Political Science

Political Science at the University of California offers a comprehensive program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of political systems, governmental institutions, public policies, and international relations. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics including American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public administration. Students have the opportunity to engage in rigorous academic coursework, participate in research projects, and gain practical experience through internships and policy analysis. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication, preparing graduates for careers in government, international organizations, non-profit sectors, and private enterprise. Faculty members are distinguished scholars and practitioners dedicated to mentoring students and fostering an environment of inquiry and debate. The university also offers various seminars, conferences, and extracurricular activities that enhance learning and professional development. In addition to core courses, students can select specialized electives to tailor their educational experience to their interests and career goals. The program encourages active engagement with contemporary political issues, fostering an understanding of the complexities of political processes on local, national, and global scales. Graduates of the Political Science program at UC are well-positioned to contribute to public service, policy-making, and scholarly research, and many go on to pursue advanced degrees in law, public policy, or international affairs. With its diverse faculty, extensive resources, and a vibrant academic community, the University of California provides an excellent environment for students passionate about politics and governance.

• Research Methods in Political Science
• Intro to Modeling Political Behavior
• Social Choice Theory & Spatial Modeling
• Contemporary Political Theory
• Core Seminar in International Relations
• Core Seminar in Comparative Politics
• Political Behavior
• Political Networks: Methods & Applications
• Core Seminar in American Politics
• Quantitative Analysis in Political Science
• Research in Political Science (2nd yr sequence)
• Topics in Political Theory
• American Foreign Policy
• Advanced Modeling of Political Behavior
• Research in International Relations
• CP: Comparative Government & Policy
• Topics in Methodology
• Quantitative Analysis in Political Science II
• Research in Political Science (2nd yr sequence)
• Political Theory Sequence
• Core Seminar in Political Theory
• Comparative Institutional Change
• Political Economy
• Research in American Politics
• Research in International Relations
• Research in Methodology

Requirements

• Initial application (online).
• Application fee of $80 for the domestic application and $100 for the international application.  The fee may be paid by credit card or e-check.  The fee must be paid before the application will be considered as complete, and the fee must be paid for each application submitted.
• Three "Letters of Recommendation" must be uploaded by your letter writers through the online application system (letters must be submitted online, no paper letters will be accepted).
• GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores.  These scores must be current (taken within the last 5 years) and should be sent electronically directly from ETS to UC Davis.  The ETS code for UC Davis is 4834, the code for Political Science is 1902.
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores if you have not studied at an institution and received a degree where the language of instruction is English.  These scores must be current (taken with the last 2 years). TOEFL should be sent electronically directly from ETS to UC Davis. IELTS scores should be mailed directly UC Davis from IELTS.
• Writing sample must be submitted electronically as part of the online application.

Scholarships

• University Fellowships
• Graduate Group Fellowships
• Teaching Assistantships (TA Appointments)
• Global Education

The University of California offers a comprehensive program in Political Science designed to provide students with a deep understanding of political systems, theories, and institutions. The curriculum includes a diverse range of courses that cover American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of global political dynamics. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, preparing graduates for careers in government, public service, international organizations, journalism, law, and academia. Students have access to extensive resources, including distinguished faculty members who are leading researchers in their fields, and state-of-the-art facilities for research and learning. The program also offers opportunities for internships, study abroad experiences, and participation in research projects, fostering experiential learning. In addition to core coursework, students can customize their experience by choosing specialized electives aligned with their interests, such as environmental politics, human rights, or political economy. The department encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from economics, sociology, history, and law to enrich students' understanding. Graduates of the program often go on to influential roles in policy-making, analysis, and advocacy, equipped with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills essential for understanding complex political landscapes. The program aims to produce informed, engaged citizens who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to society and address contemporary political issues with insight and integrity.