The Department of Political Science at Stanford University is one of the most prestigious and highly respected in the world. With a long history of academic excellence, the department has produced numerous leading scholars and policymakers who have shaped the field of political science. The department's faculty includes renowned experts in various subfields, including American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and methodology.
Research and Academic Programs
The Stanford Political Science department offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Ph.D. in Political Science. The department’s research focus areas include democratization and authoritarianism, political economy and development, international security and cooperation, and political methodology and formal theory. Students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including the Stanford Center for International Security and Cooperation, the Hoover Institution, and the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research.
Faculty and Research Expertise
The Stanford Political Science faculty includes over 50 tenure-line professors, as well as numerous lecturers, postdoctoral scholars, and visiting scholars. Faculty members have published numerous books and articles in top-tier academic journals, and have received prestigious awards for their research. Some notable faculty members include Professor Condoleezza Rice, a former US Secretary of State and expert in international relations, and Professor Francis Fukuyama, a renowned political scientist and author of “The End of History and the Last Man”.
| Faculty Member | Research Area |
|---|---|
| Professor Gary Cox | American politics, political economy |
| Professor Judith Goldstein | International relations, trade policy |
| Professor James Fearon | International relations, civil wars |
Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
The Stanford Political Science department offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Ph.D. in Political Science. The undergraduate program provides students with a broad foundation in political science, while also allowing them to specialize in a particular subfield. The graduate program is highly competitive, with students going on to pursue careers in academia, government, and the private sector.
Course Offerings and Specializations
The department offers over 100 courses in political science, ranging from introductory surveys to advanced seminars. Students can specialize in one of several subfields, including American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and methodology. Some notable courses include “Introduction to International Relations”, “American Political Institutions”, and “Game Theory and Political Economy”.
- American Politics: courses on American political institutions, public policy, and political behavior
- Comparative Politics: courses on democratization, authoritarianism, and political economy in developing countries
- International Relations: courses on international security, cooperation, and global governance
What are the admission requirements for the Stanford Political Science Ph.D. program?
+The Stanford Political Science Ph.D. program is highly competitive, with admission requirements including a strong academic record, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Applicants must also submit GRE scores and transcripts.
What research opportunities are available to undergraduate students in the Stanford Political Science department?
+Undergraduate students in the Stanford Political Science department have access to a range of research opportunities, including research assistantships, internships, and honors theses. Students can work with faculty members on research projects, or pursue their own independent research under faculty supervision.
The Stanford Political Science department is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community of scholars, with a range of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The department also has a strong commitment to public service, with many faculty members and students engaged in policy-relevant research and community outreach.
