Political science is the study of politics, government, and international relations. It is a broad and interdisciplinary field that draws on a variety of social sciences, including history, economics, and sociology.
Political science undergraduates can pursue a variety of career paths in government, politics, law, and business. The skills they develop in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication make them well-suited for a wide range of careers.
If you are interested in studying political science in college, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing a school. These factors include the size of the school, the location, the faculty, the curriculum, and the cost.
Size of the School
The size of the school is an important consideration for any college student, but it is especially important for political science undergraduates. Smaller schools offer more opportunities for students to get involved in research and other extracurricular activities. They also typically have smaller class sizes, which can lead to more personalized attention from professors.
Larger schools offer more resources and opportunities, such as a wider range of course offerings, more research opportunities, and more extracurricular activities. They also tend to have larger faculty, which can lead to more specialized courses and more opportunities for mentorship.
Location
The location of the school is another important consideration. If you are interested in a career in government or politics, it may be helpful to attend a school that is located in or near the nation’s capital. This will give you the opportunity to network with professionals in the field and to gain firsthand experience in the political process.
Faculty
The faculty is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a college. The quality of the faculty will determine the quality of your education. Make sure to research the faculty at the schools you are considering and find out about their areas of expertise, their teaching styles, and their research interests.
Curriculum
The curriculum is another important factor to consider. Make sure that the school you are considering offers a curriculum that meets your interests. If you are interested in a particular area of political science, such as international relations or public policy, make sure that the school offers a strong program in that area.
Cost
The cost of college is an important consideration for any student. Make sure to research the cost of attendance at the schools you are considering and factor in the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses.
Top Colleges for Political Science Undergraduate
According to US News & World Report, the following are the top colleges for political science undergraduate:
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ |
| 2 | Harvard University | Cambridge, MA |
| 3 | Yale University | New Haven, CT |
| 4 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA |
| 5 | University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, CA |
| 6 | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI |
| 7 | University of Chicago | Chicago, IL |
| 8 | Columbia University | New York, NY |
| 9 | Duke University | Durham, NC |
| 10 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD |
These schools offer a variety of political science programs, from traditional bachelor’s degrees to interdisciplinary programs that combine political science with other fields, such as economics, history, or law. They also have strong faculty and research programs, and they offer a variety of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities.
Tips for Choosing a College
Here are a few tips for choosing a college for political science undergraduate:
- Visit the school. This is the best way to get a feel for the school’s atmosphere and to meet the faculty and students.
- Talk to current students. Current students can give you valuable insights into the school’s academic and social life.
- Attend a class. This will give you a chance to see what the teaching style is like and to get a feel for the classroom environment.
- Do your research. Make sure to research the school’s faculty, curriculum, and cost before making a decision.
Choosing the right college is an important decision. By carefully considering the factors discussed above, you can find the best school for your needs and interests.
Political Science Careers
Political science graduates have a wide range of career options. They can work in government, politics, law, business, and many other fields. Here are a few examples of political science careers:
- Government: Political science graduates can work in a variety of government jobs, including policy analyst, legislative aide, and diplomat.
- Politics: Political science graduates can work in a variety of political campaigns and organizations. They can also run for office themselves.
- Law: Political science graduates can attend law school and become lawyers. They can specialize in a variety of areas of law, including constitutional law, international law, and criminal law.
- Business: Political science graduates can work in a variety of business jobs, including management, consulting, and public relations.
- Other fields: Political science graduates can also work in a variety of other fields, such as journalism, education, and nonprofit organizations.
Salary Expectations
The salary expectations for political science graduates vary depending on their career field and level of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for political scientists was $122,840 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,840, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $199,160.
Conclusion
Political science is a challenging but rewarding field of study. It is a great choice for students who are interested in learning about the world around them and who want to make a difference in their communities and the world. If you are interested in studying political science in college, be sure to do your research and choose a school that is the right fit for you.
