Poli Sci- good schools for it?

[Anonymous]

What are some decent schools within 150 miles of DC for Poli Sci or maybe International Relations?

My child does not have the stats for Georgetown.

[Anonymous]

Without knowing his stats I’d say GWU, GMU, American, Gettysburg… my DS is studying foreign affairs at UVA but not sure of your DC’s stats.

[Anonymous]

There are lots of schools that fit the bill, OP. I had three kids attend JMU, and two majored in International Affairs. I have another at VT who is majoring in National Security/Foreign Affairs. I believe most of the schools offer Poli Sci.

[Anonymous]

GW has the most alums working on Capitol Hill + at the State Department + is where a lot of kids go who cannot get into Georgetown.

[Anonymous]

Washington College has excellent program. Much smaller than Georgetown and not as competitive but excellent history and political science programs. And of course American and GW—really well known and large like Georgetown.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What are some decent schools within 150 miles of DC for Poli Sci or maybe International Relations?

My child does not have the stats for Georgetown.

Is this a trick question? Number one obviously W&M. Number two obviously AU.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some decent schools within 150 miles of DC for Poli Sci or maybe International Relations?

My child does not have the stats for Georgetown.

Is this a trick question? Number one obviously W&M. Number two obviously AU.

Not trying to be argumentative but where/how are you seeing these rankings or assertions? W&M is not “obviously” number one at all. Just curious where that comes from?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Without knowing his stats I’d say GWU, GMU, American, Gettysburg… my DS is studying foreign affairs at UVA but not sure of your DC’s stats.

Really, any school close enough to DC to take advantage of all the amazing internship possibilities. Don't forget Maryland, and easy Metro ride away from the city--easier to get to than GMU by public transportation.

[Anonymous]

Goucher I think is a good school for International Relations/ International Business program as they have a mandatory study aboard for all students (even athletes).

[Anonymous]

I'm have a political science PhD snd am married to a poli schi professor.

Honestly, my answer is that poli sci is a major that really is what the student makes of it, and whether a school is good for it depends on what the student wants to do. Academia? Go to a place with a decent series of methods courses and opportunities to do research with professors (most likely a mid-sized liberal arts program). Lawyer? Obviously look for a place with pre-law opportunities. Policy or political aspirations? A bigger school, with internship opportunities and proximity, are probably the way to go (American, GW, or UMD win for that IMO).

Most schools have decent political science programs; it's a popular major that can be either really helpful or a total waste of time. Pay more attention to what happens after undergrad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm have a political science PhD snd am married to a poli schi professor.

Honestly, my answer is that poli sci is a major that really is what the student makes of it, and whether a school is good for it depends on what the student wants to do. Academia? Go to a place with a decent series of methods courses and opportunities to do research with professors (most likely a mid-sized liberal arts program). Lawyer? Obviously look for a place with pre-law opportunities. Policy or political aspirations? A bigger school, with internship opportunities and proximity, are probably the way to go (American, GW, or UMD win for that IMO).

Most schools have decent political science programs; it's a popular major that can be either really helpful or a total waste of time. Pay more attention to what happens after undergrad.

I feel like most majors are what student makes of it, no?

[Anonymous]

GW Poli Sci strong, strong alumni network. Best choice outside of Gtown. American also good because in DC. If worried about stats and can't make GW or American, Lehigh is pretty good. William and Mary good too but easier if in state obviously. Maryland decent. Temple surprisingly. Catholic because of location. Villanova.

I work in the field.

[Anonymous]

UVA seems to have a solid department. After that, it seems meh.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:GW Poli Sci strong, strong alumni network. Best choice outside of Gtown. American also good because in DC. If worried about stats and can't make GW or American, Lehigh is pretty good. William and Mary good too but easier if in state obviously. Maryland decent. Temple surprisingly. Catholic because of location. Villanova.

I work in the field.

Curious, what constitutes "the field" of poli sci? Working on the hill or as a lobbyist? Working on campaigns or polling? TIA.

[Anonymous]

Political Science:
https://www.collegetransitions.com/dataverse/top-colleges-political-science - American, William & Mary, GW, Georgetown, Swarthmore, Haverford

International Relations: https://www.collegetransitions.com/dataverse/top-colleges-international-relations - American, William & Mary, Dickinson, George Mason, GW, Johns Hopkins, Richmond, UVA

Both: American, William & Mary, GW (although you should double check)