Research Areas

Our faculty engage in cutting-edge social science research that employs innovative methodological tools to solve critical societal problems. We want our students to participate in the research process and develop the computational social science skills that will prepare them for careers after college.

International Relations

Faculty in the International Relations field focus on the causes and consequences of political violence, the role of inter-governmental organizations and law, and international political economy. We have strengths in conflict processes, globalization, and human rights.

Comparative Politics

Faculty in Comparative Politics examine variation in political systems, political behavior, and cultural values in countries around the world. We have strengths in comparative political economy, and the regional politics of Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and East Asia.

American Politics

Faculty in the American Politics field focus on the US system of government, its political institutions, and individual and social political behavior. We have strengths in public law and judicial politics, political economy, state and local politics, and lobbying and interest groups.

Public Administration

Faculty in the Public Administration field focus on public policy, the administration and management of public programs, and organizational theory. We have strengths in public budgeting, public policy, and non-profit management.

Research Methodology

Faculty in the Department use social science research methods to build and test theories of social behavior. These methods include mathematical models, statistics, and qualitative research. We have strengths in Bayesian statistics, quantitative data analysis, and survey research.