Which is better for political science career preparation: UMD or Fordham?

UMD offers the stronger overall launchpad for a political science career centered on government, public policy, or national political organizations. Its College Park campus is close enough to Washington, D.C., for students to pursue federal internships during the academic year, not only in the summer.

The Washington access is the most meaningful difference. UMD students can target congressional offices, federal agencies, policy think tanks, advocacy groups, political consulting firms, and national nonprofit organizations while maintaining a campus-based college experience. Maryland’s location also creates opportunities connected to state government in Annapolis, which is useful for students interested in legislative or public-sector work beyond D.C.

Fordham has real advantages for students whose interests are specifically tied to New York City politics, urban policy, nonprofit advocacy, labor, media, or New York state and city government. Its Jesuit emphasis can also be a good fit for students drawn to public service, ethics, and social-justice-oriented policy work. However, Fordham’s professional ecosystem is more locally concentrated in New York, whereas UMD gives more direct access to the national institutions that shape federal policy and political careers.

For a student still broadly exploring government, policy, and political organizations, UMD provides a wider and more immediately relevant set of internship options.