Political Science is the scientific study of the theory and practice of politics and government. Choosing the right university for political science is crucial for those passionate about understanding and influencing political systems. Here’s a curated list of the top universities for political science in the USA, known for their excellence in education, research opportunities, and career advancement.
WHY STUDY POLITICAL SCIENCE IN THE USA
- The USA houses some of the top-ranked political science universities globally
- The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a 6% growth in employment for Political Science Enthusiasts.
- Students get ample network opportunities with international governmental and non-governmental organizations.
- The average annual salary of a political science graduate in the USA is around $80,137
- The US government has constantly increased the Research and Development Expenditure. It was around $885M in 2022 and increasing every year.
Best Public And Private Universities For Political Science in The USA 2024
-
PictureUniversity NameUniversity Details
-
Princeton UniversityPrivate
On-campus/ Off-campus
Full-time/Part-time
Tuition fees: $60,000
Duration: 2- 4 years
Intakes: Sep, Jan, May
Acceptance rate: 5.5% -
University of California, BerkeleyPublic
On-campus/ off-campus
Full-time/Part-time
Fees: $ 24,000 per semester
Duration: 4-6 years
Intakes: Sep, Jan, May
Acceptance rate: 11.1% -
Yale UniversityPrivate
On-campus/ Off-campus
Full-time/Part-time
Fees: $50,000
Duration: 1-4 years
Intakes: April, August
Acceptance rate: 5% -
Hillsdale CollegePrivate
On-campus/ Off-campus
Full-time/Part-time
Fees: $32,000
Duration: 2-4 years
Intakes: Aug, Jan
Acceptance rates: 21% -
Patrick Henry CollegePrivate
On-campus/ Off-campus
Full time Fees: $30,000
Duration: 2-4 years
Intakes: Dec, Apr, Jul
Acceptance rates: 76% -
Stanford UniversityPrivate
On campus
Full-time/Part-time
Tuition fees: $52,000
Duration: 2-4 years Intakes: Sep, Jan, May Acceptance rate: 4% -
University of ChicagoPrivate
On-campus/ Off-campus
Full-time/Part-time
Fees: $68,000
Duration: 1-4 years
Intakes: Sep, Jan
Acceptance rate: 5.5% -
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)Public
On-campus/ Off-campus
Full-time/Part-time
Fees: $34,000
Duration: 1-4 years
Intakes: Sep, Jan, May, Dec
Acceptance rate: 9% -
United /States Coast Guard AcademyPublic
On-campus/ Off-campus
Full time/Part-time
Fees: Zero
Duration: 4 years
Intakes: Oct, Jan
Acceptance rate: 15% -
Northeastern Illinois UniversityPublic
On campus/ Off campus
Full time/ Part time
Fees: $12,200
Duration: 2- 4 years
Intakes: Sep, Jan
Acceptance rate: 63.1%
Types of Political Science Degrees Offered in The USA
| Types of degrees | Courses |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Degrees (BA/ BA (Hons.)) | International Relations Modern Political Theory Policy and Law Intel and Security Politics |
| Graduate Degrees (MA) | American Politics Comparative Politics International Relations Political Theory Public Law |
| Doctoral Degrees | PhD in Political science Doctor of Public Administration Doctor of Public Policy (DPP) Doctor of International Affairs Doctor of Political Economy |
| Joint Degrees | Political Science and Law Political Science and Public Administration Political Science and Business Administration Political Science and Public Health |
| Specialized Degrees and Certificates | Certificate in International Relations Certificate in Public Policy Certificate in Political Communication Certificate in Public Administration |
Read about the CMA courses in the USA.
List of Top Universities For PhD in Political Science
Some of the top QS-ranked universities in the USA offer PhD in Political Science. The list includes:
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- University of Michigan
- University of Southern California
- University of Massachusetts Boston
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies
- Princeton University
- University of California, Berkeley
Admission Requirements for UG, PG, and PhD
The key criteria for admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral political science programs in the USA are as follows:
- Candidates should have completed their high school certification (12th or equivalent) from a recognized institution
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field (for post-graduate courses)
- A master’s/ graduate degree in political science for a PhD. Some programs may accept PhD admissions after undergraduate as well.
- A grade point of at least 3.0 or above
- SAT/ACT scores
- TOEFL/ IELTS/ PTE scores
Compare the IELTS, TOEFL and PTE examinations to find out the best niche for you.
Documents required
- Application form
- All available academic transcripts
- Application fee
- Graded Written Paper/ Writing sample
- Standardized test scores
- Medical Examination Certificate
- Research Proposal (if required)
- SOP and LOR
- Resume or CV
- Visa and passport
Job Prospects with Salary
| Job Prospects | Salary |
|---|---|
| Lawyer | $164,117 |
| Journalist | $95,914 |
| Political Consultant | $100,141 |
| Research Analyst | $109,230 |
| Foreign Service Officer | $112,209 |
| Public Policy Specialist | $108,500 |
| Customs Immigration Officer | $140,300 |
| Attorney | $160,117 |
| Embassy Employee | $114,022 |
| Press Secretary | $120,520 |
Scholarships
Many universities, government, and private organizations offer scholarships to international students interested in pursuing political science in the USA. Some of them are:
- Fulbright Scholarships: The scholarship covers full or partial tuition fees and other allowances like books and travel. Deadline- Oct 8th, 2024
- Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation: A scholarship amount of $30,000 for graduate students related to public service. Deadline- Feb 4th, 2025
- The Gates Scholarship: Scholarship for students with good academic standing covering the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, etc). Deadline- Sep 15th, 2024
- Princeton University Financial Aid: Princeton University offers a completely need-based scholarship offering 100% of the demonstrated financial need by the student. Deadline- Nov 9th, 2024/ Feb 1st, 2025.
- Yale Scholarship: Need-based financial aid up to $70,000 per year for undergraduate students of Yale University. Deadline- Oct 1st, 202
CONCLUSION
In essence, pursuing a political science degree in the USA offers unparalleled opportunities for academic excellence, research and career advancement. Besides, the ample scholarship options allows students to be well-positioned to excel academically and influence the political landscape.