Political Science graduates within the US earn a median wage of $52,859 yearly, with prime professionals incomes over $115,000, in accordance with Zippia’s newest information. Michelle Allendoerfer on the American Political Science Affiliation notes {that a} diploma in Political Science cultivates important abilities which are extremely valued by employers.
Whereas UVA is ranked #297 and Georgetown #301 within the QS 2025 rankings, potential college students ought to give attention to key components resembling course construction, real-world studying alternatives, and the tutorial atmosphere. This comparability goals to assist college students select the examine overseas programme that most closely fits their tutorial and skilled targets.
Location
Georgetown’s prime location in Washington D.C. presents college students unparalleled entry to internships, political occasions, and hands-on studying alternatives at establishments just like the State Division and Congress. Past lecturers, D.C. is dwelling to world-class museums, together with distinctive spots such because the Museum of Illusions, together with a various meals scene — from Michelin-starred eating places to fashionable meals vehicles.
In distinction, UVA is nestled within the coronary heart of central Virginia, simply east of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. This location presents college students a mix of pure magnificence, historical past, and vibrant tradition. Charlottesville gives countless actions, from climbing the Blue Ridge trails to exploring historic landmarks resembling Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and James Monroe’s Ash Garden-Highland.
Course curriculum
Georgetown’s Authorities main equips college students with a complete understanding of political dynamics via a well-structured curriculum. It covers home political establishments, worldwide relations, and moral concerns, organised into 4 subfields: American Authorities, Comparative Authorities, Worldwide Relations, and Political Concept. The various electives enable for customisation, enabling college students to decide on programs resembling Political Knowledge Evaluation that improve methodological experience.
Equally, UVA’s Politics Division presents two major majors — Authorities and International Affairs — together with minors in each fields. For motivated college students, superior examine choices embody the Honors Program and the Distinguished Majors Program (DMP). The Honors Program is tailor-made for college kids passionate in regards to the interaction of politics and economics, whereas the DMP promotes in-depth exploration of particular political points inside their chosen main.
Admissions
Admission to Georgetown’s Authorities main is aggressive. College students should full 4 foundational programs: U.S. Political Techniques, Comparative Political Techniques, Worldwide Relations, and Components of Political Concept. Moreover, six electives are required, together with an upper-division Political Concept course.
At UVA, college students majoring in Authorities or International Affairs should fulfill particular course necessities, together with 12 credit throughout 4 subfields: American Politics, Comparative Politics, Worldwide Relations, and Political Concept, with three credit in every. A focus of 9 credit can be required — both in American Politics for the AP Observe, Political Concept for the PT Observe, or a mix for the International Affairs main. College students should additionally full 9 elective credit from any Politics Division programs.
Scholarships
Georgetown awards a number of hundred need-based scholarships to eligible undergraduate college students annually, with particular person awards starting from $1,000 to over $60,000 yearly, based mostly on monetary want. Georgetown additionally presents merit-based awards to recognise excellent tutorial achievement and management potential.
UVA is dedicated to enhancing academic entry via varied scholarship programmes. The Bicentennial Scholarship Fund gives each need-based and merit-based awards, having raised practically $535 million to assist college students since its inception. The Faculty of Arts and Sciences additionally presents Dean’s Scholarships for college kids pursuing levels inside the school.
Extracurriculars
Georgetown presents a vibrant extracurricular atmosphere, that includes 39 membership sports activities and 127 social justice golf equipment. The Middle for Social Justice (CSJ) is central to this engagement, housing over 40 scholar organisations targeted on points resembling training, juvenile justice, and immigrant assist. These alternatives allow college students to develop management abilities and have interaction meaningfully with societal challenges, fostering a way of group on campus.
At UVA, college students can immerse themselves in a dynamic campus life with over 700 golf equipment catering to numerous pursuits. The campus options 17 courts and recreation facilities, offering ample alternatives for bodily exercise. This vibrant atmosphere ensures that each scholar can uncover their area of interest and pursue their passions. A preferred membership amongst politics college students is the “Advocates for Virginia” legislation membership.
Finally, Georgetown would be the prime alternative for college kids looking for immersion in nationwide and worldwide politics, with a give attention to diplomacy and overseas service. For these concerned about a broader, traditionally grounded political training with alternatives in each public coverage and management, UVA presents an distinctive programme.
(The author is Consulting – Lead, Athena Training)
