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2022 Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Political Science & Government

226 Colleges in the United States
1,850 Master's Degrees
$54,838 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you plan on getting your master's degree in political science and government, you won't be alone since the degree program is ranked #71 in the country in terms of popularity. So, you have a fair amount of options to choose from when looking for a school.

In 2022, College Factual analyzed 226 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Political Science & Government ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 1,850 master's degrees in political science and government to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Other Rankings

Choosing a Great Political Science & Government School for Your Master's Degree

Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Political Science & Government The political science master's degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. We created our Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Political Science & Government ranking to make it a little easier to choose the right one for you.

While being high in popularity does not always mean a school has a quality political science and government program, it is a sign that a large number of students choose the school. Sometimes this is because the school offers a great educational experience, it is a good value, or it is highly focused on the program.

More Ways to Rank Political Science & Government Schools

Associate Degrees in Political Science
Bachelor's Degrees in Political Science
Doctor's Degrees in Political Science
Overall Popularity in Political Science

We have also developed a number of other rankings to help guide you in your decision-making process. To begin with, if this is not the degree level you are most interested in, you may want to check out one of the others noted above. If you would prefer to limit your search to a specific state or region of the county, see our rankings by location. On top of that, you can visit our other rankings for political science and government.

The following list ranks the most popular colleges and universities for pursuing a master's degree in political science and government. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Most Well Attended Schools for Political Science Students Working on Their Master's

1
178 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In DC
#2 Best Quality In DC

George Washington University is one of the most popular schools in the country for getting a master's degree in political science and government. Located in the large city of Washington, GWU is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in District of Columbia.

There were roughly 178 political science and government students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent data year.

Master's recipients from the political science and government program at George Washington University make $8,963 above the typical college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from George Washington University

2
89 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MD
#1 Best Quality In MD

You'll be surrounded by many like-minded peers at Johns Hopkins University if you want to pursue a master's degree in political science and government. Located in the large city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in Maryland.

There were approximately 89 political science and government students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent data year.

Political Science & Government master's degree recipients from Johns Hopkins University get an earnings boost of around $27,963 over the typical income of political science and government graduates.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from Johns Hopkins University

3
Georgetown crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
56 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In DC
#1 Best Quality In DC

Georgetown University is one of the most popular schools in the United States for getting a master's degree in political science and government. Georgetown is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Washington. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in District of Columbia.

There were approximately 56 political science and government students who graduated with this degree at Georgetown in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from Georgetown University

4
42 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NY
#1 Best Quality In NY

Columbia University in the City of New York is one of the most popular schools in the United States for getting a master's degree in political science and government. Columbia is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in New York.

There were approximately 42 political science and government individuals who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from Columbia University in the City of New York

5
41 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NY
#8 Best Quality In NY

STJ is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Queens. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #8 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in New York.

There were roughly 41 political science and government individuals who graduated with this degree at STJ in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from St John’s University - New York

6
Yale crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT
39 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CT
#1 Best Quality In CT

Yale is a large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of New Haven. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in Connecticut.

There were approximately 39 political science and government individuals who graduated with this degree at Yale in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from Yale University

7
38 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NH
#2 Best Quality In NH

SNHU is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize suburb of Manchester. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in New Hampshire.

There were roughly 38 political science and government students who graduated with this degree at SNHU in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from Southern New Hampshire University

8
Harvard crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
36 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MA
#1 Best Quality In MA

Located in the medium-sized city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in Massachusetts.

There were roughly 36 political science and government individuals who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from Harvard University

9
34 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NJ
#2 Best Quality In NJ

Located in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers New Brunswick is a public university with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in New Jersey.

There were about 34 political science and government individuals who graduated with this degree at Rutgers New Brunswick in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from Rutgers University - New Brunswick

10
31 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In WV
#1 Best Quality In WV

American Military University is a fairly large private for-profit university located in the fringe town of Charles Town. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in West Virginia.

There were about 31 political science and government individuals who graduated with this degree at American Military University in the most recent data year.

Master's recipients from the political science and government degree program at American Public University System make $11,463 above the typical college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from American Public University System

10
Regent crest
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA
31 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In VA
#5 Best Quality In VA

Located in the city of Virginia Beach, Regent is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #5 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in Virginia.

There were roughly 31 political science and government individuals who graduated with this degree at Regent in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their master's from the political science program state that they receive average early career earnings of $37,100.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from Regent University

12
25 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NC
#2 Best Quality In NC

Located in the city of Chapel Hill, UNC Chapel Hill is a public university with a very large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in North Carolina.

There were approximately 25 political science and government students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

12
25 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CA
#2 Best Quality In CA

UCLA is a very large public university located in the large city of Los Angeles. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in California.

There were about 25 political science and government individuals who graduated with this degree at UCLA in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from University of California - Los Angeles

12
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
25 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NC
#1 Best Quality In NC

Duke is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Durham. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in North Carolina.

There were roughly 25 political science and government individuals who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from Duke University

15
24 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NE
#2 Best Quality In NE

UNOMAHA is a fairly large public university located in the city of Omaha. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in Nebraska.

There were approximately 24 political science and government individuals who graduated with this degree at UNOMAHA in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their master's from the political science program report average early career wages of $41,800.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from University of Nebraska at Omaha

15
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
24 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In FL
#2 Best Quality In FL

Florida State is a very large public university located in the medium-sized city of Tallahassee. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in Florida.

There were roughly 24 political science and government students who graduated with this degree at Florida State in the most recent data year.

Master's graduates who receive their degree from the political science program earn an average of $43,400 for their early career.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from Florida State University

17
22 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IL
#4 Best Quality In IL

UIS is a small public university located in the medium-sized city of Springfield. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #4 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in Illinois.

There were approximately 22 political science and government students who graduated with this degree at UIS in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from University of Illinois at Springfield

17
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
22 Annual Master's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In NY
#4 Best Quality In NY

NYU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #4 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in New York.

There were approximately 22 political science and government students who graduated with this degree at NYU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from New York University

19
Princeton crest
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
21 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NJ
#1 Best Quality In NJ

Located in the city of Princeton, Princeton is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in New Jersey.

There were about 21 political science and government students who graduated with this degree at Princeton in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from Princeton University

20
18 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CO
#3 Best Quality In CO

CU Anschutz is a fairly large public university located in the city of Denver. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in Colorado.

There were roughly 18 political science and government individuals who graduated with this degree at CU Anschutz in the most recent year we have data available.

Master's graduates who receive their degree from the political science program earn around $53,400 in their early career salary.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

21
Hillsdale College crest
Hillsdale College
Hillsdale, MI
17 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type

Hillsdale College is a small private not-for-profit college located in the distant town of Hillsdale.

There were about 17 political science and government students who graduated with this degree at Hillsdale College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from Hillsdale College

22
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
16 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In MA
#4 Best Quality In MA

Located in the large city of Boston, Boston U is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #4 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in Massachusetts.

There were about 16 political science and government students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from Boston University

22
16 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In ID
#2 Best Quality In ID

Located in the small city of Pocatello, ISU is a public university with a large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in Idaho.

There were approximately 16 political science and government students who graduated with this degree at ISU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from Idaho State University

24
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
15 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In VA
#6 Best Quality In VA

Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Lynchburg. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #6 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in Virginia.

There were roughly 15 political science and government individuals who graduated with this degree at Liberty University in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from Liberty University

24
15 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In GA
#4 Best Quality In GA

Georgia State is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Atlanta. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #4 in quality for master's degrees in political science and government in Georgia.

There were about 15 political science and government students who graduated with this degree at Georgia State in the most recent data year.

More information about a master’s in political science and government from Georgia State University

26
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
26
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
26
The American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
26
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
30
30
30

30

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for Political Science & Government students that almost earned our Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Political Science & Government award.

Rank College Location
34 Wayne State University Detroit, MI
34 The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, TX
34 San Diego State University San Diego, CA
34 The Graduate Center, CUNY New York, NY
34 Villanova University Villanova, PA
39 Stanford University Stanford, CA
39 LIU Post Brookville, NY
39 Miami University - Oxford Oxford, OH
39 James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA
43 Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL
43 George Mason University Fairfax, VA
43 California State University - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
43 Cornell University Ithaca, NY
43 University of Connecticut Storrs, CT

Political Science & Government by Region

View the Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Political Science & Government for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Political Science & Government is one of 12 different types of Social Sciences programs to choose from.

Political Science Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Political Science 1,601
American Government & Politics (United States) 179
Other Political Science & Government 53
Political Economy 17

Majors Similar to Political Science

Related Major Annual Graduates
International Relations & National Security 4,553
Economics 4,493
Sociology 1,311
Geography & Cartography 1,291
Anthropology 1,045
Criminology 783
General Social Sciences 631
Other Social Sciences 369
Urban Studies 300
Archeology 52

Notes and References

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