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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”

Rasmussen's book Fears of a Setting Sun featured in NY Times article

July 28, 2021

The New York Times

Dennis C. Rasmussen

Dennis C. Rasmussen


Professor Dennis Rasmussen's book, "Fears of a Setting Sun: The Disillusionment of America's Founders," was featured in the New York Times article, "George Washington Feared for America and Other Truths About the Founders We’ve Frozen in Time." In his book, Rasmussen discusses the later-in-life correspondence of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and John Adams, all of who feared for the fate of the American republic following their service in the government they created. The article's author cites the importance of having that perspective, especially now when millions of Americans are fearful for the future of democracy. 

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

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Baobao Zhang

Rasmussen's book Fears of a Setting Sun featured in NY Times article

July 28, 2021

The New York Times

Dennis C. Rasmussen

Dennis C. Rasmussen


Professor Dennis Rasmussen's book, "Fears of a Setting Sun: The Disillusionment of America's Founders," was featured in the New York Times article, "George Washington Feared for America and Other Truths About the Founders We’ve Frozen in Time." In his book, Rasmussen discusses the later-in-life correspondence of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and John Adams, all of who feared for the fate of the American republic following their service in the government they created. The article's author cites the importance of having that perspective, especially now when millions of Americans are fearful for the future of democracy. 

Political Science Department
100 Eggers Hall