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33

full-time faculty teaching and conducting research in political science

66%

of Maxwell faculty conduct research focused outside of the U.S.

50

graduate students in residence; fewer than 12 admitted each year

Undergraduate Studies


Studying political science will help you understand the workings of political life at the local, national and international levels and will prepare you for a lifetime of active and informed citizenship. The Department of Political Science at Syracuse University has more than thirty full-time faculty that teach a wide variety of courses in multiple subject areas. We will guide you as you explore the world of politics and hone your skills as a researcher, analyst and writer.

Graduate Studies


Master’s and doctoral students receive broad training in quantitative and qualitative methods of social science research, while also concentrating in two of the following substantive fields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public administration and policy, law and courts, or security studies. 
Mazaher Kaila

I am Maxwell.

Civic engagement is a core value for me. I have always aspired to help the communities I’m from.” Mazaher Kaila, a Maxwell alumna and third-year student at Syracuse University's College of Law, moved with her family from Sudan to Central New York when she was four years old. “I realized that to make meaningful change in society, I needed to understand the systems that power it—government and politics—and that’s insight I would gain by studying political science.”

Mazaher Kaila ’19, L’22

political science, law

Read Kaila's story, “A Powerful Voice for Justice”

Jackson Provides Key Takeaways From Biden’s Press Conference on Bloomberg TV

July 15, 2024

Bloomberg

Jenn M. Jackson

Jenn M. Jackson


On Thursday, President Joe Biden participated in a critical news conference at the NATO summit, aiming to convince his detractors and supporters that he is able to serve another four years in office.

“The gaffes really highlighted the concerns that he's not quite in full control of his faculties....I think some of this is being chalked up to nerves but either way, he is not doing the work that's necessary to reassure voters that he's ready for the job for the next four years,” says Jenn Jackson, assistant professor of political science.

“What he really has to do, and I think what Democrats at-large have to do, is get really serious about, if this is going to be the candidate, if he is the guy—he says he's the guy—what does that mean for his surrogates? What does that mean for one single, unified message that they can get out to voters about his preparedness? They haven't done this yet,” Jackson says.

“Republicans can really get behind one singular message or set of narratives and they really push it to voters. Democrats have consistently struggled with this, and it's very clear to see the dissention between factions in Democratic parties and groups. It's very clear to see when there's issues between the Harris camp and the Biden camp, and they've got to get on the same page. If they do not, they are not going to be successful in November,” Jackson says.

Watch the full interview via Bloomberg TV.

BaoBao Zhang Joins First Cohort of AI2050 Early Career Fellows

One of only 15 scholars chosen from across the U.S., Zhang will receive up to $200,000 in research funding over the next two years. Zhang will use the funding to partner with the nonprofit, non-partisan Center for New Democratic Processes to test whether public participation in AI governance is increased through the creation of public assemblies, known as “deliberative democracy workshops.”

Baobao Zhang

Assistant Professor, Political Science Department

Read More

Baobao Zhang

Jackson Provides Key Takeaways From Biden’s Press Conference on Bloomberg TV

July 15, 2024

Bloomberg

Jenn M. Jackson

Jenn M. Jackson


On Thursday, President Joe Biden participated in a critical news conference at the NATO summit, aiming to convince his detractors and supporters that he is able to serve another four years in office.

“The gaffes really highlighted the concerns that he's not quite in full control of his faculties....I think some of this is being chalked up to nerves but either way, he is not doing the work that's necessary to reassure voters that he's ready for the job for the next four years,” says Jenn Jackson, assistant professor of political science.

“What he really has to do, and I think what Democrats at-large have to do, is get really serious about, if this is going to be the candidate, if he is the guy—he says he's the guy—what does that mean for his surrogates? What does that mean for one single, unified message that they can get out to voters about his preparedness? They haven't done this yet,” Jackson says.

“Republicans can really get behind one singular message or set of narratives and they really push it to voters. Democrats have consistently struggled with this, and it's very clear to see the dissention between factions in Democratic parties and groups. It's very clear to see when there's issues between the Harris camp and the Biden camp, and they've got to get on the same page. If they do not, they are not going to be successful in November,” Jackson says.

Watch the full interview via Bloomberg TV.

Political Science Department
100 Eggers Hall