Best Colleges For Political Science in California 2023: Political Science is one the most lucrative courses in the world. For you to be searching for the best college to study political science in California. That means you have fully decided and ready to make Political Science your future career. Your search intent regarding this post can be traced to different reasons. One is, you are aspiring to study political science in any university in California and you want to know the best college to study it. Another reason can be, you are just curious to know which college is the best to study political science in CA. Regardless of your search intent, this post will cover everything you need to know about the best colleges for political science in California 2023/2024 for Undergraduate.
Check out the Best Colleges for Political Science

The moment is right to begin studying political science, and our list of ideal political science colleges in California will assist you in selecting the best college for your undergraduate degree. The top college for political science are on our list. Find out more about each institution below, then estimate your chances of getting accepted.
10 Best Colleges For Political Science in California 2023
- Stanford University
- Pomona College
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California – San Diego
- Scripps College
- University of California – Irvine
- Santa Clara University
- Occidental College
- Claremont McKenna College
1. Stanford University
Stanford University is our first list in the best Colleges for Political science in California, It is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the United States and is well-regarded for its political science program. The university’s political science department is known for its strong faculty, rigorous curriculum, and emphasis on both theoretical and practical approaches to the study of politics. Additionally, Stanford offers students many opportunities for research and internships, which can be valuable for those interested in pursuing a career in political science. Additionally, the university is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, which provides students with an opportunity to understand how technology and politics interact in real-time. Lastly, Stanford University is a great choice for students interested in studying political science in California.

Read about the Stanford Acceptance Rate
2. Pomona College
Pomona College emerges as the number second on our list of reputable colleges for political science in California. Pomona is a private liberal arts college located in Claremont, California and it is considered one of the best colleges for political science in California. The college offers a strong political science program that emphasizes the importance of understanding political systems and institutions both within the United States and globally. The program has a multidisciplinary approach and covers various fields of study such as American politics, international relations, and comparative politics.
Pomona’s political science department is known for its excellent faculty, who are actively engaged in research and are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education. The department offers a wide range of courses, from the traditional to the interdisciplinary, and encourages students to explore various subfields within political science. Moving forward, the college’s location in Southern California offers students access to a wide range of political and policy-making institutions and organizations, providing ample opportunities for internships, networking and research.
The college is also well-regarded for its commitment to diversity and its efforts to provide students with a well-rounded education. Pomona College’s political science program is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing a career in politics, law, or international relations, or who simply want to gain a deeper understanding of the political world around them.
Try to read about the Pomona Acceptance Rate
3. University of California, Los Angeles
This list won’t be complete if we do not include UCLA as one of the top colleges in California for students who desire to study political science. The university’s political science program is one of the oldest and most respected in the state, and is consistently ranked among the top political science programs in the country.
The political science program at UCLA is known for its strong emphasis on research and scholarship, which is reflected in the quality and diversity of the faculty, who are experts in a wide range of fields within political science. The curriculum is broad and covers various fields such as American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. The program also offers opportunities for students to participate in research, with many students choosing to work on projects with faculty members, or to pursue their own research projects.
UCLA’s location in Los Angeles, the second largest city in the United States, offers many opportunities for students to gain practical experience and real-world knowledge by interning with organizations or participating in research or study abroad programs. Also, the university is located in close proximity to many government and policy-making institutions, providing ample opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in their field.
Therefore, UCLA’s political science program is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing a career in politics, law, international relations, or public policy, or who simply want to gain a deeper understanding of the political world around them.

Check out the UCLA Acceptance Rate
4. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California (USC) is considered one of the best colleges for political science in California due to its strong academic program and reputation. The political science department at USC offers a wide range of courses in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. The faculty members are well-respected scholars in their fields, and the university has a strong commitment to research and scholarship. Additionally, USC’s location in Los Angeles provides students with access to a variety of internships, research opportunities, and networking events in the political sphere.
5. University of California – San Diego
UCSD is also among the top colleges for Political science in California. The political science department at UCSD offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with a focus on American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. The faculty members are well-respected scholars in their fields, and the university has a strong commitment to research and scholarship. Additionally, the department hosts several research centers such as Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies and Center for Comparative Immigration Studies which provides students with a unique opportunity to explore specialized topics in political science. The university’s location in San Diego also provides students with access to a variety of internships, research opportunities, and networking events in the political sphere.

Check out the UCSD Acceptance Rate
6. Scripps College
Scripps College is one of the best colleges for political science in California due to its strong academic program, small class sizes, and commitment to student success. The political science department at Scripps College offers a wide range of courses in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary and intersectional approaches. The faculty members are dedicated educators and scholars, who work closely with students to support their academic and professional goals. Additionally, Scripps College is a member of the Claremont Colleges Consortium, which provides students with access to a variety of resources and opportunities across the five undergraduate Claremont Colleges. Scripps College’s location in Claremont, California also provides students with access to a variety of internships, research opportunities, and networking events in the political sphere.
7. University of California – Irvine
The University of California – Irvine (UCI) is also one of the best colleges for political science in California as a result of its strong academic program, reputation and diverse research opportunities. The political science department at UCI offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with a focus on American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. The faculty members are well-respected scholars in their fields, and the university has a strong commitment to research and scholarship. Additionally, the department hosts several research centers such as Center for the Study of Democracy and Center for Global Peace and Conflict Studies, which provides students with a unique opportunity to explore specialized topics in political science. The university’s location in Irvine also provides students with access to a variety of internships, research opportunities, and networking events in the political sphere.
8. Santa Clara University
We must aslo mention Santa Clara University as one of the best colleges for political science in California due to its strong academic program, commitment to ethics and social justice, and opportunities for hands-on learning. The political science department at Santa Clara University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with a focus on American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. The faculty members are dedicated educators and scholars, who work closely with students to support their academic and professional goals. The department has a strong focus on ethics and social justice, and many of its courses and research projects explore these themes. Additionally, Santa Clara University offers a variety of internships, study abroad programs, and service learning opportunities that allow students to apply their political science knowledge in real-world settings. The university’s location in the heart of Silicon Valley also provides students with access to a variety of internships, research opportunities, and networking events in the political sphere.
9. Occidental College
Now, let’s move on the ninth college in the list. Occidental College hasd to be considered to be one of the best universities to study political science in California for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons is the quality of the faculty. The political science faculty at Occidental College are well-respected scholars who are experts in their fields and are able to provide students with a high-quality education. Additionally, the college has a strong focus on undergraduate education and small class sizes, which allows for more personalized instruction and mentorship. The college also has a diverse student population, which allows for a variety of perspectives and experiences to be brought into the classroom. Additionally, Occidental College’s location in Los Angeles provides students with many opportunities to explore the political and policy issues that are impacting the city and the region.
10. Claremont McKenna College
Lastly, Claremont McKenna College is also said to be one of the best universities to study political science in California for several reasons. One of the main reasons is the quality of the political science program. The program at Claremont McKenna College is known for its rigorous curriculum and its focus on training students to become effective leaders and policy makers. Additionally, the faculty at Claremont McKenna College are well-respected scholars who are experts in their fields and are able to provide students with a high-quality education.
Another reason Claremont McKenna College is a good school for political science is its location in the Claremont Consortium, a group of seven highly selective liberal arts colleges located in Claremont, California. This allows students access to resources and opportunities from the other six colleges. The Claremont Consortium provides students with many opportunities to explore the political and policy issues that are impacting the region and the state.
Furthermore, Claremont McKenna College is known for its strong emphasis on civic engagement and public service, which can provide students with valuable hands-on experience and opportunities to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world problems. This emphasis also prepares students for careers in government, non-profits, and other public service careers.
Finally, the college has a strong focus on undergraduate education, small class sizes and personalized instruction, which allows students to have a close relationship with professors and peers, leading to a more fulfilling educational experience.
FAQs about the Best Colleges For Political Science in California 2023
What are the top colleges for Political Science in California?
Some of the top colleges for Political Science in California are:
- Stanford University
- Pomona College
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California – San Diego
- Scripps College
- University of California – Irvine
- Santa Clara University
- Occidental College
- Claremont McKenna College
What are the key factors to consider when choosing a college for Political Science in California?
- Faculty and their research focus
- Curriculum and course offerings
- Opportunities for internships and practical experience
- Location and access to government and political organizations
- Availability of financial aid and scholarships
What are the career options for Political Science majors in California?
- Government jobs at the federal, state, or local level
- Political campaign management
- Non-profit and advocacy organizations
- Consulting and lobbying firms
- International organizations and think tanks
- Media and journalism
- Law school or graduate school in related fields such as public policy or international relations.
Are there any online or online-hybrid Political Science programs in California?
Yes, many colleges and universities in California offer online or online-hybrid programs in Political Science.
Online Political Science programs typically offer the same curriculum as on-campus programs and may include interactive coursework and virtual office hours with professors.
Hybrid program usually combine online coursework with on-campus activities or in-person meetings.
Are there any scholarships available for Political Science students in California?
Yes, there are various scholarships available for Political Science students in California.
Scholarships are typically offered by the college or university, government organizations, or private foundations.
To find scholarships, you can check with the financial aid office at their chosen college, or search online for scholarships specific to Political Science majors or students in California.
Have you seen the list of Worst Colleges in America
Wrapping Up the best Colleges For Political Science in California 2023
That is all we can provide about the top colleges for Political science in California. However, we advise you to browse through each official college portal for a complete research.
I’m confident that this post has given you one or more information, if there is any question you intend to ask drop it in the comment section.
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