How many colleges in California offer Political Science programs?

CampusPin currently lists 301 U.S. colleges and universities in California that offer Political Science programs. The list updates daily as institutions report new program offerings to IPEDS.

What's the tuition for a Political Science program in California?

Among the 50 Political Science programs listed in California, published in-state tuition ranges from $1,104 to $63,255 (median around $12,118). Public institutions are typically lower for in-state students than private ones. Always verify the current cost of attendance with each school before applying.

What jobs can a Political Science degree lead to?

A Political Science degree commonly leads to roles such as Policy Analyst, Legislative Aide, Lawyer (with JD), Foreign Service Officer. Typical pay (early-career; BLS figures are occupation-wide medians): $48,000–$72,000 early-career (varies widely by sector).

Can I apply to a Political Science program in California with the Common App?

Many Political Science programs in California accept the Common Application. CampusPin tags each school's Common App acceptance, use the Common App filter on /results to narrow to programs you can apply to with one application.

Political Science · California

Political Science colleges in California

CampusPin lists 301 U.S. colleges in California that offer Political Science programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

Political Science studies governments, political behavior, and policy, preparing graduates for law school, public service, journalism, and policy research.

Schools in California that offer Political Science

Political Science programs in California: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 301 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

301

Public / private

21 / 29

Universities / 2-year

39 / 11

Cities represented

In-state tuition range

$1,104–$63,255

Median in-state tuition

$12,118

Lowest published in-state tuition

Barstow Community College

$1,104

Most selective

California Institute of Technology

3% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

California State University-Fullerton

41,793 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a Political Science program

American politics and government
Comparative politics across countries and systems
International relations and foreign policy
Political theory (classical and contemporary)
Public policy analysis
Quantitative methods for political research
Constitutional law
Senior thesis

Where a Political Science degree can lead

Policy Analyst
Legislative Aide
Lawyer (with JD)
Foreign Service Officer
Campaign Manager
Journalist

Typical pay: $48,000–$72,000 early-career (varies widely by sector)

A Political Science major covers American government, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and political methodology. Programs typically require a research methods sequence (statistics, survey research, or formal modeling) and a senior thesis. Subfields include public policy, public law, political economy, and international security.

Political Science is a common pre-law major. Graduates also work in government, campaigns, journalism, advocacy, foundations, and think tanks. The major pairs naturally with Economics, History, or a foreign language.

Political Science in other states

Other majors in California

Find more Political Science schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 301+ Political Science programs in California by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

Search Political Science schools in California About the Political Science major All colleges in California

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