Boston University or Georgetown for political science: which is better for an undergraduate student interested in politics and government?

Georgetown is usually the stronger undergraduate choice for political science if your main priority is politics, government, and policy access. Its location in Washington, DC gives students direct proximity to Congress, federal agencies, think tanks, embassies, and advocacy groups, and that advantage matters a lot for internships during the school year. Georgetown’s Government major is especially well regarded, and the campus culture is heavily oriented toward public service, international affairs, and political engagement.

Boston University is still a strong option, but it is generally better described as a very good political science school rather than a top destination specifically for politics in the way Georgetown is. BU’s Political Science Department is solid, and being in Boston gives access to state government, nonprofits, campaigns, media, and policy organizations. For students interested in urban politics, Massachusetts government, law, or combining political science with journalism or economics, BU can be a very appealing fit.

For undergraduates, the biggest difference is the day-to-day political ecosystem. At Georgetown, it is easier to build a semester-time internship into your routine because DC opportunities are so close, and many classmates are also aiming for government or policy work. That creates a strong network effect. BU offers more of a broad university experience in a major city, while Georgetown feels more specifically plugged into politics.