Doctoral students in the Department of Political Science focus on one of five primary areas of study and one of six secondary areas of study:

American Politics

The American Politics field is focused on the system of government, political institutions, and political behavior in the United States. Our departmental strengths in this field include minority politics, judicial politics, campaigns and elections, and state and local politics.

Comparative Politics

The Comparative Politics field examines similarities and differences in political institutions, political behavior, and forms of government around the world. Our departmental strengths in this field include African politics, comparative political economy, authoritarian regimes, and political corruption.

International Relations

The International Relations field is focused on interaction between countries, international law and institutions, and causes and consequences of conflict. Our departmental strengths in this field include the study of conflict, civil war, and international law.

Public Policy

The Public Policy field examines the processes of policy development and implementation, and the ways policy design can impact politics. Our departmental strengths in this field include education policy, state and local policy, and social welfare policy.

Political Philosophy

The Political Philosophy field explores democratic theory and political thought. Our strengths in this field include classical political philosophy and American political thought.

Research Methods

The Research Methods secondary field applies mathematical models and statistical methods to build and test theories and conduct empirical analysis. Our strengths in this field include text analysis, multilevel models, social networks, and Bayesian statistics.

Political Science

Doctor of Philosophy