Best Political Science colleges in New York City 2024

Ready to reach a deeper, analytical understanding of political events? Take courses such as “Introduction to Political Psychology” and “Introduction to Game Theory” at NYU and you’ll quickly learn that scientific inquiry isn’t just something for chemistry majors. Combining experimental methods and theoretical ideas to ground discussions in evidence and logic may have you thinking about political change in a whole new way.

For undergrads yearning for more than a taste of The Big Apple, the American Political Practice and Leadership track offers a study-away semester at NYU-Washington, D.C. Gain expertise in political practice and leadership through coursework and an internship in the government, political, or non-profit sector. Live and attend classes with fellow NYU Violets at The Constance Milstein and Family Global Academic Center, located just blocks from the White House. And you’re in luck if you love a good debate. The center hosts the Weissberg Forum for Discourse in the Public Square, which brings in notable public figures to discuss topical issues such as immigration, big data, and the Affordable Care Act.

For the truly ambitious (you need a 3.65 GPA to even be considered), the undergraduate honors program in political science provides the chance to work individually with a faculty member on original research senior year. Recent papers produced by these up-and-coming scholars include Prosperity and Security: A Political Economy Model of Internet Surveillance and Education: The Secret to Crime Reduction?

If you love the idea of a program with a long history of excellence, Columbia is the place to be. The department of political science was founded in 1880 as the first of its kind in the country. Today, political science is one of the most popular majors on campus. And the good news is that you really can’t go wrong when you pick a subfield. The university has a reputation for excellence in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political methodology, and political theory.

Another thing for which Columbia is known is diversity. Like America itself, the student body is a melting pot with representatives from all 50 states and over 90 foreign countries. Classrooms often feature lively discussions with an emphasis on the global perspectives so critical to success in the 21^st century.

Life outside the classroom also contributes to the overall educational experience. Columbia’s active Political Science Students Association hosts internship and career panels as well as the popular Pizza with Professors. These gatherings (and, of course, the rigorous curriculum) seem to be paying off on the job market. Organizations that have hired Columbia’s political science grads in recent years include the State of New York’s Attorney General’s Office, Amazon, Google, CNN International, Alliance for Children’s Rights, and Goldman Sachs.