What is the political science major like at Barnard College?

Barnard’s political science major is strong if you want a small liberal arts college setting with access to a major research university. Barnard students take political science through Columbia’s Department of Political Science, so the curriculum is broad and rigorous, with courses in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and often methods-related work. In practice, that means you get the close advising and community of Barnard plus the size and range of Columbia’s course offerings.

The major usually exposes students to the core subfields rather than pushing a single narrow track too early. You can study topics like U.S. institutions and elections, democratization, conflict and security, law and courts, political thought, identity and citizenship, or regional politics. Barnard students often like that they can combine theory-heavy classes with more empirical or policy-oriented ones.

The experience is typically discussion-based in smaller classes, especially at the upper level, but you may also have some larger lecture courses depending on the subject. Expect a lot of reading, analytical writing, and argument-driven papers. Some classes emphasize research design and interpreting political evidence, so it is not only about debating ideas but also learning how political scientists build and test arguments.

A practical advantage is the ability to draw from Columbia resources in New York City. That can matter for internships, guest speakers, research centers, and courses tied to public affairs, international politics, or urban policy. Students interested in political science at Barnard often pair it with related areas like economics, history, human rights, urban studies, sociology, or philosophy.