Please let me know which undergraduate poli sci programs are the strongest Thank you
If you google ‘best undergrad poly sci programs’ or ‘top undergrad poly sci’ or similar, all kinds of lists come up. Be aware that these lists generally give short shrift to LACs, because they don’t have graduate programs in Poly Sci, but it doesn’t mean the school isn’t excellent for undergrads.
Here’s an example:http://college.usatoday.com/2014/08/26/the-top-10-best-colleges-for-a-major-in-political-science/
I’d also give an edge to schools in/around DC because of the faculty connections and the potential for internships during the school year.
Note that there are schools with strengths in particular areas so if you’re more specific about what you are interested in, you may want to put a few schools on your list that didn’t appear in the more general google search. If you have other criteria for your school selection, you might want to put those out there as well.
What do you want to do with your degree?
either pursue law school or enter the finance sector
UK: Oxford PPE (Politics/Philosophy/Economics)
US: The list linked above is fine, but I’d also add Williams and Amherst.
Bowdoin is very good for government and law.
Be aware of the high number of political science majors pursuing law school, more than three times any other major. Plus their average scores on the LSAT are middle of the pack. It can be important for law school aspirants to distinguish themselves from the herd – in terms of LSAT, course rigor, recs – so I’m not sure why so many students walk the beaten path with poli sci (apart from genuine interest).
For law school plus finance, econ or math seems reasonable for a major. Either major would serve as good initial preparation for either field. Then maybe choose a minor based on a tertiary interest (don’t underestimate the importance of having another language).
I know that was a terrible answer to your question!
Agreed. I got my masters from a state capitol fellowship. I would suggest either going to a university near a state capitol or interning around the DC area. Several people I graduated with had to make several trips to D.C. to get the type of policy jobs you’re looking for. Doesn’t matter what the school. It’s just being around the area and making those connections.
@Dunboyne, you’re so right. The intellectual rigor of the major doesn’t necessarily suit law school programs well. Do we really need more poli sci majors? Certainly no more than we need more underemployed lawyers.
OP, do some serious research about the law and law careers and if you decide to aim for it anyway then try a more challenging major.
What is a state Capitol fellowship? Why is it important to get a job next to a domed building?
As far as I know, College Factual has the only available data-driven, systematic rankings by major for a broad range of arts and science fields. So that might make it a worthwhile resource if you want some insight into undergraduate program quality. Just be aware that, like any other ranking, its results are only as good (or as appropriate for YOU) as its methodology.
The baked-in bias against small schools is one of several issues with the CF approach. For example, while the “market share” measurement hurts small colleges, the “major focus” measurement could hurt very large (but also very good) colleges that happen to support many majors.