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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”

Thompson Talks to CNY Central and WSYR About President Biden’s Endorsement of Kamala Harris

July 22, 2024

CNY Central,WSYR-TV

Margaret Susan Thompson

Margaret Susan Thompson


President Joe Biden announced he is not seeking re-election on Sunday, and provided his endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris to be the nominee of the Democratic party.

Margaret Susan Thompson, associate professor of history and political science, says she does not expect any other Democrats to challenge Harris. 

“I really don’t. I think at this point there has been enough confusion in the Democratic party and I think for the sake, not just for the presidential ticket but the sake of the party,” says Thompson. “They need to unify, unify quickly and show a sign that they are all together on this.”

Watch the full interview via WSYR-TV.

In the CNY Central article, “Shortlists and speculation: Kamala Harris' next moves before the DNC,” Thompson says, “They have to start thinking about a shortlist so that the vetting can start, both politically and in terms of the FBI, and everybody else...There's going to be a lot of speculation going on...I'd wait a little while before I took any of it seriously.”

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

Thompson Talks to CNY Central and WSYR About President Biden’s Endorsement of Kamala Harris

July 22, 2024

CNY Central,WSYR-TV

Margaret Susan Thompson

Margaret Susan Thompson


President Joe Biden announced he is not seeking re-election on Sunday, and provided his endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris to be the nominee of the Democratic party.

Margaret Susan Thompson, associate professor of history and political science, says she does not expect any other Democrats to challenge Harris. 

“I really don’t. I think at this point there has been enough confusion in the Democratic party and I think for the sake, not just for the presidential ticket but the sake of the party,” says Thompson. “They need to unify, unify quickly and show a sign that they are all together on this.”

Watch the full interview via WSYR-TV.

In the CNY Central article, “Shortlists and speculation: Kamala Harris' next moves before the DNC,” Thompson says, “They have to start thinking about a shortlist so that the vetting can start, both politically and in terms of the FBI, and everybody else...There's going to be a lot of speculation going on...I'd wait a little while before I took any of it seriously.”

Political Science Department
100 Eggers Hall