<p>I was admitted to tulane for political science. I know that on the whole the school is very strong academically and very well regarded. However, I have not been able to find anything about the politcal science program specifically. How does it compare to schools like bc, gw, georgetown, and villanova (I know thats really a mixed bag of schools but its were im choosing between)? Any input about tulane's ps department or how it compares to ps departments at other schools would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Hi Laxboy - Frankly it is the wrong question to ask. I mean that in the nicest, most helpful way, really. As an undergrad, you more want to look for the school that challenges you best academically as well as the one you feel fits you best in terms of size, location, sports scene, whatever is important to you. All these schools will give you a GREAT undergrad education, in any area you pick probably. Well over 50% of students change their major after the first year, so even if you think you are sure, at least allow for that possibility with yourself. After all, there are subjects in college you haven’t even been exposed to as a high school student. That is one reason schools like you mention require you to take a variety of courses in different areas.</p>
<p>Also, I want to make sure you understand that at Tulane, all undergraduate students are accepted into Newcomb-Tulane College, and are only officially assigned to a school (Science and Engineering, Liberal Arts, etc.) within that college after they declare a major. So even though you told them you wanted to be a Poli Sci major, it doesn’t really make any difference to them. It is a great system that makes it very easy to change majors the first year, even well into the 2nd.</p>
<p>So having said that, it of course makes sense to have some idea about the department you are leaning towards. Tulane has a very good Poli Sci department, and has a related major called Political Economy that has become very popular. [Tulane</a> Admission: Political Economy](<a href=“http://admission.tulane.edu/livecontent/programs/69-political-economy.html]Tulane”>http://admission.tulane.edu/livecontent/programs/69-political-economy.html)</p>
<p>You might also be interested in knowing the James Carville taught for a semester last year and is associated with the university. I am sure Georgetown can trot out many famous names, and studying politics in DC obviously has some advantages. The flip side of that is there are so many other students studying the same thing there (DC area, not just Georgetown) also.</p>
<p>But you should definitely do yourself a favor and look at your decision holistically, not focusing on any particular department. You will be much happier for it in the long run.</p>
<p>My roommate’s a political science major and loves the department so far. She’s even been able to take a few 400-level classes this year as a freshman–it’s challenging, but she seems to truly be enjoying it. I know as a PS major you can have a concentration in either International Relations or American Politics (my roomie’s an IR)…you might want to have a look on Tulane’s course catalog to get a feel for what’s offered specifically (sorry I can’t find the link; it’s out there somewhere! I used it planning my classes for next semester!)</p>
<p>I agree with FC–how the political science dept. at Tulane compares to other schools is largely a matter of opinion. Go where you can get the best education (hopefully for the best deal) and will be happy. You’ll be learning more or less the same material anywhere.</p>
<p>And James Carville is teaching again next semester—my roommate applied for his class…fingers crossed on getting an interview :)</p>
<p>I agree with the previous posters’ comments. I am a political science major, and I love the department so far. Tulane tends to have a lot of kids interested in law school, so it is no surprise that our political science program is very strong. </p>
<p>There are a million course options available, which is phenomenal. Moreover, the faculty in that department is excellent. As someone noted, James Carville is teaching another class this next semester, and Newt Gingrich is a visiting professor as well. Not too shabby for a school a long way from DC. </p>
<p>The Murphy Institute of Political Economy, specifically, is top notch from my understanding. If you are interested in that field, Tulane is definitely a place to be. </p>
<p>Check out this page for more information on the political science department:
[Political</a> Science](<a href=“http://tulane.edu/liberal-arts/political-science/]Political”>http://tulane.edu/liberal-arts/political-science/)</p>
<p>I agree that your major may change in college (and probably will), but I think it is reasonable to think about schools in terms of their strengths. You won’t end up disappointed if you matriculate here, I promise.</p>