Choosing West Coast Colleges for Political Science

I'm a rising senior and considering studying political science on the West Coast. What are some of the standout colleges for this major? Any insights on program strengths or unique opportunities would be great!

There are several colleges on the West Coast with strong political science programs that standout.

First on the list is Stanford University, which is well known for its political science program. The program is especially strong in the areas of international relations, American politics, and political theory. Stanford also has many research opportunities available, with multiple institutes dedicated to the study of politics, such as the Hoover Institution.

Similarly, the University of California—Berkeley also boasts a top-tier political science program. The program prides itself on its broad curriculum, covering traditional subjects like international politics, American government, and comparative politics, as well as more specialized areas like race, ethnic politics, and political behavior.

Thirdly, The University of Southern California (USC) has a strong Political Science department with excellent faculty. USC's School of International Relations also adds depth to the political science offerings, and even has a unique course on diplomacy that often involves a trip to the United Nations in New York.

Then there's Claremont McKenna College, a small liberal arts college with a big reputation in politics. It has a strong government department and is home to a number of influential research institutes, like the Rose Institute of State and Local Government and the Lowe Institute of Political Economy. As part of the Claremont Colleges Consortium, students can also cross-register for courses at the other nearby colleges.

Lastly, the University of Washington in Seattle is noteworthy. The political science department offers a wide range of courses such as Comparative Politics of Developing Countries, Immigration Politics, U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East, and many more. Also, as it's located in a major city, there can be ample internships and job opportunities related to politics.

Remember, all these programs are top-notch but different in their own ways. Consider the specific areas of political science you're most interested in, as well as the type of school environment you're looking for when making your decision.