Deciding on a College for Political Science in California

Hi, I’m currently a high school junior super interested in Political Science and want to stay in California for college. I’m unsure about which colleges offer the best courses for this field. Any suggestions?

California hosts numerous colleges that have strong Political Science programs. A few you could consider starting with are:

1. Stanford University: Vacillating amongst the top universities in the country, Stanford's political science department is top-notch, with faculty being leading scholars in their respective fields. Their curriculum covers a wide array of subjects like international relations, comparative politics, and political theory.

2. University of California, Berkeley: UC Berkeley's Political Science program is considered one of the best in the nation. Their curriculum is based on four subfields: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory.

3. University of California, Los Angeles: UCLA is another great option, with a strong emphasis on research. Their program is comprehensive, covering topics from political theory to international relations to comparative politics.

4. University of Southern California: USC provides a thriving political science program. They offer a wide range of courses covering major political science areas, allowing students the flexibility to tailor their study plan according to their interests.

5. Claremont McKenna College: If you prefer smaller, liberal arts colleges, Claremont McKenna has a unique program called the PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) which provides interdisciplinary studies of these fields.

6. University of California, San Diego: UCSD's political science program emphasizes the formulation of hypotheses about political phenomena, the testing of these hypotheses, and the application of an eclectic range of methodologies.

Remember, finding the "best" college is subjective and depends on various factors like faculty, resources, course offerings, and your personal fit with the school. Research these universities, get to know what their programs offer in depth, and see what feels most in alignment with your goals and expectations. All the best!