Graduate Program Overview

The Graduate Program in Political Science seeks students looking to study advanced topics in American politics, international relations and comparative politics. We seek students with strong academic profiles and dedication to their studies and goals. Our program is designed for small classes with regular faculty and student interaction. The program is selective. Each year we review many applications, and admit only those students who show a strong commitment to academic work and the ability to excel in a graduate program. As a smaller program, we are focused on our students and their success.

Our M.A. program provides a strong foundation for the study of political science with faculty and classes that expose students to the length and breath of our discipline. Our students receive training in several fields of study, but all students study American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Methodology. The Department also has strengths in a number of areas beyond these fields, including area politics such as the Middle East and Latin America. We also offer classes in political behavior, technology and politics, environmental politics, state political institutions and policies, and urban politics and policy.

The Department has attained national and international recognition for its faculty, and scholarship. Members of the Department have published books with prestigious university presses and have had their articles published in the discipline's top journals. Faculty integrate their research and theory focus into their teaching and allow our students the opportunity to work closely on significant projects and publications. Our department seeks to provide students with critical insight, comprehensive knowledge of their fields, and methodological training.

Each year the Department supports 9 new and continuing M.A. students with teaching and assistantships. Our T.A.s have a chance to work with faculty to develop teaching and education skills. Over the years, the department has trained and graduated students who have gone on to teach political science from primary school to higher education. Our students have access to the FAU library system on campus, which has substantial resources for political science research both on campus and online. The Department is also a federated member of the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR).