Best political science schools in the world

Last Updated on December 16, 2022

Political science is a social science that studies the systems of governance, as well as the analysis of political activities, political thoughts and political behaviour. You will also explore the theory and practice of politics, as well as understanding the inner workings of political parties and powers.

A political science degree is worth it for many students. Some careers that require graduate studies include lawyer, political scientist, and historian. You may start with a bachelor’s degree in political science and go on to earn a masters or doctoral degree that can provide credentials for high-level employment.

Right here on infolearners, you are privy to a litany of relevant information on best political science programs in texas, best political science programs in canada, best political science schools in the world, best political science masters programs in the world, and so much more. Take out time to visit our catalog for more information on similar topics.

Best political science schools in the world

1. HARVARD UNIVERSITY – UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

There is no doubt that Harvard University is incredible and at number 1 when it comes to finding out what is the best college for political science in the world or in the united states. The Bachelor in International relations and Political Sciences at Harvard University is a great place for those who want to pursue a career in political analysis, international relations, or research.

2. UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD: THE UNITED KINGDOM

The University of Oxford is the best in the world, which is committed to educating tomorrow’s leaders. A Political Science degree provides students with the knowledge necessary to become successful leaders in any field. It offers a high-quality education that leads to career development opportunities. A degree in Political Science will provide the tools necessary for students to realize their potential.

3.SCIENCES PO, FRANCE

Sciences Po is also known as the Paris Institute of political sciences, which was founded in 1872. According to Qs ranking, it is at #3 of best colleges of political science in the world in 2019 (for the 6th year in a row). It is considered as the best institute for those who are interested in politics and international studies. It is recognized for the quality of its scientific output on an international level.

4.THE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE (LSE): UNITED KINGDOM

The London School of Economics and Political Science needs no introduction.  And it is true that most of the time we keep economics and politics as separate subjects with separate methods, but it is important to put them together. Its degree in Politics sciences has an interdisciplinary backbone that runs along every length, with a special interdisciplinary module every year. 

Masters in Political Science Online Programs for 2022 and beyond | Online  Masters Colleges

5.UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE: THE UNITED KINGDOM

The University of Cambridge is the best place to come for career exploration, high-quality education, professional development, and more. To develop breadth and depth of knowledge, you will follow a special core curriculum designed specifically for politics and government majors. By working closely with your faculty advisor, you will need to select courses in each main area to suit your interests and career goals.

6.STANFORD UNIVERSITY, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Stanford University has a practical approach to political science. Its political science degree takes you out of the classroom and into the world of work, where you can get involved in the political process and see the concepts of political science in action.

7.PRINCETON UNIVERSITY, UNITED STATES

Princeton University is famous for its academic programs and top-notch faculty. It is the best university for the students who want to get a degree in political science with concentrations in International Relations.

8.THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY, USA

A specialization in political science offers preparation for a career or further training in diplomatic service and political campaigns. It is a great research institution that encourages the students to be curious about all the happening in the world.

MS in Political Science (Online & On-Campus) | Political Science |  University of Nebraska Omaha

9.YALE UNIVERSITY, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The Political Science Department of Yale University hopes to develop wisdom in its majors and in all students so that they can be effective participants in the political world, both as political professionals and as citizens in their community.

10.THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, AUSTRALIA

According to QS rankings of the world’s top 202 universities, Australian National University was ranked 10th globally and 1st in Australia for International Studies and Politics in 2019. It is the only Australian university that receives excellence in research for Australia’s report. ANU offers a degree in political science that involves the study of politics and international relations. 

Best Political Science Masters Programs In The World

Scope of studying Political Science (H) in Delhi University

1. Columbia University in the City of New York

One of the world’s leading centers for academic excellence, Columbia plays an important role in creating leaders in many disciplines. In just one year of full-time study, the 30-credit political science master’s program cultivates a new generation of journalists, businesspeople, civil servants, and other professionals.

All students complete at least five political science courses, including an MA proseminar and two political science colloquia or seminars. This core ensures an advanced understanding of the discipline and student mastery of at least one research tool. Enrollees build the curriculum with one of four subfield concentrations: American politics, political theory, comparative politics, or international relations. Alternatively, students may choose a specific area of interest.

Columbia offers activities through regional institutes and research centers, such as the Earth Institute and the Center for International Conflict Resolution. Participants need not complete a dissertation or thesis to culminate this MA in political science. Admission requires GRE scores.

2. Duke University

Duke routinely ranks among the nation’s top 10 national colleges. About 9,000 graduate students attend the institution, most of them studying on campus in Durham, North Carolina. The 30-credit MA in political science prepares learners for research and teaching positions. About 10-13 full-time students enroll in the MA each year.

The curriculum offers many specializations, including political institutions, political behavior and identity, and normative political theory and political philosophy. Each specialization delves into specific areas of study. For instance, learners interested in political institutions examine topics such as voting and participation and media and information. Participants may also build their curriculum around a theme such as religion and politics. Other departments, including mathematics and public policy, provide supplemental coursework.

Students supplement classroom instruction with activities and resources available at institutes such as the Social Science Research Institute and Triangle Institute for Security Studies. Students choose a thesis or non-thesis option to culminate the MA in political science. Admission requires GRE scores.

3. Villanova University

Founded in 1842, Villanova emphasizes scholarship, moral grounding, and a global mindset. This Pennsylvania-based Catholic college offers a master’s in political science that blends theory and practice. Students learn from faculty actively engaged in research funded by organizations such as the National Science Foundation and Council on Foreign Relations.

The 30-credit, full- or part-time curriculum requires a course on research concepts and approaches. Students begin to build the curriculum with a course in each of three concentrations: American government, political philosophy, and international relations and comparative politics. Learners use their remaining courses to specialize in one of these three concentrations. Degree-seekers may take up to six credits from outside the department.

Faculty cap classes at 15 students to facilitate discussion-based seminars. All students culminate the program with a capstone thesis or comprehensive written exam. Learners eyeing a doctorate can enroll in the research track and write an MA thesis.

Tuition payment plans and full-ride scholarships help students pay for tuition, as do assistantships. Admission requires GRE scores.

4. Case Western University

Located in Cleveland, Ohio, CWRU enrolls about 12,000 students, most of whom classify as graduate and professional. Department of Political Science faculty specialize in a variety of research areas, including constitutional law and the development and decline of nation-states. Students in the 30-credit MA in political science acquire a broad understanding of the discipline. The degree requires a mandatory examination of comparative politics, American government and politics, and international relations.

All students complete a course focused on research methodology. Participants use 18 elective credits to explore topics such as politics and money or U.S. intelligence and national security. Students may use up to nine elective credits for independent study. All enrollees culminate the degree with a comprehensive exam or thesis option. A joint JD/MA in political science enrolls ambitious students on a fast track to a law career.

Limited departmental funding may cover up to half of the MA’s tuition. Admission requires a minimum 3.2 GPA and GRE scores.

5. Lehigh University

Considered one of the nation’s top research colleges, Lehigh enrolls about 7,000 students in a comprehensive catalog of programs. Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania,the school offers an MA in political science that enrolls about 15-20 students each year. Full-time students typically complete the 30-credit MA in 12-15 months. The program offers two tracks: traditional and a community fellows track.

The 12-month community fellows program suits learners interested in civil service or nonprofit careers. Program participants serve as community organizers at a local agency, spending 15 hours on a project focused on community development. They receive academic credit to accelerate their learning and 21 credits of paid tuition for their participation.

All students in the MA complete a research methods course and examine topics such as constitutional law and politics and comparative politics. Participants culminate the degree with a research project, thesis, or comprehensive examination.

While the department does not require GRE scores for admission, GRE scores bolster the application. Financial support includes teaching or research assistantships and the Community Fellowship.

6. University of Florida

With a robust catalog of more than 300 programs, UF is a regional academic powerhouse with a strong distance learning department. Aspiring political scientists immerse themselves in research methodology when they enroll in the on-campus MA in political science. The 36-credit curriculum requires two courses: conduct of inquiry and political data analysis. Students build the rest of the curriculum around this core, choosing courses from political science subfields such as comparative politics or political theory.

MA students may bolster their degree with one of five interdisciplinary certificates, including women’s studies or global Islam. Faculty allow students to choose either a thesis or non-thesis option to culminate the MA in political science. UF undergraduates accelerate their master’s program when they enroll in a dual BA and MA in political science, which allows students to apply up to 12 credits to both the undergraduate and master’s. Ambitious students interested in law careers choose the combined JD/MA program.

Admission to the MA may not require the GRE because of the pandemic.

Study Political Science Abroad

7. The George Washington University

More than 26,000 students attend GW, studying on one of three campuses and at academic centers in Washington, D.C. Students complete the MA in political science on GW’s Foggy Bottom campus. In addition to American politics, the 33-credit degree emphasizes international relations and comparative politics. All students complete 15 credits in one of three tracks: American, world, or law and politics.

Course topics include judicial politics, politics of China I and II, military effectiveness, and constitutional law. Students supplement coursework with scholarly debates and projects that hone their statistical research techniques. All students culminate the degree with a comprehensive exam in their chosen track. Ambitious students may use the degree to enter GW’s Ph.D. in political science.

The school’s location allows enrollees to immerse in the District of Columbia’s cultural life while a heartbeat away from job opportunities at federal and international agencies. Admission to the MA program requires GRE scores.

8. University of Georgia

UGA is one of the nation’s oldest colleges. Students complete the 33-credit MA in political science and international affairs on campus in Athens, learning from faculty lauded for research and teaching. Faculty design the MA especially for students who want to enter doctoral programs. The curriculum, with thesis and non-thesis tracks, offers courses in five subfields. These options include international relations, American politics, and political theory. All students complete three classes that ensure they master the use of cutting-edge research tools and methodologies.

In exchange for work as a research or teaching assistant, MA students may qualify for a graduate assistantship that provides a full tuition waiver and stipend. The department notes that most recently, 25% of MA graduates secured full-time employment after graduation, while 56% enrolled in a graduate/professional program.

Degree-seekers save time and money through the Double Dawgs program, completing a bachelor’s and master’s in five years or less. Admission to the MA requires GRE scores.

9. New York University

Founded in 1831, NYU sustains a reputation as one of the world’s most prominent and respected colleges. NYU’s 36-point, hybrid MA in politics gives students sound theoretical knowledge and practical skills in political science. Students complete on-campus courses in the heart of Greenwich Village. Each enrollee must specialize in one of four subfields: American politics, political economy, comparative politics, or political philosophy and theory.

A proficiency requirement in a language other than English makes the MA stand out from similar programs. Enrollees supplement coursework with colloquia, seminars, and workshops. Learners acquire hands-on experience during an internship. They culminate the program with a research thesis that demonstrates curriculum mastery. Through a partnership with the Marron Institute of Urban Management, students may engage in applied research opportunities in the United States and abroad. Graduates leave the program with well-honed research, writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Admission does not require GRE scores.

Best Political Science Schools in Canada 2021 - University Magazine

10. Northeastern University

At Northeastern, a signature blend of theoretical and practitioner-oriented courses give learners a well-rounded education. The one-year MA in political science allows learners to enroll full time or part time on campus in Boston. The degree requires 32-24 credits and provides the foundation for entry into the school’s doctorate in political science, or as training for careers in government, nonprofits, or the private sector. Learners specialize in one of five concentrations: security, public policy, comparative politics, international relations, or American government.

Students fulfill a required experiential learning component with an internship, thesis, capstone project, or directed study. Northeastern’s alumni network, consisting of more than 255,000 professionals, and a vast network of employer-partners, give learners access to internship and job opportunities not always available to graduate students. Faculty offer some courses online for greater flexibility. The department encourages applicants with fewer than three years of professional experience to submit GRE scores with their application.

Best political science programs in canada

  1. University of Calgary, Canada
  2. University of Windsor, Canada
  3. York University, Canada
  4. University of Waterloo, Canada
  5. Carleton University, Canada
  6. University of Ottawa, Canada
  7. Université de Montréal, Canada
  8. McGill University, Canada
  9. University of British Columbia(UBC), Canada
  10. University of Toronto, Canada

Best political science schools in texas

Department of Political Science | Political Science | TTU

#1

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX

The University of Texas at Austin is a wonderful choice for students pursuing a Political Science & Government major. UT Austin is a very large public university located in the large city of Austin.

For those interested in something more advanced, UT Austin also offers 2 different higher degree levels in political science and government, the most popular of which is a Master’s Degree. Political Science & Government graduates from The University of Texas at Austin receive an earnings boost of about $4,018 over the typical earnings of political science and government graduates.

SMU crest

#2

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX

Every student pursuing a degree in political science and government needs to take a look at Southern Methodist University. SMU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Dallas.

Political Science & Government graduates from Southern Methodist University receive an earnings boost of around $16,018 over the typical earnings of political science and government graduates.

#3

Texas A&M University – College Station

College Station, TX

Every student who is interested in political science and government has to take a look at Texas A&M University – College Station. Located in the medium-sized city of College Station, Texas A&M College Station is a public university with a fairly large student population.

For those interested in something more advanced, Texas A&M College Station also offers 2 different higher degree levels in political science and government, the most popular of which is a Doctor’s Degree. Political Science & Government majors from Texas A&M University – College Station earn a boost of about $4,518 above the average income of political science and government graduates.

#4

Baylor University

Waco, TX

Baylor University is one of the finest schools in the country for political science and government. Located in the midsize city of Waco, Baylor is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population.

For those interested in something more advanced, Baylor also offers 2 different higher degree levels in political science and government, the most popular of which is a Doctor’s Degree. Soon after graduating, political science students typically earn an average of $31,300 in their early careers.

#5

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX

Located in the city of Fort Worth, TCU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population.

Graduates from the political science and government degree program at Texas Christian University get $3,818 above the standard college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

#6

University of Houston

Houston, TX

UH is a very large public university located in the large city of Houston.

For those interested in something more advanced, UH also offers 2 different higher degree levels in political science and government, the most popular of which is a Doctor’s Degree. Political Science & Government majors from University of Houston get an earnings boost of about $3,118 above the typical income of political science and government graduates.

#7

The University of Texas at Dallas

Richardson, TX

UT Dallas is a very large public university located in the medium-sized city of Richardson.

For those interested in something more advanced, UT Dallas also offers 2 different higher degree levels in political science and government, the most popular of which is a Master’s Degree. Graduates of the political science program earn about $31,100 in their early career salary.

Texas Tech crest

#8

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech is a very large public university located in the city of Lubbock.

In addition to its bachelor’s programs, Texas Tech offers a Master’s Degrees in political science and government. After getting their bachelor’s degree, political science students typically make an average of $31,900 in the first five years of their career.

St. Edward's University crest

#9

Saint Edward’s University

Austin, TX

St. Edward’s University is a small private not-for-profit university located in the city of Austin.

Students who complete this degree report average early career wages of $30,200.

What Can You Do With a Political Science Degree? | BestColleges
UNT crest

#10

University of North Texas

Denton, TX

Located in the midsize city of Denton, UNT is a public university with a fairly large student population.

For those interested in something more advanced, UNT also offers 2 different higher degree levels in political science and government, the most popular of which is a Master’s Degree. Students who graduate from this program state that they receive average early career earnings of $30,200.

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