Is Drexel or George Washington better for political science?

George Washington is the better pick for political science. Its biggest advantage is location: being in Washington, DC puts students close to federal agencies, Capitol Hill, think tanks, nonprofits, international organizations, and political campaigns in a way Drexel simply cannot match from Philadelphia. For political science, that everyday access matters because internships, guest speakers, networking, and part-time policy work are often built into the student experience rather than being occasional opportunities.

GW also has a stronger academic ecosystem around government, international affairs, public policy, and law-adjacent work. Political science students benefit from being surrounded by related programs and faculty connections that are tied closely to national politics and policy institutions. That usually translates into more courses, more events tied to current affairs, and more classmates aiming for the same career paths in government or policy.

For internships and career preparation, Drexel’s co-op model is a real strength, and that should not be dismissed. A political science student there can absolutely do well, but the pipeline into government and DC-based policy careers is not as direct.

GW also tends to offer the more natural setup for students considering law school, public service, advocacy, or international policy because those worlds are embedded in the city around campus. Students can intern during the academic year without needing to leave school for a separate semester elsewhere, which is especially valuable in politics where timing and proximity often shape opportunities.