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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. 
Jacqueline Saturn

I am Maxwell.

My time as a student at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School prepared me for my career in the music business in ways I never could have imagined. My passion for utilizing political and legal systems and structures to advocate for and protect people’s rights guides many of the most important decisions I make.”

Jacqueline Saturn ’90 B.A. (PSc)

President of Virgin Music Group North America, 2026 Maxwell | A&S Undergraduate Convocation Speaker

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Recent Faculty Books

Maxwell's Political Science Department faculty members publish award-winning books on a wide range of topics.  Scroll a sample of recently published works below, or visit the Maxwell Faculty Bookshelf for more.

Thompson quoted in Spectrum piece on Kathy Hochul, Biden attending SU

August 25, 2021

Spectrum News

Margaret Susan Thompson

Margaret Susan Thompson


Prior to this year, no United States president, nor New York governor had ever graduated from Syracuse University. As of August 24, the college can claim both. "Certainly, the fact that Gov. Hochul graduated from the Maxwell School as an undergraduate meant that she was getting education in political science, economics, history and so forth, from some really leading people in the field," says Margaret Susan Thompson, associate professor of history and political science. "I think it will encourage applicants who have a desire to pursue careers in public service,” she says. Read more in the Spectrum News article, "Sitting U.S. president, NY governor both earned degrees at Syracuse University."

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

Thompson quoted in Spectrum piece on Kathy Hochul, Biden attending SU

August 25, 2021

Spectrum News

Margaret Susan Thompson

Margaret Susan Thompson


Prior to this year, no United States president, nor New York governor had ever graduated from Syracuse University. As of August 24, the college can claim both. "Certainly, the fact that Gov. Hochul graduated from the Maxwell School as an undergraduate meant that she was getting education in political science, economics, history and so forth, from some really leading people in the field," says Margaret Susan Thompson, associate professor of history and political science. "I think it will encourage applicants who have a desire to pursue careers in public service,” she says. Read more in the Spectrum News article, "Sitting U.S. president, NY governor both earned degrees at Syracuse University."

Political Science Department
100 Eggers Hall