<p>I'm a high school junior currently beginning to look into possible schools I'm going to want to visit within the next year. I'm interested in majoring most likely in Political Science, and wanted to know how strong Tulane's PoliSci department is. How strong is the faculty, and how are the internships available for PoliSci majors? I really love the idea of going to school in NOLA but would it be worth it if I could get far superior internship opportunities at a DC school perhaps? Any thoughts and/or personal experience with any of this?</p>
<p>PoliSci is pretty strong at Tulane, and of course having James Carville teaching a class adds star power, but it has always been a department that is highly thought of.</p>
<p>Certainly going to Tulane vs. a DC school will be a very different experience, and not just in internships. There will, I would think, be more guest lectures in this subject if you went to a DC school, but they will also be much more broadly and/or internationally focused. Outside of the DC mentality you would get more exposed to state and local politics. Which is also true of internship opportunities. There are a lot of possibilities in all parts of the country, they just will be more locally oriented.</p>
<p>Also, keep in mind that in the DC area you are competing for those internships against far more peers, from numerous schools in the area and from outside the area. Everyone thinks they want to be in DC, and while I am sure that can be very exciting you shouldn’t discount the valuable experience working at the state or local level can bring. And goodness knows politics in Louisiana are never dull!</p>
<p>So bottom line, balance your decision making with more that just considering the major you are considering (between 2/3 and 3/4 of all entering freshmen change their majors at least once! And certainly you might choose a double major) and internship opportunities. Think about the size of the school, the overall atmosphere, weather, sports, whatever particulars will lend themselves to optimizing your college experience. You will get an excellent education at any of Tulane, Georgetown, American, or GW, for instance. But the vibe of every one of these schools is actually pretty different. One is likely to suit you better than another, or maybe another school altogether will feel like a better fit. Also, finances might be a factor in the decision. Only you know about that.</p>
<p>But visit Tulane if at all possible. That is never a waste of time!</p>
<p>Melissa Harris-Perry is also a HUGE asset to the Tulane Political Science department!</p>
<p>My son will be majoring in Political Science (International Relations) and French.</p>
<p>Yes, that is true of course. I had a brain malfunction in thinking she was in a different department. But I won’t beat myself up about it too much, her research could easily be slotted in several categories. She was a great addition to the Tulane faculty. I don’t always agree with some of her positions and statements, but there is no arguing that she is exceedingly intelligent and brings an energy to the debate that is what university life is supposed to be about. Same for Carville.</p>
<p>I see he is teaching a class this fall that was a late addition to the schedule, The Culture of Politics. You have to apply to be in the class, and apps are due by August 16.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input. With this info I really have Tulane towards the top of my list. Now I only have to convince my parents to allow me to venture that far from Jersey if I can get accepted in the future!</p>
<p>Gingy - This might not help much, but almost 1/3 of the undergrads are from the mid-atlantic and northeastern part of the country. Basically Maryland through Maine, and extending west a couple of states. Not sure exactly where Tulane puts Ohio, for example, probably in the midwest. Anyway, you would have lots of company. Just so you know.</p>
<p>Any other questions as you head down this path, just let us know.</p>
<p>Tulane has always had an exceptional poli-sci department. In particular, look at the political economy and international relations concentations. You can focus on theory or practice, with a U.S. or international focus. I majored in it (albeit a while back) with a concentration in international relations, double majoring in Spanish (Spent junior year in Spain via Tulane’s program) and I went on to Harvard for a Master in Public Policy and got a JD from NYU. I have had a great internationally focused career, in government, and would not change a thing about my preparation. The star professors are interesting to have around, but look into the breadth of interesting professors in the department besides the “stars.” As for the prospects of work in DC, employers look at the quality of your education (plus work experience) and would not likely give someone an advantage because they went to school in a particular geographical area. Finally, in terms of connections, graduate or professional school is more important than undergraduate – just get a degree from a great school and everything will take care of itself.</p>
<p>NJ Dad, my son will be dual majoring in International Relations & French. I will make sure to pass along your successes to him! :-)</p>