I'm hoping to major in political science and would like to know which universities in the US have the strongest programs. Any suggestions based on rankings or personal experience would be super helpful!
When it comes to studying political science in the United States, several schools frequently stand out for their strong programs.
Harvard University is renowned for its political science program -- or government, as they refer to it. The faculty includes some of the field's most famous names, and the curriculum provides not only strength in international relations, political theory, and methodology, but also smaller subfields like comparative politics or American politics.
Stanford University is another exemplary school lauded for its political science program. The department is populated with influential scholars who conduct cutting-edge research. You will find ample opportunities to delve deep into your specialty area while gaining a robust understanding of general political science principles.
Another place is Princeton University. The Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton dedicates itself to preparing students for a future in politics, and hosts a team of professors directly plugged into current political landscapes.
Yale University, the University of California - Berkeley, Columbia University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) also possess highly-ranked political science departments.
Please note that while these schools offer excellent political science programs, admission to them can be very competitive. When choosing colleges to apply to, consider not only the strength of the program but also other factors like fit and cost. To increase your chances of getting in, you may wish to balance your list with match and safety schools that also have good political science programs.
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