Political Science: NYU vs. USC

<p>I was accepted as a political science major at both schools - which has the stronger/more respected program? Which should I choose?</p>

<p>“I think NYU has a better reputation abroad, but in USA the two are very close, actually USC probably has a better reputation. Honestly the two are so close you have to visit. If USC is less expensive I would pick USC but that’s just me. I’m not a huge fan of the city so I wouldn’t want to go NYU, but that’s my opinion.”</p>

<p>“Oops, forgot to mention that USC is more prestigious. If you are going to be going international with your future job, USC is the way to go because it is much more well-known than NYU as a prestigious university. USC has come a long way the past two decades and with constant alumni support, I won’t be surprised to see USC edge closer to IVY league schools in a couple years. USC was also the second most desired college by high school students in the US.
But make sure you choose the college that you feel more comfortable going. If you think you are going to get homesick easily, stay in New York. If you’re an adventurous person, then think about going to USC. Trust me, you won’t regret it at all.”</p>

<p>As far as I know, there is a major difference between USC and NYU when it comes to politics. NYU uses game theory/statistical approaches to analyze politics, whereas most other schools do not (which includes USC as far as my knowledge goes). So it really depends on your preference. If you want to study game theory and how to use it in applicable political situations, then NYU is the better choice. If you do not want to deal with game theory, then don’t choose NYU.</p>

<p>I forgot to mention that I’m pre-law. Which college or department (NYU or USC) will law school’s consider more prestigious?</p>

<p>The two schools are so similar, law schools will not care which school you attended. It’s really up to your preferences on whether or not you want a more mathematically/game theory based study or not.</p>

<p>NYU2013,</p>

<p>Your point is very good. My son intended to be a political science major, but he has now bowed out due to the strong mathematical orientation in the NYU Poli Sci Dept. Instead, he is majoring in history.</p>

<p>One thing I would like to add: If you intend to be pre-law AND IF you get into the Mock Trial Team once you come to NYU, the NYU Mock Trial Team is exceptionally strong and will look tremendous for Law School applications.</p>

<p>It was the 2010 National Champion winning over Harvard’s team in the final round.</p>

<p>Here is the link:</p>

<p>[New</a> York University Mock Trial](<a href=“http://clients.jonjean.com/nyumock/site/public/index.php]New”>http://clients.jonjean.com/nyumock/site/public/index.php)</p>

<p>The answers are very helpful. Just how strong is the mathematical orientation though? Is it basically lots of stats courses? Would I be doing calculus on a regular basis? Or just constantly analyzing historical charts etc.? Thanks for the help!</p>

<p>There is no intense calculus involved. Analyzing curves, making lines of best fit, and game theory mostly (utility calculations, medians, etc). And there are no required stats courses. The mathematics used are all applied, so you learn them in the couse - for example all into courses cover game theory.</p>

<p>Hi 2013</p>

<ol>
<li><p>What math pre-reqs are required?</p></li>
<li><p>Do ALL courses/proffs have this orientation?</p></li>
</ol>

<p>So at my high school I’m taking AP Calculus, but I usually get a B- or C+ in it. I’m not a math/hard sci major obviously. Math is my weak point. Will this level of competence in math be OK for polysci at NYU?</p>

<p>(1) There are no math pre-reqs required. Like I stated above, all the math you need to know for the class will be covered in the class (for intro courses). After that, it’s assumed you know your way around basic game theory mathematics, etc. You just need to know basic algebra pretty well and you will be fine. </p>

<p>(2) With the exception a few political theory classes, almost 100% of Politics classes at NYU have a game theory/statistics based approach. It’s the unique part of Politics at NYU.</p>

<p>(3) Calculus is not at all required, so if you can pass Calc relatively well, you’ll be fine.</p>