College Life

Private Schools That Are Well Known for This Major

• Harvard University
• Georgetown University
• Duke University
• Stanford University
• Princeton University
• University of Chicago

State Schools That Are Well Known for This Major

• University of Michigan—Ann Arbor
• University of California—Berkeley
• Ohio State University
• University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill
• University of Wisconsin—Madison

Classes in the Major

Political Theory. Not all countries were created equal. In fact, several have monarchies or dictatorships in place, while others (like the U.S.) give the power to the people. Political theory courses teach you all about the different political theories and how they've changed over time. In a political theory class, you'll get the hang of constitutionalism, democracy, and leadership lingo. These political theory courses are particularly helpful for grads that are headin' on over to law school or the world of politics when they're done with college.

Public Policy. Ah, the Constitution. We all had that teacher who made us memorize a part of it in elementary school. However, political science majors go beyond rote memorization and actually get down to the nitty-gritty details of important official documents like the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. In fact, they go even further and discuss the impact that these documents have had on society over the years. Public policy classes also teach election law, voting, campaigning, and political parties and their lines. If political science students are eventually going to write policy, then they need to know how it works and what it means.

Sociology. Sociology got its theoretical kick-start from Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Émile Durkheim. That means you'll be learning about these dudes and how they went about creating their first sociological theories. If political science students are going to work in politics, they need to know how people interact with one another, and what theories have been posited about this.You'll also be studying the relationships between individuals, between individuals and organizations, and so on. The effects of globalization on today's companies, governments, etc. will probably get covered at some point, too. It's a hot topic, you might say.

Economic Theory. Political science and econ are the Sonny and Cher of the social sciences. You'll be asked to think about rational and behavioral economics, and what impact those decisions have on the larger population. You'll also get up on heterodox econ, especially when thinking about big theories like Marxian, evolution, or feminist economic principles.

Phew, that was a mouthful. If these fancy terms are making you run for the hills, don't worry. It won't be long before you know 'em like the back of your hand. Soon you'll start "rejecting the neoclassical orthodoxy of economics because of its assumption that there's a rationality to it all."

Writing. You wouldn't use the same language and tone in a letter to Grandma as you would in, say, a Las Vegas aftermath Tweet, would you? (G-ma would likely fall off her rocker.) Reaching your audience through writing is key for political science students. Whether you're writing an op-ed about the latest bill or advising policy makers, you need to know what jargon to use. Taking writing classes will help you hone your writing skills by practicing writing for a variety of audiences and in different mediums.