Best Political Science Colleges in California

When people think of Cal, liberal student activism often comes to mind. Berkeley gained national attention in 1964 for The Free Speech Movement, a student protest in response to the administration’s ban on political activity. Since then, Cal students have been vocal about various other causes, ranging from women’s rights to ending apartheid in South Africa.

So as you might imagine, political science students here tend to be passionate. And the department gives them plenty to be excited about – over 100 courses at the undergraduate and graduate level throughout the academic year. Yes, you’ll find traditional intro courses that provide necessary fundamentals. But you also might choose a class such as “When Government Partners with Business – Baseball, Football, Basketball and Museums” or “Latinos and the U.S. Political System.” The knowledge gained will certainly help you carry on the proud Cal tradition of producing inquisitive, active citizens like alums U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren and Democratic Congresswoman Barbara Lee.

University of California-Los Angeles offers 5 Political Science Degree programs. It's a large public university in a large city. In 2015, 665 students graduated in the study area of Political Science with students earning 640 Bachelor's degrees, 15 Doctoral degrees, 10 Master's degrees.

University of California-Santa Barbara offers 4 Political Science Degree programs. It's a large public university in a mid sized suburb. In 2015, 288 students graduated in the study area of Political Science with students earning 276 Bachelor's degrees, 7 Doctoral degrees, and 5 Master's degrees.

Stanford University offers 4 Political Science Degree programs. It's a large private university in a large suburb. In 2015, 61 students graduated in the study area of Political Science with students earning 44 Bachelor's degrees, 10 Doctoral degrees, and 7 Master's degrees.

University of Southern California offers 2 Political Science Degree programs. It's a large private university in a large city. In 2015, 145 students graduated in the study area of Political Science with students earning 145 Bachelor's degrees.

University of California-Riverside offers 4 Political Science Degree programs. It's a large public university in a large city. In 2015, 174 students graduated in the study area of Political Science with students earning 164 Bachelor's degrees, 7 Doctoral degrees, and 3 Master's degrees.