Top 10 California Schools For Political Science

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When it comes to studying political science, California offers a plethora of excellent schools that can provide students with a world-class education. From the sun-kissed beaches of San Diego to the tech hubs of Silicon Valley, California is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the country. Here, we'll explore the top 10 California schools for political science, highlighting their strengths, faculty, and research opportunities.

What Makes a Top California School for Political Science?

To create this list, we considered several factors, including:

1. Faculty expertise: Are the faculty members well-known for their research and publications in the field of political science?
2. Research opportunities: Are there ample opportunities for students to engage in research projects, internships, and collaborative work with faculty?
3. Course offerings: Does the school offer a diverse range of courses in political science, including specializations in areas like international relations, public policy, and comparative politics?
4. Alumni success: Have graduates gone on to successful careers in politics, government, and related fields?
5. Rankings and reputation: How does the school rank nationally and internationally in terms of academic reputation and research output?

Top 10 California Schools for Political Science

Here are the top 10 California schools for political science, in no particular order:

1. Stanford University

Stanford University is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world, and its Department of Political Science is no exception. With a faculty that includes renowned scholars like Larry Diamond and Gerhard Casper, Stanford offers students unparalleled opportunities for research and mentorship.

Notable programs:**

• The Stanford Center for Deliberative Democracy
• The Program on Democracy and Governance

2. University of California, Berkeley

UC Berkeley's Department of Political Science is one of the largest and most respected in the country. With a faculty that includes leading scholars like Mark Bevir and Robert Reich, Berkeley offers students a wide range of courses and research opportunities.

Notable programs:**

• The Institute of Governmental Studies
• The Center for Studies in Higher Education

3. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

UCLA's Department of Political Science is known for its interdisciplinary approaches to the study of politics. With a faculty that includes prominent scholars like Lynn Vavreck and Fernando Cornelio, UCLA offers students a comprehensive education in political science.

Notable programs:**

• The Center for Politics and Governance
• The Institute for Research on Labor and Employment

4. University of Southern California (USC)

USC's Department of Political Science is recognized for its research excellence and teaching innovation. With a faculty that includes leading scholars like Ange-Marie Hancock Alfaro and Jeffery Trejo, USC offers students a rigorous education in political science.

Notable programs:**

• The Center for International Studies
• The Program in Public Policy

5. University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

UCSD's Department of Political Science is known for its research strengths in areas like international relations and comparative politics. With a faculty that includes prominent scholars like David Lake and Miles Kahler, UCSD offers students a cutting-edge education in political science.

Notable programs:**

• The Institute for International, Comparative, and Area Studies
• The Center for Comparative Immigration Studies

6. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Caltech's Social Science Department offers a unique blend of social science and technical expertise. With a faculty that includes leading scholars like Katrina Ligett and Colin Camerer, Caltech provides students with a rigorous education in social science and its applications.

Notable programs:**

• The Linde Institute of Economic and Environmental Policy
• The Center for Social Information Sciences

7. University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)

UCSB's Department of Political Science is recognized for its research excellence and teaching innovation. With a faculty that includes prominent scholars like Leigh Raymond and Benjamin Graham, UCSB offers students a comprehensive education in political science.

Notable programs:**

• The Center for Politics and Governance
• The Institute for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Research

8. San Diego State University (SDSU)

SDSU's Department of Political Science is known for its research strengths in areas like international relations and public policy. With a faculty that includes leading scholars like Rachel St. John and Shandon Guthrie, SDSU offers students a high-quality education in political science.

Notable programs:**

• The Center for Public and Urban Studies
• The Institute for International Studies

9. University of California, Irvine (UCI)

UCI's Department of Political Science is recognized for its research excellence and teaching innovation. With a faculty that includes prominent scholars like William Schroeder and Catherine Liu, UCI offers students a comprehensive education in political science.

Notable programs:**

• The Center for Global Peace and Conflict Studies
• The Institute for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Research

10. Pomona College

Pomona College's Department of Politics is known for its small class sizes and faculty-student ratio. With a faculty that includes leading scholars like Rita Roberts and Kerry Johnson, Pomona offers students a rigorous education in politics.

Notable programs:**

• The Center for Politics and Public Policy
• The Draper Center for Community Partnerships

Gallery of California Schools for Political Science

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the top California schools for political science. Whether you're interested in pursuing a career in politics, public policy, or international relations, these schools offer a world-class education that can help you achieve your goals.