Political science is one of those fields that helps you make sense of how the world really works. It looks at governments, policies, and the people who shape them, but it also dives into deeper questions about justice, leadership, and power. For anyone who wants to understand why decisions are made the way they are, or even be part of making them, studying political science is a solid starting point.
New York is a great place to study it. The state isn’t just home to some of the most respected universities in the country; it’s also a center for politics, law, media, and global affairs. That mix of academic strength and access gives students countless ways to learn, connect, and grow.
Whether you’re aiming for a career in government, public policy, law, or international relations, the right college can shape your path. That’s why we’ve looked into respected academic rankings and reviews to highlight the best colleges for Political Science in New York, schools known for their strong programs, active research communities, and opportunities that prepare students for meaningful careers.
Best Colleges for Political Science in New York
1. Columbia University — B.A. in Political Science
At Columbia, students majoring in Political Science select a primary subfield and a secondary subfield among American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory.
The major requires at least nine courses: two introductory courses, then focused work in the chosen subfields, seminars, and a methods requirement. Additionally, students may pursue an interdisciplinary major combining Political Science with Statistics or Economics, aimed at preparing for advanced study or data-intensive political research.
This program emphasizes developing analytical thinking, writing ability, and quantitative methods, skills valued for graduate study or careers in public policy, law, or international affairs.
2. Cornell University — B.A. in Government (Political Science equivalent)
Cornell’s Department of Government provides a broad training in political science, covering American politics, comparative politics, political theory, and international relations.
Students begin with introductory courses in these subfields and then choose from a wide menu of advanced topics, including quantitative methods and data-oriented political science. The major offers an honors track requiring a year-long thesis for students with a strong GPA within the major.
Cornell highlights that the program trains students for careers in public service, non-profits, business, and law by emphasizing analytical, writing, and research skills.
3. New York University — B.A. in Politics
At NYU, the undergraduate major in Politics (also available as the International Relations track) requires ten 4-credit courses (40 credits) specified by departmental advisers. The curriculum covers a range of substantive areas, including law, elections, democracy, economic development, war & peacekeeping, and comparative politics across global regions.
A notable option is the “American Political Practice & Leadership” track, which includes practical experiences such as a study-away semester in Washington, DC. The program emphasizes analytical and quantitative skills alongside theory, positioning graduates for careers in government, NGOs, think-tanks, law, or international affairs.
4. Fordham University — B.A. in Political Science
Fordham’s major in Political Science requires a minimum of ten semester courses, including a methods-intensive course and a seminar. Students choose a concentration from four subfields: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Politics, or Political Theory.
The program highlights internships (including in the New York State Legislature and Washington, DC), a national honor society (Pi Sigma Alpha), and strong faculty mentorship.
This degree is structured to develop writing, analytical, and civic-engagement abilities, anchored in Fordham’s liberal arts and Jesuit educational values.
5. Binghamton University (SUNY) — B.A. in Political Science
Binghamton offers a major in Political Science with distinct tracks such as General Politics, Legal Studies, and Global & International Affairs. The undergraduate curriculum covers core areas like American politics, political theory, comparative politics, and international relations; the program emphasises internships, real-world experience, and research skills.
As part of the SUNY system, this program combines strong academic training with value-oriented public-university resources, making it a well-rounded option for students seeking both breadth and practical application in political science.
What kind of career paths can a Political Science major pursue?
Graduating with a political science degree doesn’t lock you into one job; in fact, it leads to many opportunities. You might go into roles such as policy analyst, public affairs officer, campaign strategist, legislative assistant, or work for NGOs and think tanks. Some political scientists even move into business, communications, or consulting.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), political scientists (those with a master’s or higher) earn a median wage of about $139,380 per year in 2024. For those with a bachelor’s degree entering more common roles tied to the major, one survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York estimated a median salary of around $64,000.
One thing is clear: your education gives you strong analytical, writing, and research skills, but pairing that with internships, research experience, or quantitative methods will boost your chances of landing a job directly related to your major.
What’s the job market like for Political Science graduates?
It’s wise to check job outlooks because they tell you what you’re up against. For traditional “political scientist” roles, researchers studying systems, public policy, or think-tank work, BLS projects employment to decline by about 3 % between 2024 and 2034, with roughly 500 average openings per year due to replacement rather than new growth.
That sounds discouraging, but remember: that figure is for very specialised roles. Many graduates with political science degrees go into broader fields — government, education, media, business, where demand is steadier.
One college found that 97% of its political science alumni were employed or in grad school within a year of graduation. To make the most of it, aim for strong experience (internships, student research), hone quantitative or data skills, and use your network. That way,y you will be ready for the breadth of job options this major can unlock.
Is a Political Science Degree Worth It?
Political science remains one of the most valuable social science degrees for students who want flexibility, relevance, and impact. It trains you to think critically, argue logically, and understand complex systems, skills that employers in nearly every field want.
According to data from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, political science majors earn a median annual salary of about $75,000 mid-career, with many moving into leadership roles in government, law, education, and consulting.
Beyond money, though, it’s a field that helps you understand how power, policy, and society work; knowledge that’s becoming more essential every year.
If you’re ready to study how power, policy, and people connect, explore these top political science programs in New York and start building a career that shapes the world around you.