Top Political Science Programs

The field of political science is one of the most influential and competitive disciplines in academia, shaping the way we understand governments, political systems, and international relations. It examines the theories, structures, and practices of politics, influencing policy-making and providing crucial insights into the functioning of societies at both national and global levels. As such, the quality of political science programs in universities plays a critical role in preparing students to become future leaders, scholars, and analysts in the political arena. The U.S. News & World Report 2010 ranking of the best political science programs highlights some of the most prestigious institutions worldwide, offering valuable insight into the academic landscape for aspiring political scientists.

The top three universities in this ranking—Harvard University, Princeton University, and Stanford University—are tied for first place, reflecting their exceptional and comprehensive political science programs that attract the brightest students from around the globe. These institutions have long been at the forefront of political science research and education, with a strong emphasis on intellectual rigor, interdisciplinary studies, and real-world applications. Harvard, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is often regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and its political science department continues to shape global discourse on political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. Princeton, also in New Jersey, is renowned for its emphasis on the analytical and theoretical aspects of political science, drawing top-tier faculty who contribute to cutting-edge research in political theory, American politics, and public policy. Similarly, Stanford University in California has earned a global reputation for its innovative approach to political science, with strengths in areas such as political behavior, political institutions, and international security.

Following these prestigious universities, the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor secures the fourth spot, consistently recognized for its strength in American politics, political theory, and political methodology. As one of the top public universities in the U.S., Michigan offers students a broad range of opportunities to engage in political science research, from the study of local and state government to international relations and political economy. Michigan's political science department is known for its collaborative environment and interdisciplinary approach, often combining political science with economics, sociology, and law to create a comprehensive understanding of political phenomena.

Yale University, ranked fifth, is another Ivy League institution that boasts a distinguished political science program. Yale’s political science department has an exceptional reputation for its research on political theory, public law, and comparative politics. Its interdisciplinary approach allows students to engage with other departments such as economics and history, providing them with a multifaceted view of the political world. Yale also emphasizes the importance of practical experience, with students frequently engaging in internships, fieldwork, and research assistantships that provide valuable hands-on experience in the field.

In the sixth spot, the University of California—Berkeley is known for its rigorous political science program and its influential faculty members, many of whom have made significant contributions to the field. UC Berkeley is particularly strong in areas like comparative politics, political theory, and public policy, offering students access to cutting-edge research and a diverse intellectual community. The university's location in California also offers students unique opportunities to study political issues related to the state's diverse population and its influential role in both national and international politics.

Columbia University and the University of California—San Diego, both ranked seventh, are also highly regarded for their political science programs. Columbia, located in New York City, benefits from its urban environment and access to key political institutions, think tanks, and media outlets. The political science department at Columbia is particularly strong in areas like political theory, political behavior, and international relations. UC San Diego, on the other hand, is widely recognized for its emphasis on the scientific study of politics, particularly in the fields of political methodology, political economy, and public opinion.

Duke University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), both ranked ninth, offer strong political science programs with unique strengths. Duke is known for its expertise in areas like political behavior, political institutions, and public policy, while MIT’s political science department is particularly strong in quantitative methods, political economy, and international relations. The diverse intellectual community at both universities fosters an environment of innovation and collaboration, providing students with the tools to engage critically with political issues both domestically and globally.

The University of California—Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Chicago, both tied for the eleventh spot, are two of the most influential political science programs in the United States. UCLA is widely respected for its focus on American politics, political theory, and international relations, while the University of Chicago is renowned for its emphasis on political theory, public policy, and political philosophy. Both institutions provide students with an academic environment that encourages intellectual exploration and rigorous debate.

The University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill and Washington University in St. Louis, tied for the thirteenth position, are two prominent programs in political science. UNC-Chapel Hill is well-known for its expertise in American politics, political theory, and political institutions, while Washington University in St. Louis excels in areas such as comparative politics, political methodology, and public policy. Both universities offer students access to world-class faculty and research opportunities, as well as a commitment to preparing students for leadership roles in the political world.

The University of Rochester and the University of Wisconsin—Madison, both tied for fifteenth, round out the top 20 list. The University of Rochester is recognized for its focus on political economy, public policy, and political theory, while the University of Wisconsin—Madison is known for its strengths in American politics, political methodology, and political behavior. Both universities provide students with a rigorous education in political science, as well as opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research that has an impact on contemporary political discourse.

The University of New York (NYU), Ohio State University, and the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, all tied for the seventeenth position, represent some of the best public and private universities in the United States for political science. NYU is particularly known for its strengths in international relations, political theory, and political behavior, while Ohio State and the University of Minnesota excel in areas such as American politics, political methodology, and comparative politics. These institutions offer students a rich academic experience that blends theoretical insights with practical applications, preparing graduates for successful careers in academia, government, and the private sector.

Finally, Cornell University, ranked twentieth, rounds out the top 20 list of best political science programs. Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell is known for its strong emphasis on political theory, comparative politics, and political economy. The university's interdisciplinary approach allows students to engage with political science from multiple perspectives, including economics, sociology, and history, providing a comprehensive understanding of the political world.

In conclusion, the ranking of the best political science programs reveals the prominence of several leading universities in the United States, each offering a unique and rigorous academic experience for students interested in the study of politics. From the intellectual giants of Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford to the diverse academic offerings of universities like the University of Michigan, Yale, and UC Berkeley, these institutions are at the forefront of political science education and research. The strength of these programs lies not only in their academic rigor but also in their ability to engage students with the political realities of the world, preparing them for careers in government, academia, law, international relations, and public policy. As the political landscape continues to evolve, these programs will play a critical role in shaping the next generation of political scientists, policymakers, and leaders.

Ranking of Best Political Science Programs (Top 20 list):
1 Harvard University Cambridge, MA
1 Princeton University Princeton, NJ
1 Stanford University Stanford, CA
4 University of Michigan--Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI
5 Yale University New Haven, CT
6 University of California--Berkeley Berkeley, CA
7 Columbia University New York, NY
7 University of California--San Diego La Jolla, CA
9 Duke University Durham, NC
9 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA
11 Univ of California--Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
11 Univ of Chicago Chicago, IL
13 Univ of North Carolina--Chapel Hill Chapel Hill , NC
13 Washington Univ in St. Louis St. Louis, MO
15 Univ of Rochester Rochester, NY
15 Univ of Wisconsin--Madison Madison, WI
17 New York Univ New York, NY
17 Ohio State Univ Columbus, OH
17 Uni of Minnesota--Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN
20 Cornell Univ Ithaca, NY
Source: US News & World Report 2010