Boston University vs. William & Mary for political science: which is better for undergrads?

For undergraduate political science, William & Mary often stands out for students who want a more traditional campus, smaller classes, and a department where undergrads are very central to the academic experience. BU can be a stronger match for students who want a major research university in a major city, with easier day-to-day access to internships, policy organizations, and a wider range of nearby institutions. Both can work well, but they deliver the experience in pretty different ways.

William & Mary is especially appealing if you care most about close faculty interaction and a seminar-style feel. Its political science program has a strong reputation in government, public policy, political theory, and international relations, and undergraduates are a major focus rather than being overshadowed by large graduate programs. The location in Williamsburg is quieter, but the school’s ties to Virginia politics, D.C. programs, and public service are meaningful, and students often build strong mentoring relationships that help with research, honors work, and recommendation letters.

BU makes more sense for a student who wants political science tied to city life and professional access from the start. Being in Boston gives you proximity to government offices, nonprofits, advocacy groups, think tanks, media, and universities all over the area. BU also gives you the scale of a large private research university, so you may find more cross-registration-style energy, more events, and more options if your interests spill into international affairs, economics, journalism, public health, or data-oriented policy work.

Academically, William & Mary often feels more intimate and discussion-driven, which many political science students value because the field depends so much on writing, argument, and faculty feedback. BU can offer excellent academics too, but the experience may feel more self-directed, and some students thrive in that environment because they like building their own path through a bigger institution.

For someone prioritizing undergrad teaching and a close-knit intellectual community, I’d lean William & Mary. For someone who wants political science embedded in a large city with broader internship access during the school year, BU has a compelling edge.