Political science is about understanding how societies make decisions, how power works, and how everyday policies shape people’s lives. It’s a field for people who ask questions, who like to debate ideas, and who want to make sense of how the world runs.
Texas is one of the best places to study it. The state is large, diverse, and politically active, offering students a front-row seat to real political debates, campaigns, and government activity. It’s also home to some of the country’s most respected universities, many of which have strong political science departments that combine classroom learning with real-world experience.
Political science graduates in Texas and across the U.S. find jobs in public service, business, law, and education. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects stable growth in policy and government-related careers over the next decade, showing that these skills remain valuable in many professional areas.
Choosing the right school matters a lot. A good political science program helps you build critical thinking, research, and communication skills while also giving you access to internships, research projects, and mentorship from professors who know the field well. These opportunities make a real difference, especially if you’re thinking about careers in government, law, policy, or international work.
If you’re considering studying political science, it’s worth looking at the schools that do it best. Below are some of the top colleges in Texas known for their strong political science programs, experienced faculty, and commitment to helping students turn their classroom learning into real impact.
Best Colleges for Political Science in Texas
1. University of Texas at Austin
UT Austin’s Government major requires 30 semester hours of GOV coursework, with at least 18 upper-division hours; students choose across multiple fields (American, comparative, international, theory), so you get both breadth and depth.
The curriculum includes a methods component and a research seminar or approved internship, which means you’ll learn how to run studies, read data, and apply those skills in real placements. UT offers honors and Plan II options for high-achieving students who want an extra research-intensive path.
The program is fully in-person, and the university is regionally accredited (SACSCOC).
2. Rice University
Rice’s Political Science BA builds a strong mix of coursework and research, with degree rules that require core courses plus advanced seminars and options for honors or independent research projects.
The department stresses methodological training alongside substantive fields (American politics, comparative, IR, political theory); students may pursue interdisciplinary minors such as Politics, Law & Social Thought for extra depth.
Rice emphasizes close faculty mentoring and opportunities for undergraduate research and distinction, making it a good fit if you plan graduate study or research-focused careers. The program is primarily in-person; Rice is regionally accredited and provides formal honors and distinction options for undergrads who complete major research.
3. University of Houston
UH’s Political Science major requires about 30 major hours and includes core courses in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, plus methodological training; program guides list required courses and recommended sequences for majors.
The department supports internships, applied research projects, and many students take advantage of UH’s large online and hybrid course offerings to combine on-campus and remote study; check the UH Online pages for current hybrid options.
The university is regionally accredited and integrates political science within UH’s core curriculum, facilitating cross-disciplinary work.
4. Southern Methodist University (SMU)
SMU’s political science offerings sit within a broader social-science curriculum; the undergraduate catalog and departmental pages list majors, course sequences, and options for interdisciplinary study such as political economy or area studies.
SMU emphasizes small classes, faculty mentorship, and opportunities for internships in Dallas and Washington, DC. The catalog notes degree and graduation requirements; applicants should review SMU’s course catalog for the exact political science program plan and any honors tracks.
SMU is regionally accredited and offers experiential learning through internships and study away; if you need online options, check individual course availability, since SMU’s core political science teaching remains mostly in-person.
5. Baylor University
Baylor’s Political Science major requires roughly 33 semester hours, with required courses covering American government, international politics, political philosophy, and comparative politics; the department also offers a dedicated pre-law track and opportunities in moot court, Model UN, and policy competitions.
Baylor stresses writing, argumentation, and applied study; students can pursue honors work and take part in internships with government and legal partners. The program is taught in person, Baylor is regionally accredited, and the department publishes clear course lists and degree requirements in the academic catalog.
What Can You Do With a Political Science Degree in Texas?
A degree in political science can take you in more directions than most people think. Many graduates start off working in public service, law, or education, while others find their way into journalism, policy research, or even corporate consulting.
The beauty of the field is that it gives you a toolkit for understanding how people, institutions, and policies connect, and that’s useful almost anywhere. In Texas, the options are even broader. The state’s active political scene means students often land internships with legislative offices in Austin, advocacy groups, or local government programs that let them see how decisions are made up close.
Nationally, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows steady job growth in government and policy-related roles, with top earners making well over $100,000 a year.
Is a Political Science Degree Really Worth It?
That depends on what you’re hoping to get out of it, but for most people, the answer is yes. Political science isn’t just about memorizing facts or following current events. It’s about learning how to analyze issues, form strong arguments, and make sense of complex systems.
These are skills that employers in nearly every field look for. Some graduates move on to law or graduate school, but many start careers right after college, working in research, communication, or community programs.
The degree gives you a way to understand how society functions, and that perspective can make you stand out whether you’re in government, media, or the private sector.
What Kind of Salary Can You Expect With a Political Science Degree?
The earning potential for political science graduates varies depending on the path you choose, but the numbers are solid. Those who move into research, policy analysis, or government roles often start around $55,000 to $65,000 per year.
With experience or advanced degrees, salaries can climb significantly; political scientists with master’s or PhDs report median annual earnings of about $130,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Even for roles outside traditional government jobs, like consulting, communications, or nonprofit leadership, the analytical and research skills you gain make you a strong candidate and often translate into competitive pay.
Texas, in particular, offers many opportunities for internships and early-career experience that can boost your earning potential right after graduation.