Tulane vs. William & Mary for government: which is stronger for a political science major?

For government or political science, William & Mary usually has the stronger academic reputation in that specific field. It is especially well regarded for government, public policy, constitutional studies, and preparation for law school or graduate study, and its location in Virginia helps with access to state government, policy work, and Washington-connected opportunities. If your priority is the program itself being taken very seriously by academics and grad schools, William & Mary has the clearer edge.

William & Mary tends to suit the student who wants a more traditional, academically intense political science experience. The Government Department is one of the school’s signature strengths, and students often find a lot of faculty engagement, strong writing and discussion-based classes, and classmates who are very interested in public affairs, history, law, and policy.

Tulane fits better for the student who wants political science in a more urban, flexible, and outward-facing setting. Being in New Orleans creates access to local politics, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and community-based work that can make internships feel very immediate and hands-on. Tulane is a respected university overall, and you can absolutely build a strong path in political science there, but the school’s identity is less centered on government as a flagship academic strength than William & Mary’s is.

On class quality, both can offer strong teaching, but William & Mary is more likely to feel consistently centered on undergraduate academics in this area. Tulane may appeal more if you want a broader campus culture, more city energy, and the chance to connect politics with service, public health, or social issues in a living laboratory type of environment.

If the question is which school is stronger for political science on reputation, rigor, and grad-school preparation, I would lean William & Mary. Tulane becomes more compelling when the surrounding city, applied political experience, and a more dynamic off-campus ecosystem matter just as much as departmental prestige.