full-time faculty teaching and conducting research in political science
of Maxwell faculty conduct research focused outside of the U.S.
graduate students in residence; fewer than 12 admitted each year
Undergraduate Studies
Graduate Studies

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
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
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."
Related News
Media Coverage
May 19, 2026
Research
May 4, 2026
School News
May 4, 2026
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

Thompson quoted in Spectrum piece on Kathy Hochul, Biden attending SU
August 25, 2021
Spectrum News
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."
Related News
Media Coverage
May 19, 2026
Research
May 4, 2026
School News
May 4, 2026