Best Colleges for Political Science

Political science is the most popular of the social science majors and this is the authoritative listing of the best colleges for political science and government degrees using our RealRank analyses. Political science involves the study of:

• philosophical foundations of government systems and polities;
• the theory, structure and organization of politics and government systems, whether at the national, local or international levels.

As one of the top universities in the field has stated:

Political science is the study of power applied for public purposes. Political scientists focus on both the normative and philosophical foundations of politics, and the practice of politics within the United States and around the world. Political scientists study individuals, groups, institutions, and nation-states, and forms of politics that range from voting and lobbying to mobilization, dissent, and war.

Top 160 Best Colleges for Political Science Ranked

We have analyzed hundreds of colleges and created this RealRank ranking of the top 160 best colleges for Political Science.

You can find more information on our RealRank^TM analytics used in creating list in the About page. The underlined colleges link to a rankings profile for that institution, which also lists other rankings in which they appear. If your college is not profiled as yet, contact us using the contact form.

What is a Political Science Major?

Political Science majors at the best universities in the field learn the analytic ability to break down political stratification, providing dispassionate analyses of public policies unskewed by fleeting political winds, and enhancing engagement in a fair and peaceful organization of society and political power.

For undergraduate students, a political science or government major involves a broad exposure to political philosophy, history, governmental organization, policy and persuasion. Courses may include:

• Comparative Politics.
• International Relations.
• Political theory.
• Public Policy and Administration.
• National Government.
• Local / State / Provincial Government.
• International Politics.
• Modern Political Thought.
• Environmental Policy.
• Climate change.
• Politics of Poverty.
• Terrorism.
• International Organizations.
• Organization Theory.
• Political Economy.

Political Science and Government Careers

Political Science is a relatively low paying career path for recent college graduates, like many of the social sciences. The reason is that it is such a popular major, but there are quite few jobs specifically in need of this degree. Of course, there are some people who land good or well-paying jobs with an undergraduate degree in the field, but for many, that is not possible. A lot of students who major in political science or government as an undergraduate go on to graduate school, such as law, business or an advanced degree in political science itself.

Examples of careers utilizing Political Science degrees are:

• Government administrator
• Policy analyst
• Legislative aide
• Political spokesperson
• Marketing (with business degree)
• Corporate relations
• Public relations
• Lawver (with law degree)
• Corporate management (with business degree)
• Professor (with advanced degree).

Related Rankings: Best Colleges for Economics, Best Colleges for Psychology.