Haven, CT

• #5 in National Universities

Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut, offers a small college life with the resources of a major research institution. Yale students are divided into 14 residential colleges that foster a supportive environment for living, learning and socializing.

Philadelphia, PA

• #6 in National Universities

Founded by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is a private institution in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Students can study in one of four schools that grant undergraduate degrees: Arts and Sciences, Nursing, Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Wharton.

Pasadena, CA

• #7 in National Universities  (tie)

The California Institute of Technology focuses on science and engineering education and has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1. This private institution in Pasadena, California, is actively involved in research projects with grants from NASA, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke University is a private institution that has liberal arts and engineering programs for undergraduates. The Duke Blue Devils sports teams have a fierce rivalry with the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill Tar Heels and are best known for their outstanding men's basketball program.

Providence, RI

• #9 in National Universities  (tie)

At Brown University, undergraduate students are responsible for designing their own academic study with more than 80 concentration programs to choose from. Another unique offering at this private, Ivy League institution in Providence, Rhode Island, is the Program in Liberal Medical Education, which grants both a bachelor’s degree and medical degree in eight years.

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University is a private institution in Baltimore that offers a wide array of academic programs in the arts, humanities, social and natural sciences, and engineering disciplines. The Hopkins Blue Jays men’s lacrosse team is consistently dominant in the NCAA Division I; other sports teams at Hopkins compete at the Division III level.

Information for:

Traditional Undergrad

Political Science (BA, Minor)

Are you fascinated by the dynamics of political systems, intrigued by public policy, and eager to make a difference in the world? The Political Science program at William Peace University (WPU) offers a transformative educational experience that goes beyond traditional learning. As a Political Science major, you will not only acquire valuable analytical skills but also benefit from an innovative curriculum taught by seasoned professors with real-world experience in law, government, political campaigns, and media.

A Comprehensive Curriculum with Real-World Insight

Our Political Science program is designed to equip students with a broad skill set, emphasizing the analysis of data, effective written and oral communication, and the art of making impactful decisions. What sets WPU apart is our commitment to providing an unparalleled educational journey. Our faculty, with their rich background in law, government, political campaigns, and media, bring a unique perspective to the classroom, ensuring that you receive practical insights that extend beyond textbook theories.

Prepared for the Future

At WPU, we understand the importance of preparing students for the future. Our Political Science program not only provides academic knowledge but also emphasizes practical skills through internships, fieldwork, and research projects. This hands-on approach ensures that our graduates are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges and excel in their chosen careers.

Embark on a journey of intellectual growth and practical application with the Political Science program at William Peace University. Join us in shaping the leaders of tomorrow who will make a positive impact on the world through their understanding of political systems, effective communication, and decision-making skills.

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Possible Careers

Diverse Career Opportunities

A major in Political Science from WPU opens doors to many career paths. By focusing on governmental organizations and public policy, you’ll be well-prepared for roles in business, law, consulting, public service, journalism, urban planning, and government relations, among other fields. The skills you develop during your studies will be applicable in various professional settings, making you a versatile and sought-after candidate in today’s competitive job market.

Success Stories of WPU Political Science Graduates

WPU takes pride in the success stories of our Political Science graduates who have embarked on diverse and impactful careers. Our alumni have found themselves in roles such as Wages and Hours Investigator at the United States Department of Labor, Coordinator at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and Disability Determination Specialist at the Social Security Administration, Disability Determination Services.

Additionally, our graduates have been accepted into prestigious programs, showcasing the recognition of the quality education they received at WPU. Some of these programs include UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law, New England School of Law, East Carolina University’s Public Administration program, Campbell University School of Law, Thomas Cooley School of Law, North Carolina Central University School of Law, and Stetson School of Law.

Endless Possibilities with a Political Science Degree

The versatility of a Political Science degree from WPU extends far beyond conventional career paths. Graduates of our program have found fulfilling roles in city management, urban planning, international organizations, and non-profit institutions. The dynamic curriculum and practical experiences offered at WPU prepare you not just for a job but for a meaningful career where you can contribute to positive change in society.

WPU political science graduates have gone on to jobs such as: 

• Wages and Hours Investigator, United States Department of Labor
• Coordinator, United States Department of Veterans Affairs
• Disability Determination Specialist, Social Security Administration, Disability Determination Services

Graduates have also been accepted into the following programs: 

• UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law
• New England School of Law
• East Carolina University, Public Administration
• Campbell University School of Law
• Thomas Cooley School of Law
• North Carolina Central University School of Law
• Stetson School of Law

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Our program allows flexibility for students to tailor their Political Science major to align with their specific interests. Whether your passion lies in law, public service, or urban planning, our diverse curriculum provides options for specialization, ensuring you receive a well-rounded education that caters to your individual goals.

Join us at William Peace University and explore the limitless possibilities that a Political Science degree can offer. Your journey to becoming a well-rounded and impactful professional begins here.

Our program is designed to provide a solid foundation for those considering further studies. Many of our graduates have been accepted into renowned graduate programs, including law schools and public administration programs, highlighting the academic strength and preparation our Political Science degree offers.

A Political Science degree from WPU opens doors to diverse career opportunities, including roles in business, law, consulting, public service, journalism, urban planning, and government relations. The program’s focus on governmental organizations and public policy equips you with skills applicable in various professional settings, making you a versatile candidate in the job market.

WPU understands the importance of hands-on experience in shaping a student’s academic journey. We offer a range of opportunities for internships, fieldwork, and research projects. These experiences allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, enhancing their practical skills and preparing them for success in their chosen career paths.

Related Programs

Criminal Justice (BA)

Interdisciplinary Studies (BA)

Pre-Law (BA)

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