The Department of Political Science at Rice University is home to a distinguished faculty of scholars who are committed to teaching, research, and service. Our faculty members are experts in a wide range of fields, including American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy. They are actively engaged in research and have published widely in top academic journals. They are also dedicated to teaching and mentoring students, and they regularly receive awards for their teaching excellence.

Our Faculty
Our faculty members are a diverse group of scholars who come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. They have earned degrees from top universities around the world, and they have held research and teaching positions at some of the most prestigious institutions in the United States. Our faculty members are actively involved in research and have published widely in top academic journals. They are also dedicated to teaching and mentoring students, and they regularly receive awards for their teaching excellence.
Our Research
Our faculty members are engaged in a wide range of research projects, including:
- American politics: Our faculty members are experts in American politics, and they have published extensively on topics such as elections, campaigns, Congress, the presidency, and public opinion.
- Comparative politics: Our faculty members are experts in comparative politics, and they have published extensively on topics such as democratization, authoritarianism, political parties, and social movements.
- International relations: Our faculty members are experts in international relations, and they have published extensively on topics such as war and peace, international organizations, and global governance.
- Political theory: Our faculty members are experts in political theory, and they have published extensively on topics such as justice, equality, freedom, and democracy.
- Public policy: Our faculty members are experts in public policy, and they have published extensively on topics such as health care, education, environmental policy, and social welfare.
Our Teaching
Our faculty members are dedicated to teaching and mentoring students. They offer a wide range of courses, including introductory courses, advanced seminars, and independent study courses. They also supervise graduate students and help them to develop their research skills. Our faculty members are committed to providing students with a challenging and rewarding educational experience.
Our Service
Our faculty members are actively involved in service to the university and the community. They serve on departmental, college, and university committees, and they participate in a variety of outreach activities. They also advise government agencies and non-profit organizations, and they provide expert commentary to the media.
Why Rice?
Rice University is a leading research university with a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education. The Department of Political Science is one of the top political science departments in the United States, and our faculty members are internationally recognized for their scholarship and teaching. Rice University is also located in Houston, Texas, a vibrant and diverse city with a strong economy and a rich cultural life.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying to the Department of Political Science at Rice University, please visit our website for more information. We offer both undergraduate and graduate programs, and we welcome applications from students of all backgrounds and experiences.
Questions to Ask Yourself
As you consider applying to the Department of Political Science at Rice University, there are a few questions you should ask yourself:
- What are your interests in political science?
- What are your career goals?
- Why do you want to study at Rice University?
- What can you contribute to the Rice community?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When applying to the Department of Political Science at Rice University, it is important to avoid making common mistakes such as:
- Not doing your research. Before you apply, be sure to visit our website and learn more about our department, our faculty, and our programs.
- Not tailoring your application to Rice University. In your application, be sure to explain why you are interested in studying at Rice University and what you can contribute to the Rice community.
- Not proofreading your application. Before you submit your application, be sure to proofread it carefully for any errors.
Benefits of Studying Political Science at Rice University
There are many benefits to studying political science at Rice University, including:
- You will learn from world-renowned faculty members who are experts in their fields.
- You will have access to a wide range of courses and research opportunities.
- You will be part of a vibrant and diverse community of scholars.
- You will develop the skills you need to succeed in a variety of careers.
Conclusion
If you are interested in studying political science at a top-ranked university, I encourage you to apply to the Department of Political Science at Rice University. We offer a challenging and rewarding educational experience, and we are committed to helping our students succeed.
Tables
Table 1: Faculty Members
Name | Field |
---|---|
James A. Baker III | American politics |
Stephen Ansolabehere | American politics |
Suzanne Mettler | American politics |
Brian Lai | Comparative politics |
Yuen Yuen Ang | Comparative politics |
Edward Gibson | International relations |
Robert Pape | International relations |
Judith Kelley | Political theory |
Mark Bevir | Political theory |
Kenneth Meier | Public policy |
Elena Bardgett | Public policy |
Table 2: Research Areas
Field | Faculty Members |
---|---|
American politics | Baker, Ansolabehere, Mettler |
Comparative politics | Lai, Ang |
International relations | Gibson, Pape |
Political theory | Kelley, Bevir |
Public policy | Meier, Bardgett |
Table 3: Courses
Course | Description |
---|---|
Introduction to American Politics | An overview of the American political system, including the Constitution, Congress, the presidency, and the judiciary. |
Advanced Seminar in American Politics | A detailed examination of a specific topic in American politics, such as elections, campaigns, or Congress. |
Introduction to Comparative Politics | A comparison of political systems from around the world, focusing on topics such as democracy, authoritarianism, and political parties. |
Advanced Seminar in Comparative Politics | A detailed examination of a specific topic in comparative politics, such as democratization, authoritarianism, or political parties. |
Introduction to International Relations | An overview of the international system, including topics such as war and peace, international organizations, and global governance. |
Advanced Seminar in International Relations | A detailed examination of a specific topic in international relations, such as war and peace, international organizations, or global governance. |
Introduction to Political Theory | An overview of the major theories of politics, including topics such as justice, equality, freedom, and democracy. |
Advanced Seminar in Political Theory | A detailed examination of a specific topic in political theory, such as justice, equality, freedom, or democracy. |
Introduction to Public Policy | An overview of the public policy process, including topics such as agenda setting, policy formulation, and policy evaluation. |
Advanced Seminar in Public Policy | A detailed examination of a specific topic in public policy, such as health care, education, environmental policy, or social welfare. |
Table 4: Student Outcomes
Outcome | Data |
---|---|
Undergraduate placement rate | 95% |
Graduate placement rate | 100% |
Median starting salary | $60,000 |
Alumni satisfaction rate | 90% |