UVA vs. Fordham for Political Science: Which Is Better for an Undergraduate?

For most students seeking the strongest traditional undergraduate political science program, UVA has the edge. Its Department of Politics is large and offers substantial course depth across American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy-related work. UVA also gives undergraduates access to a major research-university environment, a politically engaged campus culture, and opportunities tied to Virginia government and Washington, D.C.

UVA fits a student who wants broad academic choice and a campus-centered college experience in Charlottesville. The program is especially appealing for someone who may want to combine political science with economics, history, foreign affairs, data analysis, public policy, or pre-law preparation. Because it is a large public university, students need to be proactive about building relationships with professors and pursuing competitive research, internships, and leadership roles.

Fordham is compelling for a student who wants political science embedded in New York City. Its programs at Rose Hill and Lincoln Center can make internships with city government, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, media, campaigns, courts, and international institutions more accessible during the academic year. Fordham’s Jesuit liberal-arts setting also tends to suit students interested in ethics, social justice, urban policy, immigration, and public service, with somewhat smaller-scale classes and advising than UVA.

The tradeoff is that Fordham’s political science department does not offer UVA’s same breadth of major-university resources or overall visibility in the discipline. Its advantage is location and day-to-day access to New York’s political, legal, and nonprofit networks, rather than a larger departmental footprint.