Department of Political Science

What is Political Science?

Political Science is a social science focused on the study of politics, government, and public policy at the local, state, national and international levels.  The study of politics examines power and authority, focusing on what Harold Laswell described as “who gets what, when, and how.”  It helps us answer important questions such as: How effective is citizen participation? Do elections hold leaders accountable? What policies do we pursue?  The study of government concerns the various institutions that make public policy on behalf of a nation.  How do these institutions interact with each other? How is policy made?  Public policy focuses on decisions made by governments (e.g., laws, budgets, and rulings).  The study of public policy answers questions such as: What issues are on the political agenda? Why are certain actions taken in regard to a problem? Did the policy meet its goal?  Through the study of politics, government, and public policy, Political Science is uniquely able to evaluate the major issues of the day such as authority, influence, identity, ethics, law, liberty, justice, representation, wealth, and violence.

Why Study Political Science?

The study of Political Science provides students with a broad range of skills and experiences that will serve them well throughout their lives.  The degree introduces students to a powerful set of analytical tools for understanding interactions within and among groups of people. These include systematic knowledge of recurring patterns and problems in political life and methods for collecting and analyzing data and other forms of evidence. Studying Political Science also cultivates critical thinking and effective communication and prepares students for active citizenship, professional success, and lifelong learning.

Undergraduate Courses

The Department of Political Science offers courses in all facets of the discipline: American Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, Political Methodology, Public Administration and Policy, and Race and Ethnic Politics.

American Politics

American politics involves the study of the institutions of national government, law, mass political behavior, elections, political communication and media, interest groups, political parties, state and local governments, urban politics, and identity in politics in the United States.

International Relations

International relations involve the study of relations between the governments of the world. Courses are offered in world politics, American foreign relations, and national security policy.

Comparative Politics

This area of political science allows students to develop an in-depth understanding of foreign governments and politics. Courses are offered in European governments, Latin American governments, Asian governments, Russia and the former Soviet states, and in the politics of inequality and globalization.

Political Theory

The study of political theory provides students with an understanding of the fundamental relationships between governments and people. Courses range from the study of Greek antiquity to contemporary political ideologies.

Public Administration and Policy

This area of political science encompasses the study of public administration and the role of public policy in American politics. Study in this area will provide the student with the opportunity to understand the fundamentals of administration within a political environment. Courses are offered in bureaucracy and administration, state and local finance, urban administration, and government and the economy.

Political Methodology

These courses introduce students to scientific research design, statistical analysis, and game theory.

Race and Ethnic Politics

These courses provide the student with an in-depth understanding of the role of diversity in politics.

5-Year Combined Degree Programs

The Political Science Department offers a combined degree program in conjunction with the Bush School of Government and Public Service. This program enables students to receive either a BA or BS in political science and a Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) degree in five years.

The Political Science Department also offers a combined degree program that enables students to receive either a BA or BS in political science and a Master of Arts or a Master of Science in Political Science in four and a half years.

Honors Program

The Department of Political Science participates actively in the University honors program. Honors courses are available in all areas of political science. In addition, students may graduate with honors distinction in political science. Honor students also are offered individual instruction under POLS 497. Students interested in the Department’s Honors Program should contact the Political Science Undergraduate Programs Office.

Teacher Certification

Students desiring certification to teach civics or government in secondary schools in Texas must meet special additional requirements.

More complete information on requirements for teacher certification may be found in the College of Education and Human Development section under secondary certification.

Betz, Timm, Assistant Professor
Political Science
PHD, University of Michigan, 2015

Bond, Jon R, Professor
Political Science
PHD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1978

Cheibub, Jose A, Professor
Political Science
PHD, University of Chicago, 1994

Chupp, Jesse, Lecturer
Political Science
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2012

Clark, William, Professor
Political Science
PHD, Rutgers University, 1994

Cook, Scott J, Associate Professor
Political Science
PHD, University of Pittsburgh, 2014

Cooperman, Alicia, Assistant Professor
Political Science
PHD, Columbia University, 2019

Crisman-Cox, Casey, Assistant Professor
Political Science
PHD, University of Rochester, 2016

Dunaway, Johanna, Professor
Political Science
PHD, Rice University, 2006

Dyer, Megan K, Lecturer
Political Science
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2017

Escobar-Lemmon, Maria, Professor
Political Science
PHD, The University of Arizona, 2000

Fuhrmann, Matthew C, Professor
Political Science
PHD, University of Georgia, 2008

Fulton, Sarah A, Associate Professor
Political Science
PHD, University of California at Davis, 2006

Geva, Nehemia, Associate Professor
Political Science
PHD, Ohio State University, 1977

Goidel, Robert, Professor
Political Science
PHD, University of Kentucky, 1993

HAYDON, MATTHEW, Lecturer
Political Science
PHD, University of Utah, 2022

Harmel, Robert, Professor
Political Science
PHD, Northwestern University, 1977

Hollenbach, Florian M, Associate Professor
Political Science
PHD, Duke University, 2015

Horz, Carlo, Assistant Professor
Political Science
PHD, New York University, 2017

Jo, Hyeran, Associate Professor
Political Science
PHD, University of Michigan, 2008

Kellstedt, Paul M, Professor
Political Science
PHD, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, 1996

Kent, Charles, Instructional Professor
Political Science
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2005

Li, Quan, Professor
Political Science
PHD, Florida State University, 1998

Lim, Phaik S, Senior Lecturer
Political Science
PHD, University of Houston, 2003

Lipsmeyer, Christine S, Professor
Political Science
PHD, Vanderbilt University, 1999

Nederman, Cary J, Professor
Political Science
PHD, York University, 1983

Ogden, Benjamin G, Assistant Professor
Political Science
PHD, Boston University, 2016

Pacek, Alexander C, Professor
Political Science
PHD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1991

Pathakis, Kristy, Assistant Professor
Political Science
PHD, University of California, San Diego, 2020

Peterson, Erik J, Assistant Professor
Political Science
PHD, Stanford University, 2017

Pond, Amy, Assistant Professor
Political Science
PHD, University of Michigan, 2015

Rice, Mitchell F, Professor
Political Science
PHD, Claremont Graduate School, 1976

Robertson, John D, Professor
Political Science
PHD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1979

Roblyer, Dwight A, Senior Lecturer
Political Science
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2009

Rogers, James R, Associate Professor
Political Science
PHD, The University of Iowa, 1994

Santos, Adolfo, Professor
Political Science
PHD, University of Houston, 1998

Simpson, Hannah, Assistant Professor
Political Science
JD, Harvard Law School, 2009
PHD, New York University, 2017

Smith, Jason M, Instructional Assistant Professor
Political Science
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2009

Stevens, Reed, Lecturer
Political Science
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2022

Tarar, Ahmer S, Associate Professor
Political Science
PHD, University of Rochester, 2003

Taylor, Michelle M, Professor
Political Science
PHD, Rice University, 1990

Ura, Joseph D, Professor
Political Science
PHD, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 2006

Von Vacano, Diego A, Professor
Political Science
PHD, Princeton University, 2003

Whitten, Guy D, Professor
Political Science
PHD, University of Rochester, 1994

Wood, Billy D, Professor
Political Science
PHD, University of Houston, 1987