political science phd program rankings

Best Political Science Ph.D. Programs: Unlock Career Success with Top-Ranked Options

  • Political Theory

Best Political Science Phd Programs

The best political science Ph.D. Programs include Harvard University and Stanford University. These programs offer top-notch faculty and extensive research opportunities.

Pursuing a Ph. D. In political science requires careful consideration of program offerings, faculty expertise, and research opportunities. Prospective students should look for programs that align with their research interests and career goals. The top programs often provide resources for multidisciplinary research and offer substantial funding for students’ academic pursuits.

Additionally, factors such as departmental culture, networking opportunities, and job placement rates should also influence the decision-making process. By carefully evaluating these factors, aspiring Ph. Ph.D. students can find the best political science program to advance their academic and professional aspirations.

Understanding The Importance Of Political Science Ph.D. Programs

In today’s dynamic global landscape, the pursuit of a Political Science Ph.D. has become increasingly relevant. By delving deep into the intricacies of politics, governance, and international relations, individuals can play a pivotal role in shaping the world’s sociopolitical landscape. This post intends to shed light on the significance of political science education and the promising career prospects for those who hold a political science Ph.D.

Significance Of Political Science Education

Political science education provides a profound understanding of governmental structures, policies, and decision-making processes. It equips individuals with critical analytical skills and an in-depth knowledge of political theories, enabling them to comprehend and navigate complex political scenarios. Through in-depth research and academic training, students develop a deep understanding of the underlying mechanisms that drive political systems, fostering the ability to address societal challenges and drive meaningful change.

Career Prospects For Political Science Ph.d. Holders

Political science Ph.D. holders are well poised for diverse career opportunities. Their expertise is highly sought after in academia, research institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and international organizations. Furthermore, political scientists are instrumental in influencing public policy, diplomacy, and promoting good governance on a global scale. The advanced research and analytical skills acquired during a Political Science Ph.D. program open doors to impactful roles in both public and private sectors.

Criteria For Selecting The Best Ph.d. Programs In Political Science

Choosing the right Ph.D. program in political science is a crucial decision that can greatly impact your future career prospects. When evaluating different programs, several key criteria should be considered to ensure that you select the best fit for your academic and professional goals. In this section, we will explore the essential criteria for selecting the top Ph.D. programs in political science, including accreditation and rankings, faculty expertise and research opportunities, and program curriculum and specialization options.

Accreditation And Rankings

Accreditation and rankings play a pivotal role in assessing the quality and reputation of a Ph.D. program in political science. Accreditation ensures that the program meets established educational standards and is recognized by relevant accrediting bodies. Additionally, rankings provide valuable insights into the overall academic standing of the program within the field of political science. Prospective students should prioritize programs that are accredited by reputable organizations and consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.

Faculty Expertise And Research Opportunities

The expertise and research opportunities offered by the faculty are key considerations for selecting a Ph.D. program in political science. A program with distinguished faculty members who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research projects can provide students with valuable mentorship and collaborative research opportunities. It is important to assess the faculty’s areas of expertise, publication records, and their involvement in research initiatives within the field of political science.

Program Curriculum And Specialization Options

The program curriculum and specialization options are critical aspects to consider when evaluating Ph.D. programs in political science. A well-rounded curriculum that offers a balanced blend of foundational coursework, advanced seminars, and opportunities for independent research is essential for a comprehensive doctoral education. Furthermore, the availability of diverse specialization options, such as comparative politics, international relations, or political theory, enables students to tailor their academic pursuits according to their specific research interests and career aspirations.

Top-ranked Political Science Ph.d. Programs In The United States

If you are considering pursuing a Ph.D. in Political Science, it’s essential to target the top-ranked programs in the United States. These programs not only provide rigorous academic training but also offer extensive research opportunities and access to renowned faculty.

Harvard University

Harvard University boasts one of the most esteemed Political Science Ph.D. programs in the country. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and groundbreaking research, it provides an unparalleled scholarly environment for aspiring political scientists.

Stanford University

Stanford University’s Political Science Ph.D. program is known for its innovative approach to the field, allowing students to engage in cutting-edge research and benefiting from a collaborative academic community.

University Of California, Berkeley

UC Berkeley stands as a pinnacle of academic excellence in Political Science, offering specialized areas of study, access to prominent scholars, and a vibrant intellectual atmosphere that stimulates critical thinking and scholarly discourse.

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (mit)

MIT’s Political Science Ph.D. program is renowned for its focus on quantitative methods, policy analysis, and political economy, providing students with the tools to address complex societal and global challenges.

Princeton University

Princeton University’s Political Science Ph.D. program is characterized by its emphasis on theoretical innovation, empirical research, and active engagement in the field, fostering the development of influential political scholars.

Best Political Science Phd Programs  : Unlock Career Success with Top-Ranked Options

Credit: news.asu.edu

International Options For Top Political Science Ph.d. Programs

Looking to pursue a Political Science Ph.D. program on the international stage? There are fine options available at renowned institutions around the world. Here are some of the best international options for top political science Ph.D. programs:

University Of Oxford, Uk

The University of Oxford, located in the United Kingdom, boasts a prestigious Political Science Ph.D. program. Renowned for its rigorous academic standards and world-class faculty, Oxford offers an intellectually stimulating environment for aspiring political scientists. The program covers a wide range of subfields within political science, including international relations, comparative politics, and political theory.

University Of Cambridge, Uk

Another top-notch option in the UK for pursuing a Ph.D. in Political Science is the University of Cambridge. This esteemed institution provides an immersive research experience, allowing students to engage with leading scholars in the field. With a strong emphasis on critical analysis and independent thinking, the program at Cambridge equips students with the skills necessary for impactful scholarship and research in political science.

Australian National University, Australia

Australian National University, located in Canberra, offers an exceptional Ph.D. program in Political Science. Known for its global outlook and strong research focus, ANU provides a vibrant academic community that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches to political inquiry. The program’s diverse faculty and research opportunities make it an attractive choice for international students seeking a unique perspective on global politics.

Sciences Po, France

For those seeking a truly international experience, Sciences Po in France offers a renowned Political Science Ph.D. program. With its central location in Paris, students have access to a rich cultural and academic environment, enhancing their academic journey. The program at Sciences Po emphasizes a comparative and global approach to political science, positioning students to address pressing global challenges and contribute to cutting-edge research in the field.

Career Opportunities And Advantages Of Completing A Political Science Ph.d. Program

Completing a Political Science Ph.D. program opens doors to a wide array of career opportunities and advantages. Graduates possess the knowledge, skills, and expertise to pursue various fulfilling roles in academia, government, non-profit organizations, and consulting. Below are some of the notable career paths and advantages of obtaining a Political Science Ph.D.

Academic Roles In Universities And Research Institutions

Graduates of Political Science Ph.D. programs are well-equipped to pursue academic roles in universities and research institutions. They can strive for tenured or tenure-track positions, contributing to the academic community through teaching, research, and publication. These roles offer intellectual stimulation, the opportunity to mentor future scholars, and the ability to shape the next generation of political scientists.

Opportunities In Government And Public Policy

Political Science Ph.D. holders are highly sought after for positions in government and public policy. They can serve as policy analysts, advisors, or researchers, influencing decision-making processes and contributing to the development of informed and effective policies. Their expertise in areas such as political theory, public administration, and comparative politics can make a significant impact on governance and public affairs.

Non-profit And International Organizations’ Leadership Positions

Leadership positions in non-profit and international organizations are also accessible to Political Science Ph.D. graduates. They can assume roles such as executive directors, program managers, or policy advocates, driving initiatives related to humanitarian causes, human rights, global governance, and international development. Their advanced understanding of political systems and global affairs positions them to lead impactful, humanitarian-driven efforts.

Advantages In Consulting And Think Tank Roles

Political Science Ph.D. holders enjoy advantageous opportunities in consulting and think tank roles. They can provide valuable expertise in strategic consulting, political risk analysis, and policy evaluation. Their deep understanding of political systems, public opinion, and global trends enables them to offer insightful solutions to complex societal and organizational challenges, contributing to informed decision-making processes.

Frequently Asked Questions On Best Political Science Phd Programs

What are the top-ranked political science phd programs.

The top-ranked Political Science Phd Programs include Harvard University, Stanford University, and Yale University. These programs are highly respected and offer exceptional academic resources and faculty expertise.

How Do I Choose The Best Political Science Phd Program For Me?

When choosing the best Political Science Phd Program, consider factors such as faculty expertise, research opportunities, program reputation, and fit with your research interests. It’s essential to carefully review the curriculum and faculty profiles.

What Career Opportunities Are Available After Completing A Political Science Phd Program?

After completing a Political Science Phd Program, graduates can pursue careers in academia, policy research, government, international organizations, and think tanks. The program provides a solid foundation for engaging in research and analysis in various public and private sector roles.

In sum, choosing the right Political Science PhD program requires careful consideration. The top programs offer a blend of rigorous curriculum, esteemed faculty, and ample research opportunities. By ranking highest in terms of reputation, resources, and support, these programs provide the ideal environment for aspiring political science scholars to thrive.

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Ph.d. in political science.

We are ranked as a top-ten research department and our graduate program has an excellent job placement record. Over the past decade, the vast majority of our PhD graduates have gone on to attain tenure-track positions, and many other students have become leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. 

In addition to a demanding sequence of courses during the first two years, our graduates begin working with faculty from the very first day, to gain an appreciation of the challenges involved in producing innovative research.

This paves the way to their own intellectual development, the first major milestone of which is a solo-authored research paper to be presented to the department during their second year in the program. From that point on, until the completion of the dissertation in year five, the focus is primarily on independent and collaborative research.

Our graduate program is organized around subfields that address major theoretical questions about political life, encourage collaboration across intellectual boundaries, and place us at the frontiers of the discipline. As a graduate student here, you will become certified in two major fields and gain exposure to other fields through our graduate workshop series.

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2024 Best Colleges for Political Science in America

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1-25 of 1,340 results

Georgetown University

Washington, DC •

  • • Rating 3.8 out of 5   1,274 reviews

Freshman: Amazing campus, beautiful area surrounding campus with lots of connections to history! GU boasts a strong reputation for academic rigor and excellence across various disciplines, including law, business, international relations, and public policy. Situated in Washington, D.C., Georgetown benefits from its proximity to numerous government agencies, international organizations, and cultural institutions, offering unparalleled opportunities for internships, research, and networking. I love the diverse and inclusive community, attracting students and faculty worldwide. Diversity enriches the cross-cultural understanding. Georgetown has a vast and influential alumni network, providing students with valuable connections and opportunities for mentorship and career advancement. Rooted in its Jesuit tradition, Georgetown emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership and service to others, instilling in students a sense of responsibility and commitment to making a positive impact on society. ... Read 1,274 reviews

  • grade  A+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 12%

Net price $23,049

SAT range 1410-1550

#1 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

WASHINGTON, DC ,

1274 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Amazing campus, beautiful area surrounding campus with lots of connections to history! GU boasts a strong reputation for academic rigor and excellence across various disciplines, including law,... .

Read 1274 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 12% ,

Net Price : $23,049 ,

SAT Range : 1410-1550 ,

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA •

  • • Rating 4.15 out of 5   847 reviews

Alum: Attending Harvard College was transformative. The housing system fostered a strong sense of community, facilitating academic support and social interaction. The rigorous academics, led by renowned faculty, challenged me to think critically and pursue my interests. Harvard's commitment to diversity enriched my experience, and the vibrant location in Cambridge provided endless opportunities for exploration and growth. Harvard College offered an unparalleled experience that has left an indelible mark on my life. ... Read 847 reviews

Acceptance rate 4%

Net price $13,910

SAT range 1480-1580

#2 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

847 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Attending Harvard College was transformative. The housing system fostered a strong sense of community, facilitating academic support and social interaction. The rigorous academics, led by renowned... .

Read 847 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 4% ,

Net Price : $13,910 ,

SAT Range : 1480-1580 ,

Yale University

New Haven, CT •

  • • Rating 4.02 out of 5   1,050 reviews

Freshman: As someone who came from a low-income community and attended an underfunded high school, Yale is a dream come true. There are a plethora of resources for students with backgrounds like me, along with resources for the general student population. I like that Yale provides peer tutors for most STEM classes and writing tutors within the residential colleges (Hogwarts Houses) and the library's writing center. Additionally, the professors I've had thus far are wonderful and extremely helpful. They seem like they genuinely want their students to thrive and are willing to take some of their own time to help them. The student community at Yale is amazing and diverse. There is an astounding amount of clubs and activities for students to join, and I'm grateful for the many options I have. The housing at Yale can be hit-or-miss, especially when comparing the new residential colleges with the older ones. However, Yale's residential college system fosters a welcoming and tight-knit community. ... Read 1,050 reviews

Acceptance rate 5%

Net price $20,605

#3 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

Blue checkmark.

NEW HAVEN, CT ,

1050 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says As someone who came from a low-income community and attended an underfunded high school, Yale is a dream come true. There are a plethora of resources for students with backgrounds like me, along with... .

Read 1050 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 5% ,

Net Price : $20,605 ,

Canisius University

BUFFALO, NY

  • • Rating 3.68 out of 5   793

Drew University

MADISON, NJ

  • • Rating 3.49 out of 5   579

Linfield University

MCMINNVILLE, OR

  • • Rating 3.59 out of 5   750

University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA •

  • • Rating 3.98 out of 5   5,583 reviews

Alum: It was amazing! I came to UCLA as a 3rd year transfer student meaning I had more perks than some of those who came in as freshmen. The housing I did off-campus apartment dorms which was amazing. They are like luxury apartments with plenty of space for roommates with open kitchens and fully furnished. The campus has a strong sense of community and it's easy to find friends and people you can connect with both in and out of your majors and initial interests. The college town Westwood is built against Beverly Hills and close to Rhodeo Drive, meaning it's not uncommon to spot a celebrity here and there. The local theaters host recarpets and UCLA students are often given entry to the premiers. the professors in my major (Art History) were some of the kindest and most interesting people I will have the pleasure to meet. My only issue is the workload, if you get overwhelmed easily, it's not the school for you. The quarter system is a monster for any major. ... Read 5,583 reviews

Acceptance rate 11%

Net price $13,393

SAT range —

#4 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

5583 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says It was amazing! I came to UCLA as a 3rd year transfer student meaning I had more perks than some of those who came in as freshmen. The housing I did off-campus apartment dorms which was amazing. They... .

Read 5583 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 11% ,

Net Price : $13,393 ,

Stanford University

Stanford, CA •

  • • Rating 4.1 out of 5   1,280 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Stanford University was incredibly enriching and transformative. The academic rigor challenged me to push my boundaries and think critically in diverse fields of study. The vibrant campus culture fostered deep connections with peers and faculty, sparking countless engaging discussions and collaborations. The resources and opportunities available, from research initiatives to extracurricular activities, were unparalleled, allowing me to pursue my interests and passions fully. However, I believe there's room for improvement in terms of diversity and inclusion efforts, ensuring that all students feel equally supported and represented within the Stanford community. Additionally, enhancing accessibility to resources for students from various socioeconomic backgrounds would further enrich the university experience for all. ... Read 1,280 reviews

Net price $14,402

SAT range 1470-1570

#5 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

STANFORD, CA ,

1280 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says My experience at Stanford University was incredibly enriching and transformative. The academic rigor challenged me to push my boundaries and think critically in diverse fields of study. The vibrant... .

Read 1280 reviews.

Net Price : $14,402 ,

SAT Range : 1470-1570 ,

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ •

  • • Rating 3.99 out of 5   468 reviews

Freshman: I am currently a first-year here at Princeton University and my experiences here have single-handedly changed my life. The school has offered me so much support in every facet of my life -- from academics, to finances, to extracurriculars. I feel that I am completely thriving here in a way that I was never able to before. Classes are suburb with professors who really care about not only about what we learn but also how we grow as individuals. Dining is amazing and we have the sweetest dining staff ever. There are so many options for clubs that you are never bored and can always find something for you. Overall, I feel like there is no better place for me than Princeton :). ... Read 468 reviews

Net price $20,908

SAT range 1460-1570

#6 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

PRINCETON, NJ ,

468 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I am currently a first-year here at Princeton University and my experiences here have single-handedly changed my life. The school has offered me so much support in every facet of my life -- from... .

Read 468 reviews.

Net Price : $20,908 ,

SAT Range : 1460-1570 ,

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Columbia University

New York, NY •

  • • Rating 3.83 out of 5   1,353 reviews

Freshman: It has been great! Being in NYC is a very special aspect of college life here, but Columbia also feels very separate from the city so you don't get distracted. The party scene for me is dull, I barely find parties to go to (or people to go with) but I'm sure Greek life is having fun. The people are so diverse and brilliant and the academics have me more immersed than I have ever been. It has been tough to adjust but I think that's something we need to go through to grow. ... Read 1,353 reviews

Net price $12,411

#7 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

NEW YORK, NY ,

1353 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says It has been great! Being in NYC is a very special aspect of college life here, but Columbia also feels very separate from the city so you don't get distracted. The party scene for me is dull, I... .

Read 1353 reviews.

Net Price : $12,411 ,

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH •

  • • Rating 3.88 out of 5   745 reviews

Freshman: Great school! Not super diverse, but it’s easy to find your people. Profs are for the most part amazing and super inspirational. Definitely less competitive than the other Ivies. I have truly had the best time here and gotten to come out of my shell. ... Read 745 reviews

Acceptance rate 6%

Net price $24,078

SAT range 1440-1560

#8 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

HANOVER, NH ,

745 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Great school! Not super diverse, but it’s easy to find your people. Profs are for the most part amazing and super inspirational. Definitely less competitive than the other Ivies. I have truly had the... .

Read 745 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 6% ,

Net Price : $24,078 ,

SAT Range : 1440-1560 ,

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA •

  • • Rating 3.9 out of 5   1,357 reviews

Freshman: It's important to acknowledge that college experiences vary greatly from person to person, and while some may face challenges or difficulties, others may find their time in college to be transformative and rewarding. Instead of focusing on the negatives, perhaps you could consider exploring constructive criticism or discussing specific areas for improvement in the college experience. This approach allows for a more balanced and productive discussion that can lead to positive changes and improvements in the education system. If you have specific concerns about your college experience, it might be helpful to address them directly with the appropriate channels within your institution or seek support from counselors or advisors. Remember, challenges are a natural part of any educational journey, and there are often resources available to help navigate them. ... Read 1,357 reviews

Net price $14,578

SAT range 1480-1570

#9 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

1357 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says It's important to acknowledge that college experiences vary greatly from person to person, and while some may face challenges or difficulties, others may find their time in college to be... .

Read 1357 reviews.

Net Price : $14,578 ,

SAT Range : 1480-1570 ,

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI •

  • • Rating 3.95 out of 5   4,707 reviews

Senior: I always wanted to go UM and worked really hard to get here, and I believe that it paid off! I do, however, think that faculty can be a bit lenient and understanding of students personal life and their impacts on their education and their understanding. Additionally, I believe that safety on campus can be improved and that minorities are considered for safety in the same sense as the majority on campus as we are easily in harms way. As a student graduating, but continuing their education as a graduate student at the University of Michigan, I can say that enjoyed my time on campus. There were so many opportunities to meet other students in other fields and backgrounds. I can only hope that I can get better as a graduate student. ... Read 4,707 reviews

Acceptance rate 20%

Net price $19,205

SAT range 1340-1520

#10 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

4707 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says I always wanted to go UM and worked really hard to get here, and I believe that it paid off! I do, however, think that faculty can be a bit lenient and understanding of students personal life and... .

Read 4707 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 20% ,

Net Price : $19,205 ,

SAT Range : 1340-1520 ,

Rice University

Houston, TX •

  • • Rating 4.09 out of 5   1,120 reviews

Graduate Student: Going to Rice University to attend the Shepherd School of Music at a graduate level is an experience separate from the rest of Rice. The Opera Department at Rice University has been one of the best programs in the United States producing incredible singers in the industry for a while now. Financial aid has been decreasing from full rides to having to pay a couple of thousands to attend +fees for a Master of Music. It is case by case, however. Pros: BEAUTIFUL theater that is incredible to sing in, program's very YAP reminiscent (in good and bad ways), world-class faculty, great networking opportunity, masterclasses/private audition opportunities Cons: your soul/free-time belongs to the Opera Department; if a release conflicts with the opera schedule, tough luck; there have been many issues with casting opportunities/favoritism; if you're a person of color, be prepared to be a token on all promo material; TOO many irrelevant time-consuming academics; having a car is a MUST in Houston ... Read 1,120 reviews

Acceptance rate 9%

Net price $18,521

SAT range 1490-1570

#11 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

HOUSTON, TX ,

1120 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says Going to Rice University to attend the Shepherd School of Music at a graduate level is an experience separate from the rest of Rice. The Opera Department at Rice University has been one of the best... Pros: BEAUTIFUL theater that is incredible to sing in, program's very YAP reminiscent (in good and bad ways), world-class faculty, great networking opportunity, masterclasses/private audition... Cons: your soul/free-time belongs to the Opera Department; if a release conflicts with the opera schedule, tough luck; there have been many issues with casting opportunities/favoritism; if you're a... .

Read 1120 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 9% ,

Net Price : $18,521 ,

SAT Range : 1490-1570 ,

Brown University

Providence, RI •

  • • Rating 3.84 out of 5   1,079 reviews

Freshman: Attending Brown University was an enriching and transformative experience. I cherished the vibrant community that fostered intellectual curiosity and diversity. The open curriculum allowed me to explore a wide range of subjects, fostering interdisciplinary connections and personal growth. The faculty were not only experts in their fields but also approachable mentors who genuinely cared about students' academic and personal development. I appreciated the emphasis on critical thinking and the encouragement to question assumptions. However, I would suggest enhancing resources for mental health support and increasing accessibility to financial aid for students from underprivileged backgrounds. Overall, Brown provided a nurturing environment that empowered me to thrive academically and personally. ... Read 1,079 reviews

Net price $25,028

#12 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

PROVIDENCE, RI ,

1079 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Attending Brown University was an enriching and transformative experience. I cherished the vibrant community that fostered intellectual curiosity and diversity. The open curriculum allowed me to... .

Read 1079 reviews.

Net Price : $25,028 ,

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University of Chicago

Chicago, IL •

  • • Rating 3.82 out of 5   1,295 reviews

Sophomore: Starting out at this university was not easy for me since I had to face many challenges on my own, away from family and friends I had back home. However, I had adjusted to the quarter system and found my place at the college. UChicago academics have impressed me, even with the required core classes. The professors I have met so far all appear to be enthusiastic about their specific fields, and they can be especially helpful outside of class. Given that our campus is located within a neighborhood, there are plenty of community activities and restaurants that students can hang out at, such as a Mexican-Korean restaurant called Seoul Taco. There are multiple dormitory buildings on campus, and the southern one is especially convenient as it has a dining hall, gym, and a small store all in one general place. There are also plenty of clubs, called RSOs, ranging from many types of activities like boxing or Japanese drum practice (Taiko). I would like more transportation options to explore. ... Read 1,295 reviews

Net price $33,727

SAT range 1510-1580

#13 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

CHICAGO, IL ,

1295 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Starting out at this university was not easy for me since I had to face many challenges on my own, away from family and friends I had back home. However, I had adjusted to the quarter system and... .

Read 1295 reviews.

Net Price : $33,727 ,

SAT Range : 1510-1580 ,

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN •

  • • Rating 4.01 out of 5   1,346 reviews

Graduate Student: My time at Vanderbilt University was truly enriching. The academic atmosphere fostered a culture of excellence and intellectual curiosity that I found invigorating. The professors were not only knowledgeable but also deeply invested in the success of their students, providing invaluable mentorship and guidance. The campus itself is beautiful, with a vibrant campus life offering countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. I particularly enjoyed the plethora of extracurricular activities available, from student clubs to research initiatives. What stood out to me was Vanderbilt's commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment for students from all walks of life. However, one area that could be improved is the accessibility of certain resources, especially for students from underprivileged backgrounds. Enhancing financial aid and support services for these students would further enhance the University. ... Read 1,346 reviews

Acceptance rate 7%

Net price $27,553

#14 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

NASHVILLE, TN ,

1346 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says My time at Vanderbilt University was truly enriching. The academic atmosphere fostered a culture of excellence and intellectual curiosity that I found invigorating. The professors were not only... What stood out to me was Vanderbilt's commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment for students from all walks of life. However, one area that could be improved is the... .

Read 1346 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 7% ,

Net Price : $27,553 ,

Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA •

  • • Rating 4.01 out of 5   473 reviews

Other: My kid just started at Washington and Lee (W&L) and it has been an eye-opening experience seeing how special the place really is. We’ve been taken aback at the quality of the school, particularly its incredibly attentive academics, small class size, balanced life-style, and diversifying social scene. The school is fairly balanced politically. Those wishing to express either conservative or liberal views can do so in peace. Don't underestimate W&L - our kid turned-down other schools for it! 1st for learning opportunities, learning facilities, and career preparation (Wall Street Journal) 1st for best professors (Niche) 1st for allowing free speech on campus (Foundation for Individual Rights & Expression) 2nd for highest career net present value at $1.58M (Georgetown University) Overall Rank 8th (Washington Monthly and College Rapter) 9th (Wall Street Journal ) 10th (Forbes) 11th (Niche) 12th (College Consensus) And the current acceptance rate is actually 17%, (Niche is incorrect). ... Read 473 reviews

Acceptance rate 19%

Net price $26,063

SAT range 1410-1530

#15 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

LEXINGTON, VA ,

473 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Other says My kid just started at Washington and Lee (W&L) and it has been an eye-opening experience seeing how special the place really is. We’ve been taken aback at the quality of the school, particularly its... 1st for learning opportunities, learning facilities, and career preparation (Wall Street Journal) 1st for best professors (Niche) 1st for allowing free speech on campus (Foundation for Individual Rights & Expression) 2nd for highest career net present value at $1.58M (Georgetown University) Overall Rank 8th (Washington Monthly and College Rapter) 9th (Wall Street Journal ) 10th (Forbes) 11th (Niche) 12th (College Consensus) And the current acceptance rate is actually 17%, (Niche is incorrect). .

Read 473 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 19% ,

Net Price : $26,063 ,

SAT Range : 1410-1530 ,

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN •

  • • Rating 3.97 out of 5   1,430 reviews

Freshman: Notre Dame has a community of students who are driven both spiritually and academically to be their best selves. Over my time at UND, all students are united towards a common goal of being educated in both their hearts and minds to serve others in the world. For example, there are two students who really impacted my life named Caroline and Liam who changed my perspective on the idea of vocation and living out your life in service of God through your life. Vocation is about using your gifts to change the world and the University of Notre Dame helps cultivate students to be young men and women who do just that. ... Read 1,430 reviews

Acceptance rate 15%

Net price $30,513

#16 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

NOTRE DAME, IN ,

1430 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Notre Dame has a community of students who are driven both spiritually and academically to be their best selves. Over my time at UND, all students are united towards a common goal of being educated... .

Read 1430 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 15% ,

Net Price : $30,513 ,

Pomona College

Claremont, CA •

  • • Rating 4.23 out of 5   423 reviews

Junior: After three challenging, exciting, and transformational years at Pomona, I feel that I can confidently say that I wouldn't want to have studied anywhere else, and I'm already mourning that I'll have to leave this place after next year. Pomona maintains a truly unique culture among elite higher education. Students here are bright and academically top-notch, sure, but, more importantly, they are genuinely curious about the world, open-minded, and passionate about knowledge and justice. I have been challenged academically and personally, and grown more than I could have imagined as a result. The school has its problems, of course: for one, the administration is opaque and unresponsive to student needs. But the dedicated faculty, laidback California atmosphere, and student body more than make up for them. If you are given the opportunity to study here, seriously consider it: you will grow as a student and as a person. ... Read 423 reviews

Net price $17,000

#17 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

CLAREMONT, CA ,

423 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says After three challenging, exciting, and transformational years at Pomona, I feel that I can confidently say that I wouldn't want to have studied anywhere else, and I'm already mourning that I'll have... .

Read 423 reviews.

Net Price : $17,000 ,

Duke University

Durham, NC •

  • • Rating 3.93 out of 5   1,206 reviews

Alum: Overall I highly recommend Duke University as an Undergraduate university because the sense of community is unbeatable and the professors are willing and able to help their students prosper. The athletics and school pride is shown often and proves to create community and garner relationships for a lifetime. One thing I would like to change about Duke University is the dorm situation. I think some dorms need to be remodeled. While many dorms are in the process of being remodeled and upgraded, it seems the school is not focused on making living situations better for all dorms, so I think one main place of improvement is living situations. ... Read 1,206 reviews

Net price $27,297

#18 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

DURHAM, NC ,

1206 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Overall I highly recommend Duke University as an Undergraduate university because the sense of community is unbeatable and the professors are willing and able to help their students prosper. The... One thing I would like to change about Duke University is the dorm situation. I think some dorms need to be remodeled. While many dorms are in the process of being remodeled and upgraded, it seems... .

Read 1206 reviews.

Net Price : $27,297 ,

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL •

  • • Rating 3.88 out of 5   7,637 reviews

Junior: FSU has a beautiful campus and outstanding athletics. The student body is very diverse and is known as one of the friendliest campuses in the country. The academics are very challenging, but ample tutoring and help is available. The sciences need more professors and better professors and more course offerings. This is something the school should really focus on. Dorms are typical dorms, definitely need dehumidifiers to avoid mold issues. The Greek life is very robust as is the club scene, but plenty of other activities to do and clubs to join outside of those. Overall, I absolutely love FSU and definitely feel I made the right choice. Go Noles! ... Read 7,637 reviews

Acceptance rate 37%

Net price $12,684

SAT range 1180-1340

#19 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

TALLAHASSEE, FL ,

7637 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says FSU has a beautiful campus and outstanding athletics. The student body is very diverse and is known as one of the friendliest campuses in the country. The academics are very challenging, but ample... .

Read 7637 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 37% ,

Net Price : $12,684 ,

SAT Range : 1180-1340 ,

University of California - Berkeley

Berkeley, CA •

  • • Rating 3.72 out of 5   4,471 reviews

Alum: My experience at Berkeley was profoundly positive. Each school possesses its own distinctive personality, and Berkeley stands out for its constant engagement with societal issues. The university maintains a steadfast connection with the broader community, addressing pressing social concerns head-on. Students at Berkeley are remarkably passionate about effecting meaningful change in the world. Whether through activism, research, or community involvement, there's an undeniable drive among students to make a difference. Berkeley fosters an environment where such aspirations are nurtured and supported, instilling in its students a sense of purpose and a commitment to contributing positively to society. ... Read 4,471 reviews

Acceptance rate 14%

Net price $17,652

SAT range 1310-1530

#20 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

BERKELEY, CA ,

4471 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says My experience at Berkeley was profoundly positive. Each school possesses its own distinctive personality, and Berkeley stands out for its constant engagement with societal issues. The university... .

Read 4471 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 14% ,

Net Price : $17,652 ,

SAT Range : 1310-1530 ,

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  • • Rating 4.16 out of 5   662 reviews

Sophomore: Great place to be challenged, learn, and grow. A safe environment to fall and fail. Lots of support and resources available but you need to take the initiative to reach out about them ... Read 662 reviews

Net price $30,958

#21 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

662 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Great place to be challenged, learn, and grow. A safe environment to fall and fail. Lots of support and resources available but you need to take the initiative to reach out about them .

Read 662 reviews.

Net Price : $30,958 ,

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL •

  • • Rating 3.91 out of 5   8,069 reviews

Senior: The University of Florida is amazing! The culture here is very "work hard, play hard." The classes are rigorous and the students are very ambitious and involved in many organizations. Greek Life and partying is also pretty big here. Sports are huge -- football and tailgating especially! The city itself (Gainesville, FL) is a small college town, which is really fun! Overall, I made the best decision coming to UF and highly recommend it! ... Read 8,069 reviews

Acceptance rate 30%

Net price $9,809

SAT range 1300-1470

#22 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

GAINESVILLE, FL ,

8069 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says The University of Florida is amazing! The culture here is very "work hard, play hard." The classes are rigorous and the students are very ambitious and involved in many organizations. Greek Life and... .

Read 8069 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 30% ,

Net Price : $9,809 ,

SAT Range : 1300-1470 ,

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL •

  • • Rating 3.7 out of 5   1,490 reviews

Alum: Northwestern has an incredible network of professors who are preforming cutting-edge work in all their fields. Impressively, after an entire undergrad career there is only one professor who I would name as not a good professor, and that review is simply isolated to their teaching ability, not their subject knowledge. The learning support system is also extensive, and students are incredibly supportive as well. There is a culture of enabling yourself and those around you to reach new heights. While all the academics and research are amazing, I would say Northwestern needs to work on its accessibility to mental healthcare and ties to the greater Chicagoland community. There could be many more community outreach programs designed to benefit the diverse and interesting Chicago population, from academics to student life. ... Read 1,490 reviews

Net price $29,999

#23 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

EVANSTON, IL ,

1490 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Northwestern has an incredible network of professors who are preforming cutting-edge work in all their fields. Impressively, after an entire undergrad career there is only one professor who I would... .

Read 1490 reviews.

Net Price : $29,999 ,

Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME •

  • • Rating 4.11 out of 5   726 reviews

Alum: Amazing food, great dorms, and professors that changed my whole perspective on life. I got very sick of the institutional bureaucracy but that might have been true at any college I went to. Other students of color -- be very aware that this is a PWI in a major way, it can be VERY isolating and disheartening. If you go here, I encourage you to ask for support and hold your people close. They have a lot of funding opportunities for research projects and individual interest projects. Take advantage of their huge endowment and apply for grants to do things you're interested in! Hang in there y'all ... Read 726 reviews

Net price $26,727

SAT range 1360-1510

#24 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

BRUNSWICK, ME ,

726 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Amazing food, great dorms, and professors that changed my whole perspective on life. I got very sick of the institutional bureaucracy but that might have been true at any college I went to. Other... .

Read 726 reviews.

Net Price : $26,727 ,

SAT Range : 1360-1510 ,

Claremont McKenna College

  • • Rating 3.95 out of 5   432 reviews

Sophomore: Transferred in from a flagship state school and have no regrets. Found more welcoming communities, interesting professional/research opportunities, and more engaging classes. Facilities and the overall area (being in between LA County and San Bernardino) are somewhat underwhelming but can be made more enjoyable with a car. Food and residential life is good, and you'll find most people are friendly across the 5Cs. More specific to CMC, students love having profound conversations and engaging in multiple productive pursuits. It's definitely a grind, but a fulfilling one -- especially if you're pre-professional interested in IB/Consulting. ... Read 432 reviews

Net price $21,663

SAT range 1420-1530

#25 Best Colleges for Political Science in America .

432 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Transferred in from a flagship state school and have no regrets. Found more welcoming communities, interesting professional/research opportunities, and more engaging classes. Facilities and the... .

Read 432 reviews.

Net Price : $21,663 ,

SAT Range : 1420-1530 ,

Mt. San Antonio College

  • • Rating 3.96 out of 5   1,971

Temple University

PHILADELPHIA, PA

  • • Rating 3.69 out of 5   5,820

Washington & Jefferson College

WASHINGTON, PA

  • • Rating 3.52 out of 5   736

Showing results 1 through 25 of 1,340

  • College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

News and Events

  • News Archives

Political Science Graduate Program Enters National Top 50

April 8, 2021

political science phd program rankings

The University of Houston College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) Department of Political Science celebrated an exciting milestone last week, breaking into the top 50 of U.S. News and World Report’s 2021 rankings of the best graduate programs in the discipline. The publication's prestigious and influential rankings, which rely on peer institutions' survey data, reflect the growing impact of the research and scholarship from the department's graduate students and faculty.

“Our faculty in political science are doing rigorous, cutting-edge research and are training top-notch students,” said Professor and Department Chair Jeffrey Church. “I’m proud of our faculty for their hard work and for earning this recognition, and grateful to the University for its support. Breaking into the top 50 programs will increase the visibility of our program in our discipline and will attract even more good students to be part of our efforts.”

The department of political science's graduate program provides advanced training to students whose career goals include college teaching and cutting-edge research. The department is organized into five major subfields of American politics, comparative politics, political theory, international relations, and public policy. The department has a long history of quantitatively oriented scholarship, and all students must fulfill a requirement in research methods.

“The University’s political science graduate program has continued to garner well-earned recognition from the wider academic world,” said Daniel P. O’Connor, Ph.D., interim dean of CLASS. “The program’s rise in the national rankings comes from the hard work of our students and faculty, whose research and scholarship is at the leading edge of modern political thought.”

University of California, Merced logo

UC Merced Political Science Graduate Program Ranked by U.S. News & World Report

political science phd program rankings

Political science is a discipline that combines history, current events and analysis. Graduate students are often able to specialize in a certain area of politics. U.S. News & World Report ranked the 2021 Best Political Science Graduate Schools.  These are the best political science programs. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions.

For the first time in its history, UC Merced's Political Science Graduate program appears in the U.S. News & World Report ranking of Best Political Science Graduate Schools.  UC Merced debuted at #63, tied with Purdue University, University of South Carolina and CUNY Graduate School.  

Congratualtios to the faculty, support staff, and students who made this possible!  

See the methodology and entire rankings list here . 

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  • Graduate Program

Political Science Graduate Program

The PhD program in Political Science at the University of California, San Diego is consistently recognized as one of the top ten programs in the nation, as evidenced by the rankings of U.S. News & World Report and the National Academy of Sciences. We are also rated #1 in overall graduate student satisfaction in a recent National Doctoral Program Survey.

As a full-time doctoral program—we admit only for the PhD—our primary goal is to prepare scholars to teach and conduct research at major research universities.   Each year, from 15-20 new graduate students enter the program and spend an average of five years earning the PhD. As our placement history attests, the training and mentoring we provide has prepared students to land rewarding jobs at the world’s best universities and colleges.

With over forty faculty members and eleven adjunct professors engaged in graduate teaching, we maintain a small ratio of students to faculty. This allows for close faculty supervision of graduate education and fosters an ethos of mentoring and collaboration. Graduate seminars are small and students have ample opportunity to become involved in collaborative research projects with faculty from across the subfields of contemporary political science. We also offer students many opportunities to attend colloquia that feature presentations by faculty, outside speakers, and dissertation candidates. The small number of students accepted into the program also makes it possible to fund almost all graduate students throughout their entire graduate careers.

A hallmark of our program is the willingness and ability of both faculty and graduate students to work across traditional sub-disciplinary boundaries. We believe that political science is a coherent discipline, rather than independent subfields loosely grouped under an umbrella. We as a department seek to break down additional barriers and build bridges across all the subfields and give all of our students a broad command of the discipline as a whole, regardless of their area of specialization.

In accordance with these principles, our graduate program includes a required First-Year Curriculum for all incoming PhD students. This curriculum is composed of two quarters of courses in Analytic Theory (203A-B) and two quarters of Research Methods (204A-B) courses. We also offer an Integrated Workshop, which is designed to promote intellectual engagement and conversations across fields, so as to better prepare our students to conduct research that scholars across fields will care about.

We believe the design of our graduate program is a unique statement about the discipline of political science. No similar attempt to unify the curriculum has been undertaken in any other department in the country. Our students will not only have a broader command of the discipline as a result of this first year curriculum but will be able to see problems of politics in their more specialized areas of study through new and, we hope, clearer lenses. We are excited about the direction of our Department and hope to provide leadership to the profession by highlighting and building upon this unity in our graduate program.

Department of Political Science

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Our Ph.D. program in Political Science is designed to break down barriers and build bridges across the subfields and give all of our students a broad command of the discipline as a whole, regardless of their area of specialization.

Director of Graduate Studies Claire Adida [email protected] SSB 389

Placement Director Gareth Nellis [email protected] SSB 350

Student Affairs Manager Ethel Lu [email protected]

Graduate Coordinator Katie Smith [email protected]

  • University of California, Irvine

         

Department of Political Science

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Ph.D. in Political Science

ONLINE APPLICATION APPLY NOW

Shauna Gillooly, '21

about OUR PROGRAM

Department of Political Science

Ranked #21 among all public political science programs in the country ( U.S. News & World Report ), the UCI graduate program in political science offers students six years of guaranteed funding .

UCI political science faculty publish regularly in top academic journals, and graduate students have ample opportunities to publish alongside them. Faculty and graduate students consistently present research at conferences, universities, and before governmental entities across the globe. Their expert advice is sought by journalists in the national media, lawyers, and policy makers. Members of the faculty have received national and international awards and testified before Congress to impact policy.

And if that wasn't enough, the UCI campus is located less than 10 miles from Newport Beach, is the #1 university doing the most for the American dream ( New York Times College Access Index ), the #1 best value university ( Forbes ), and the #9 ranked public university in the U.S. ( U.S. News & World Report ).

Learn more about political science at UCI...

university committed to economic diversity and upward mobility - New York Times College Access Index

best college in the nation - Money Magazine

public university in the U.S. - U.S. News & World Report

best public political science program in the U.S. - U.S. News & World Report

LOCATION Campus is located less than 10 miles from Newport Beach.    

FUNDING Admitted students receive 6 years of guaranteed funding.    

FIELDS Primary research fields exist in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.

DEGREE Ph.D.; a master's degree may be earned while in pursuit of the Ph.D.      

ENROLLMENT Full-time, on-campus with housing.        

CURRENT MASTERS Political science Ph.D. students can simultaneously pursue an M.A. in demographic and social analysis or an M.A. in mathematical behavioral sciences.

JOB PLACEMENTS

American Council on Learned Societies

Cal Poly Pomona

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Canadian Federal Government

Carnegie Mellon University

Loyola Marymount University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

National Chengchi University, Taiwan

Rice University

University of Florida

Read more about alumni job placements...

  A top-ranked program with research strengths in American and comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.  

what makes us

Student walking on aldrich park

  UCI political scientists explore changing notions of citizenship, strategies aimed at halting nuclear proliferation, impacts of redistricting and voter mobilization on elections and public policy, and contested notions of democracy.

Students select a primary field from among American politics, comparative politics, international relations, or political theory. They select a secondary field from these or from a more specialized area. Examples of secondary fields include critical theory; democracy studies; ethics; methodology and modeling; political economy; political psychology; public law; and race, ethnicity and politics, among others. Faculty actively mentor doctoral students and encourage them to become productive, publishing scholars before completing their graduate studies.

Students have an opportunity to earn a master's degree while in pursuit of their Ph.D., and are encouraged to enroll in interdisciplinary coursework.

Alumni have entered tenure-track positions at top research universities, highly competitive post-doctoral positions, and research-oriented jobs in both the public and private sectors.

So what are you waiting for?

APPLY TODAY

If full funding, opportunities to publish, and a proven track record of excellence in the field are what you're looking for in a graduate program, contact us today to learn more about UCI political science.  

UCI Department of Political Science

Online Application

Department Chair

Simone Chambers   [email protected]  949.824.3187

Graduate Program Director

Marek Kaminski   [email protected]  

Graduate Admissions Director

Robert Uriu   [email protected]  949.824.1868

Graduate Advisor

Jennifer Gerson   [email protected]  949.824.4074

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UCI School of Social Sciences

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political science phd program rankings

UCI graduate programs in political science and sociology make big leaps in latest U.S. News and World Report rankings

  • March 30, 2021
  • All UCI social sciences graduate programs rank in top 50 of respective fields

Graduate programs in political science and sociology at UC Irvine climbed in U.S. News & World Report’s latest rankings. The two programs are in the nation’s top 25 programs among public universities, and top 50 overall, public and private.   

  • Political Science , 21st among public universities, 41st overall (up from 24th/45th)
  • Sociology , 9th among public universities, 20th overall (up from 12th/23rd overall)

“Social sciences is continuing its upward trajectory across all the diverse fields we represent, while building on its interdisciplinary strengths and its commitment to diversity, graduate training, and extramurally funded research,” says Bill Maurer, social sciences dean and anthropology and law professor. “While the rankings are never the whole story, we’re thrilled with these results.”

Other social sciences graduate programs evaluated in prior review cycles by respective reporting bodies include:  

  • Anthropology : 8-22 (reviewed by Center for Public Anthropology & National Research Council; ranked within ranges; individual rankings not provided)
  • Economics , 24th among public universities, 47th overall ( U.S. News & World Report)
  • Logic & Philosophy of Science (reviewed by Philosophical Gourmet Report with multiple subfield rankings):

  Top 10 globally in 10 specialty areas:

  • #1 in general philosophy of science
  • #1 in philosophy of mathematics
  • #1 in decision, rational choice & game theory
  • #3 in philosophy of physics
  • #4 in mathematical logic
  • #9 in epistemology and medieval philosophy
  • #10 in philosophy of biology
  • #10 in philosophy of social sciences
  • #10 in 20 th -century continental philosophy  
  • Psychology , 19th among public universities, 36th overall (reviewed by U.S. News & World Report ; program is administered by both the Department of Cognitive Sciences in Social Sciences and the Department of Psychology and Social Behavior in Social Ecology)
  • Although it does not offer a graduate degree, Chicano/Latino Studies ranks near the very top for all ethnic and area studies programs nationally, according to Academic Analytics, which tracks faculty research productivity along a range of metrics.

  And new in 2020, the school launched graduate programs in global studies and language science which now boast double digit enrollments. Small but mighty, language science - right out of the gate - ranks near the very top of all linguistics programs, according to Academic Analytics, and both programs are aggressively recruiting new faculty this year.

“Our well-established programs are highly ranked, and our new programs are gaining lots of visibility,” says Michael McBride, social sciences associate dean for graduate studies and research and economics professor. “The UCI School of Social Sciences is definitely an exciting place to be for graduate work.”

Overall, U.S. News & World Report ranks UCI eighth among the nation’s public universities and 35th among all American universities, public and private.

Related News Items

  • Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report rank UCI among nation's top 10 public universities
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  • A lesson in solidarity
  • UCI sociologists are making their mark
  • New program allows incarcerated students to get bachelor's degrees alongside peers on the outside

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University of California--Berkeley

Ranked in 9 program s and 10+ specialt ies

University of California--Berkeley 's Graduate School Rankings

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  • # 3 in Geology
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  • # 3 in Development Economics
  • # 8 in Econometrics  (tie)
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  • # 2 in 18th Through 20th Century British Literature
  • # 2 in African-American Literature
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  • # 3 in Medieval / Renaissance Literature
  • # 15 in Best Fine Arts Programs  (tie)
  • # 7 in African History  (tie)
  • # 10 in African-American History  (tie)
  • # 2 in Asian History  (tie)
  • # 1 in Cultural History
  • # 2 in European History  (tie)
  • # 3 in Latin American History
  • # 5 in Modern U.S. History
  • # 5 in Women's History
  • # 3 in Algebra / Number Theory / Algebraic Geometry
  • # 4 in Analysis  (tie)
  • # 6 in Applied Math
  • # 7 in Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics  (tie)
  • # 2 in Geometry
  • # 4 in Topology
  • # 6 in Atomic / Molecular / Optical  (tie)
  • # 3 in Condensed Matter  (tie)
  • # 5 in Cosmology / Relativity / Gravity
  • # 6 in Elementary Particles / Field / String Theory
  • # 5 in Nuclear
  • # 11 in Physics of Living Systems  (tie)
  • # 6 in Quantum  (tie)
  • # 5 in American Politics
  • # 2 in Comparative Politics  (tie)
  • # 6 in International Politics  (tie)
  • # 9 in Political Methodology
  • # 5 in Political Theory
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  • # 1 in Cognitive Psychology
  • # 3 in Developmental Psychology
  • # 1 in Social Psychology  (tie)
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  • # 21 in Public Management and Leadership  (tie)
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  • # 10 in Biostatistics
  • # 4 in Environmental Health Sciences
  • # 10 in Epidemiology
  • # 9 in Health Policy and Management  (tie)
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  • # 4 in Social Work  (tie)
  • # 2 in Economic Sociology
  • # 3 in Historical Sociology
  • # 2 in Sex and Gender
  • # 6 in Social Stratification
  • # 2 in Sociology of Culture
  • # 11 in Sociology of Population  (tie)
  • # 2 in Statistics

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Department of Political Science

political science phd program rankings

The Political Science Ph.D.

The Vanderbilt Ph.D. program in political science ranks among the top programs of its kind, both overall and by subfield (American Politics, Comparative Politics, with International Relations on the rise).

Our faculty and students study many varied subjects using a diverse slate of methodologies. Vanderbilt’s political science department is known for its deep expertise in several areas of excellence that cross subfield boundaries, including bureaucracies, political violence and conflict, the politics of gender, democracy in middle-to-low-income countries, mass political behavior, survey methodology, and formal theory.

Our graduate program offers intensive training in three fields of political science: American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations. We admit between eight and twelve doctoral students per year and prepare them for successful careers in academia, government, international organizations, or research-centered jobs.

While we admit a small percentage of applicants for our program, we aim to bring the most diverse, talented, and innovative students in the world to Nashville to study political science. As a student in our program, you are joining a supportive intellectual and social community.

Some of the key benefits of Vanderbilt’s political science Ph.D. program are:

  • A top-ranked faculty with deep expertise in substantive political science and the methodologies needed to answer important questions about our political world
  • Access to research-supporting resources like the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions , the Latin American Public Opinion Project Lab, the Research on Conflict and Collective Action Lab, and the Research on Individuals, Politics, and Society Lab
  • A nearly 1:1 student: faculty ratio, allowing for close mentoring and support
  • A rigorous program of coursework and research milestones that pair deep substantive knowledge with cutting-edge methodological and data science skills
  • Membership in a community of smart, hardworking, and supportive doctoral candidates who prioritize collaboration and discovery
  • Residence in Nashville, a fast-growing mid-size city with a high quality of life and wide array of entertainment and recreational offerings

Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Like Vanderbilt University, the Department of Political Science defines diversity broadly to include experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and identities. We believe such diversity among our faculty and students enhances the intellectual experience and achievements of this academic community. As such, we are committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action, and we encourage individuals from diverse, under-represented, and traditionally excluded populations to apply to our program.

Our graduate program seeks to:

  • Continually strengthen the climate for current students and faculty from traditionally excluded groups and foster a welcoming and vibrant community of scholars.
  • Recruit more graduate students from underrepresented and traditionally excluded groups to the department and discipline.
  • Give all students and faculty the tools to succeed and support one another in a diverse discipline.

Applying to the Program

The application deadline for the Ph.D. program is December 15 for the coming fall semester. We welcome applicants from all institutions, backgrounds, and experiences with a passion for research in political science. The application fee is $95.00.

When you apply, you are applying to the program as a whole and the faculty decides together who would be the best fit. Individual faculty members do not review and accept individual doctoral students they want to advise. There is no need to secure a faculty mentor ahead of your application .

Please direct all Ph.D. admission inquiries to Director of Graduate Studies, Sharece Thrower .

Qualifications

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any major and show evidence of a passion for research in political science. The most successful applicants demonstrate mathematical or statistical proficiency and experience in original research. There is no minimum score for the GRE, TOEFL, or minimum required GPA. It is optional for applicants to submit their GRE scores. Strong letters of recommendation (generally from faculty members) are essential. Finally, but most importantly, we look for a fit between the student's intellectual interests and our faculty's scholarly expertise.

Information to Submit

The Graduate Studies Committee reviews all aspects of an applicant's file. We try to get a sense of an applicant’s many facets, skills, and experiences across the different materials:

  • Statement of purpose (see details below)
  • Official transcripts from each college or university attended
  • 3-5 letters of recommendation speaking to academic abilities
  • Writing sample of 15-25 pages (preferably a paper from a course that illustrates the candidate's ability to write and to conduct research)
  • Unofficial or official GRE scores are optional
  • Students from non-English-speaking countries should also submit a recent TOEFL score; students graduating with a degree from a four-year English-speaking institution are exempt from this requirement.

Statement of Purpose

Successful applicants should use the personal statement to clearly articulate their interest in pursuing a doctorate in political science and their research objectives. There are no required elements, but some questions that can help guide the statement include:

  • What questions or puzzles in political science fascinate you?
  • What approaches do you think will help you answer those puzzles?
  • Why do you want to earn a Ph.D., and why in political science?
  • How have your studies and experiences prepared you for a challenging Ph.D. program?
  • Why do you think the Vanderbilt program and its faculty are the best place for you to study your questions of interest and develop needed skills?

Visiting Campus

We hold a recruitment visit in March for all applicants who receive offers of admission to the program. Visits consist of meals with current graduate students and faculty, group meetings to learn about program requirements and benefits, and one-on-one meetings with those faculty members and students you are most likely to work with.

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Political science graduate program ranked 12th in nation

In the national rankings of graduate programs released March 30 by U.S. News and World Report, the Department of Political Science at Washington University in St. Louis secured a No. 12 ranking, placing the department’s graduate program among the best in the nation. The recent report marked a seven-point increase for the program from the previous list published by U.S. News and World Report. 

political science phd program rankings

Margit Tavits , the William Taussig Professor in Arts & Sciences and chair of political science, was “absolutely ecstatic” to hear about the new ranking. Tavits attributes the graduate program's recognition to both the high quality and productivity of the faculty in political science and the strong graduate training offered. "A majority of our PhDs continue to get good academic jobs as a result, even in the increasingly difficult job market," she said.

According to Tavits, the political science department at WashU stands out nationally for at least two additional reasons. “First, we have had an established and well-recognized reputation in data science, long before most other programs started investing in quantitative social science,” Tavits said. “Second, our department has been able to avoid academic silos and encourages collaboration across specializations within the department and with colleagues in other disciplines. This feeds academic excellence.” 

"Our department has been able to avoid academic silos and encourages collaboration across specializations within the department and with colleagues in other disciplines. This feeds academic excellence.” 

In addition to the overall No. 12 ranking, multiple specialties within political science earned individual placement in the national rankings: political methodology came in the top ten, at No. 8; American politics, No. 15; comparative politics, No. 18; and international politics, No. 26. 

The Department of Political Science tied for the 12th spot with the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill and the University of California–Los Angeles. All three programs earned a score of 4.2 on a 5-point scale developed by U.S. News and World Report that is based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Cornell University and New York University tied for the follow-up spot at No. 15. 

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2024 Best Political Science & Government Master's Degree Schools

College Factual reviewed 160 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for master's degree seekers in the field of political science & government. Combined, these schools handed out 1,936 master's degrees in political science & government to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Our Methodology

  • Best Master’s Degree Schools List

Choosing a Great Political Science & Government School for Your Master's Degree

Best Political Science & Government Master's Degree Schools

A Great Overall School

The overall quality of a master's degree school is important to ensure a quality education, not just how well they do in a particular major. To take this into account we consider a school's overall Best Colleges for a Master's Degree ranking which itself looks at a combination of various factors like degree completion, educational resources, student body caliber and post-graduation earnings for the school as a whole.

Early-Career Earnings

One measure we use to determine the quality of a school is to look at the average salary of master's graduates during the early years of their career. That is, everyone wants their master's degree to be worth something, and salaries are one measure of determining that.

Other Factors We Consider

The metrics below are just some of the other metrics that we use to determine our rankings.

  • Major Focus - How much a school focuses on political science & government students vs. other majors.
  • Major Demand - How many other political science & government students want to attend this school to pursue a master's degree.
  • Educational Resources - How many resources are allocated to students. These resources may include educational expenditures per student, number of students per instructor, and graduation rate among other things.
  • Student Debt - How much debt political science & government students go into to obtain their master's degree and how well they are able to pay back that debt.
  • Accreditation - Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or accredited by a recognized political science & government related body.

Our full ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for political science & government students working on their master's degree.

More Ways to Rank Political Science & Government Schools

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Political Science & Government Master's Degree Schools ranking, along with many other major-related rankings , to help you make that decision.

Featured Political Science & Government Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

BA in Political Science

Gain a solid understanding of American political history, the current political landscape, and the major political parties with this online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.

Southern New Hampshire University Logo

Best Schools for Master’s Students to Study Political Science & Government in the United States

Learn about the top ranked colleges and universities for political science & government students seeking a a master's degree. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools for a Master's in Political Science

Harvard crest

Any student pursuing a degree in a master's degree in political science & government has to check out Harvard University. Located in the medium-sized city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. More information about a master’s in political science & government from Harvard University

Johns Hopkins crest

Johns Hopkins University is a wonderful option for students interested in a master's degree in political science & government. Located in the large city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population.

Those political science & government students who get their master's degree from Johns Hopkins University make $32,181 more than the average political science student.

Yale crest

Yale University is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a master's degree in political science & government. Yale is a large private not-for-profit university located in the medium-sized city of New Haven. More information about a master’s in political science & government from Yale University

Rice crest

Rice University is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a master's degree in political science & government. Located in the city of Houston, Rice is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. More information about a master’s in political science & government from Rice University

Duke crest

Duke University is one of the best schools in the country for getting a master's degree in political science & government. Duke is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Durham. More information about a master’s in political science & government from Duke University

Columbia crest

Columbia is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New York. More information about a master’s in political science & government from Columbia University in the City of New York

Stanford crest

Located in the large suburb of Stanford, Stanford is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a master’s in political science & government from Stanford University

Georgetown crest

Georgetown is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Washington.

Master's recipients from the political science & government major at Georgetown University earn $8,477 more than the standard college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

UPenn crest

UPenn is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Philadelphia. More information about a master’s in political science & government from University of Pennsylvania

Princeton crest

Located in the city of Princeton, Princeton is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. More information about a master’s in political science & government from Princeton University

Vanderbilt crest

Located in the large city of Nashville, Vanderbilt is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. More information about a master’s in political science & government from Vanderbilt University

GWU crest

Located in the large city of Washington, GWU is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population.

Political Science & Government master's degree recipients from George Washington University get an earnings boost of approximately $21,199 over the typical income of political science & government majors.

Cornell crest

Located in the city of Ithaca, Cornell is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a master’s in political science & government from Cornell University

Brown crest

Brown is a large private not-for-profit university located in the medium-sized city of Providence. More information about a master’s in political science & government from Brown University

Northwestern crest

Located in the small city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a master’s in political science & government from Northwestern University

WUSTL crest

WUSTL is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Saint Louis. More information about a master’s in political science & government from Washington University in St Louis

NYU crest

NYU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New York. More information about a master’s in political science & government from New York University

UChicago crest

UChicago is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Chicago. More information about a master’s in political science & government from University of Chicago

Notre Dame crest

Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Notre Dame. More information about a master’s in political science & government from University of Notre Dame

UCLA crest

UCLA is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Los Angeles. More information about a master’s in political science & government from University of California - Los Angeles

UC Berkeley crest

Located in the midsize city of Berkeley, UC Berkeley is a public university with a very large student population. More information about a master’s in political science & government from University of California - Berkeley

Teachers College crest

Teachers College is a small private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York. More information about a master’s in political science & government from Teachers College at Columbia University

UW - Madison crest

UW - Madison is a very large public university located in the city of Madison. More information about a master’s in political science & government from University of Wisconsin - Madison

Emory crest

Emory is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Atlanta. More information about a master’s in political science & government from Emory University

University of Virginia crest

Located in the suburb of Charlottesville, University of Virginia is a public university with a very large student population. More information about a master’s in political science & government from University of Virginia - Main Campus

Rest of the Top Best Political Science & Government Master's Degree Schools

Honorable mentions.

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Political Science & Government Master's Degree Schools award.

Political Science & Government by Region

View the Best Political Science & Government Master's Degree Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Best associate degrees in political science & government, best doctorate degrees in political science & government, best value in political science & government, best for non-traditional students in political science & government, best online in political science & government, most popular online in political science & government, best bachelor's degrees in political science & government, best overall in political science & government, highest paid grads in political science & government, best for veterans in political science & government, most popular in political science & government, most focused in political science & government.

View All Rankings >

Rankings in Majors Related to Political Science

One of 13 majors within the Social Sciences area of study, Political Science & Government has other similar majors worth exploring.

Political Science Concentrations

Majors similar to political science, notes and references.

  • The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
  • Credit for the banner image above goes to UKWiki at English Wikipedia . More about our data sources and methodologies .

Popular Reports

Compare your school options.

political science phd program rankings

2024 U.S. News Graduate School Rankings

  • April 16, 2024
  • vol 70 issue 30

Each year, U.S. News & World Report ranks graduate and professional schools in business, medicine, education, law, engineering and nursing. 

Seven of Penn’s schools are in the top 10 list. Specialty rankings in the top 10 are listed below; for more, see U.S. News’ website: www.usnews.com .

(-) Indicates not ranked.

RIT graduate programs ranked among best in nation by ‘U.S. News & World Report’

a photo of the Saunders College of Business building is shown in the evening.

Scott Hamilton/RIT

'U.S. News & World Report' ranked RIT’s Saunders College of Business among the best graduate programs in the nation.

Graduate degree programs at Rochester Institute of Technology were named among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.

In the U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools 2024 , RIT’s Saunders College of Business tied for 97th as one of the top full-time MBA programs .

New methodologies for ranking full-time MBA programs placed more emphasis on earnings. This ranking factor assessed how each school’s post-graduate salaries across different professions compared with other schools’ post-graduate salaries in those professions.

This change was made to account for the importance of compensation for prospective business school students, the varying vocational interests of students at different schools, and to more fully refine the impact business schools have on their graduates’ starting salaries.

U.S. News is delaying the publication of this year’s best engineering schools due to questions about new ranking indicators pertaining to bibliometric data. Concerns arose about the consideration of affiliated institutions in this area. Results for the best medical schools are also under review.

Typically, US News & World Report ranks annually graduate programs in six fields—business, education, engineering, law, medicine, and nursing to help prospective students make informed decisions. These data-driven rankings have been based on enrollment numbers, job placement rates, faculty statistics, and other indicators.

U.S. News also periodically ranks programs in 12 academic disciplines based on academic reputation. This year, RIT’s computer science MS program in the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences tied 70th in the nation.

RIT programs ranked in prior years, based on peer assessment, remain tied:

  • 65th for the health care management MS program offered by the College of Health Sciences and Technology;
  • 78th for physics ( astrophysical sciences and technology Ph.D. program) offered by the College of Science;
  • 188th for the physician assistant MS program offered by the College of Health Sciences and Technology .
  • 6th for photography and 23rd among fine arts MFA program, offered in the College of Art and Design ; and
  • 119th for the bioinformatics MS program offered by the College of Science.

Peer assessment data regarding the academic quality of programs came from deans, program directors, and senior faculty. U.S. News also surveyed professionals who hire or work with new graduates with degrees from the six disciplines ranked annually.

The complete rankings are available at U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools .

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COMMENTS

  1. Best Graduate Political Science Programs

    Duke University. Durham, NC. #10 in Political Science (tie) Save. 4.3. Find the best political science program for you using US News' rankings. See the top programs ranked by their peer assessment ...

  2. 2024 Best Political Science & Government Doctor's Degree Schools

    15 Top Schools for a Doctorate in Political Science. 1. Yale University. New Haven, CT. 14 Annual Graduates. Yale University is a great choice for individuals interested in a doctor's degree in political science & government. Yale is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New Haven.

  3. 2024 Best Political Science Doctor's Degree Schools

    5. Stanford University. Stanford, CA. Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type. 20 Annual Graduates. Stanford is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Stanford. More information about a doctorate in political science from Stanford University. Request Information.

  4. QS World University Rankings for Politics 2024

    Discover which universities around the world are the best for studying politics with the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. Harvard University continues to be ranked as the best place in the world to study politics, helped by a perfect score for employer reputation. Two universities share second place behind Harvard Un ...

  5. Political Science and Government Graduate Programs

    Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Yale University,. Graduate School,. NEW HAVEN, CT,. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says The resources at Yale are outstanding.While some of the required courses are slow-moving and less informative, I do have more academic freedom in my second year to the program to take classes that I....

  6. Political Science Phd Rankings: Top Programs Unveiled

    The top Political Science Ph.D. Programs include Harvard, Stanford, and Princeton University. When pursuing a Ph.D. In Political Science, selecting the right program is critical for future success in academia or the public sector. The ranking of Political Science Ph. D. Programs plays a crucial role in this decision-making process. With the growing importance of […]

  7. Best Political Science Phd Programs : Top-Ranked Options

    Learn how to choose the best political science Ph.D. program for your career goals and research interests. Compare the top-ranked programs in the US and abroad based on accreditation, faculty, curriculum, and specialization.

  8. Ph.D. in Political Science

    Ph.D. in Political Science. We are ranked as a top-ten research department and our graduate program has an excellent job placement record. Over the past decade, the vast majority of our PhD graduates have gone on to attain tenure-track positions, and many other students have become leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

  9. 2024 Best Colleges for Political Science

    The Best Colleges for Political Science majors ranking is based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education. The ranking compares the top political science programs in the U.S. This year's rankings have introduced an Economic Mobility Index, which measures the economic status change for low-income ...

  10. Political Science Graduate Program Enters National Top 50

    The University of Houston College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) Department of Political Science celebrated an exciting milestone last week, breaking into the top 50 of U.S. News and World Report's 2021 rankings of the best graduate programs in the discipline.

  11. UC Merced Political Science Graduate Program Ranked by U.S. News

    For the first time in its history, UC Merced's Political Science Graduate program appears in the U.S. News & World Report ranking of Best Political Science Graduate Schools. UC Merced debuted at #63, tied with Purdue University, University of South Carolina and CUNY Graduate School. Congratualtios to the faculty, support staff, and students who ...

  12. PhD programmes in Political Science in United States

    30,189 EUR / year. 3 years. The Ph.D. Political Science program from Colorado State University offers a unique combination of specialized instruction in environmental politics and policy from our experienced faculty. Ph.D. / Full-time / On Campus. Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado, United States. Ranked top 2%.

  13. 83 Ph.Ds in Political Science in United States

    The Ph.D. degree in Political Science from Kent State University prepares students for research and teaching careers in higher education and for research-based careers in fields that are focused on political, economic and social issues. Ph.D. / Full-time / On Campus. Kent State University Kent, Ohio, United States. Ranked top 6%.

  14. Political Science Graduate Program

    The PhD program in Political Science at the University of California, San Diego is consistently recognized as one of the top ten programs in the nation, as evidenced by the rankings of U.S. News & World Report and the National Academy of Sciences. We are also rated #1 in overall graduate student satisfaction in a recent National Doctoral Program Survey.

  15. Ph.D. in Political Science

    UCI offers a top-ranked Ph.D. program in political science with six years of guaranteed funding and a lens-worthy location. Learn about the research fields, faculty, alumni, and application process of this program.

  16. UCI graduate programs in political science and sociology make big leaps

    Graduate programs in political science and sociology at UC Irvine climbed in U.S. News & World Report's latest rankings. The two programs are in the nation's top 25 programs among public universities, and top 50 overall, public and private. Political Science, 21st among public universities, 41st overall (up from 24th/45th)

  17. University of California--Berkeley

    in Educational Administration and Supervision. # 12. in Educational Psychology. in Secondary Teacher Education. # 3. in Best Engineering Schools. # 4. in Biomedical Engineering / Bioengineering. # 2.

  18. Admissions

    The Political Science Ph.D. The Vanderbilt Ph.D. program in political science ranks among the top programs of its kind, both overall and by subfield (American Politics, Comparative Politics, with International Relations on the rise). Our faculty and students study many varied subjects using a diverse slate of methodologies. Vanderbilt’s political science department is known for...

  19. PDF APSA Graduate Placement Report: Analysis of Political Science

    222 graduate program directors in 2021-2022 at colleges and universities offering doctoral degrees in Political Science and Government in the United States. Directors from 45 institutions responded to the survey, and 34 provided individual level information for about 154 candidates, who were actively seeking placements in political science.

  20. Political science graduate program ranked 12th in nation

    In the national rankings of graduate programs released March 30 by U.S. News and World Report, the Department of Political Science at Washington University in St. Louis secured a No. 12 ranking, placing the department's graduate program among the best in the nation. The recent report marked a seven-point increase for the program from the previous list published by U.S. News and World Report ...

  21. 2024 Best Political Science & Government Master's Degree Schools

    108 Annual Graduates. $82,667 Median Starting Salary. Johns Hopkins University is a wonderful option for students interested in a master's degree in political science & government. Located in the large city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population.

  22. How to know the top Political Science (PhD) programs?

    Sciences Po is jointly tied with Princeton in terms of political science rankings. Go for it! Also, on the contrary, American schools are harder to get into (their admission standards are vague—competition is usually fierce) than the British schools (albeit they enforce their admissions standards). Reply. mormegil1.

  23. 2024 U.S. News Graduate School Rankings

    Each year, U.S. News & World Report ranks graduate and professional schools in business, medicine, education, law, engineering and nursing. Seven of Penn's schools are in the top 10 list. Specialty rankings in the top 10 are listed below; for more, see U.S. News' website: www.usnews.com. 2024.

  24. RIT graduate programs ranked among best in nation by 'U.S. News & World

    Graduate degree programs at Rochester Institute of Technology were named among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.. In the U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools 2024, RIT's Saunders College of Business tied for 97th as one of the top full-time MBA programs.. New methodologies for ranking full-time MBA programs placed more emphasis on earnings.

  25. Penn State: How US News ranked PSU's graduate programs in 2024

    Penn State saw moderate rises when it came to education and law in U.S. News & World Report's recently released 2024-2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings, although the university's overall ...