Pepperdine vs. George Washington University for an undergraduate political science major

For an undergraduate aiming at government or public policy, George Washington University offers the more direct and opportunity-rich preparation. Its Washington, D.C., location puts students within reach of Congress, federal agencies, advocacy organizations, think tanks, political campaigns, international institutions, and policy-focused nonprofits. Political science students can pursue internships during the academic year, not only over the summer, which can make it easier to build relevant experience and professional references before graduation.

GW’s political science program is housed in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, while the university’s broader D.C. ecosystem includes the Elliott School of International Affairs, the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration, and frequent public events with policymakers and scholars. That cross-campus access is especially valuable for a student still deciding whether their interests lean toward domestic policy, international affairs, public administration, campaigns, or law.

Pepperdine can still be a compelling choice for a student who wants a smaller, more residential undergraduate experience in Malibu and appreciates its Christian mission. Seaver College’s political science major offers close faculty interaction, and Pepperdine’s Washington, D.C., program can provide a structured route to a semester of study and internship experience in the capital. Its School of Public Policy also creates an identifiable policy presence on campus, though it is primarily a graduate school.