US News & World Report designated Harvard University's Department of Government as the top graduate program in political science for 2009. The department is recognized for its commitment to diverse approaches in the study of political science. It blends the traditional methodologies with the best in cutting-edge analytic and research techniques. Students are trained to become original scholars who will pursue careers in teaching and research. They have access to some of the finest educational facilities available. Harvard boasts the largest university library in the world, along with many prestigious research centers and institutes with the university. The department offers an attractive financial aid package to graduate students. They expect all graduate students to receive sufficient financial support for them to complete their studies on a full-time basis. Support comes in the form of tuition and fee waivers, stipends and teaching and research fellowships. Students are also encouraged to apply for grants and fellowships from national and international sources outside the university. The department has around 165 students in the graduate program at any one time.
Harvard University
Department of Government
CGIS, K307
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-495-2148
www.gov.harvard.edu/graduate-program
Princeton's Department of Politics ranked second in 2009. The department is one of the largest in the United States. The size of the department offers students a wide range of scholars with a diverse range of specializations to work with in pursuit of their degree. The department features a commitment to excellence in teaching and research, a world-class library and outstanding support for graduate students. An eclectic approach to the study of political science allows students a great deal of flexibility in choosing research topics and areas of specialization. The department usually receives over 500 application per year and admits around 40 students. Graduate students can expect support for five years. Students generally receive a package consisting of university fellowships, summer stipends and teaching and research assistantships. Students may supplement their income by for grants and assistantships in other programs and centers within the university.
Princeton University
Department of Politics
130 Corwin Hall
Princeton, NJ 08544-1012
609-258-4760
www.princeton.edu/politics/graduate
Stanford's Department of Political Science was ranked third by US News & World Report. The department's primary focus is to train scholars in political science. Courses for first-year students are designed to provide them with a broad understanding of the field. The department encourages interdisciplinary studies. Students are required to specialize in at least two fields of political science. Admission is very selective: The department usually selects 12 to 15 students for admission each year. The total number of graduate students in the program is generally under 80. The small size of the department means that graduate students have greater access to faculty members and financial assistance than do students in large departments. The department guarantees students full support for their first year of study, and they usually provide support for an additional four years. Financial-support packages include scholarships, fellowships, tuition and fee waivers, research and teaching assistantships and loans.
Stanford University
Department of Political Science
616 Serra Street
Stanford, CA 94305-6044
650-723-7806
www.stanford.edu/group/polisci/graduate.html