Department of Political Science
Old Main 428
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone: (479) 575-3356
Fax: (479) 575-6432
Welcome
We invite you to join the many thousands of students who have found that studies in political science at the University of Arkansas are a proven path to successful careers in teaching, politics, research, and numerous other professions.
We offer a bachelor’s degree in political science as well as a master’s in political science (MA) and a master’s in public administration (MPA)
The Political Science Department is one of 19 departments in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. Fulbright’s legacy in international affairs remains strong in the department: faculty from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East join their American colleagues to provide you with an academic program that is both broad and deep.
While you are here, we will encourage you to take advantage of internships, activities on campus and community involvement—they are central elements of a strong liberal arts education. Before you leave, we will be sure you have learned how to apply your knowledge in a variety of practical arenas.
A Message from the Chair
American Politics
The field of American Politics examines the structure and dynamics of mass behavior, public opinion as well as governmental institutions. It further looks at their interrelationships and their role in the political and policy process. Specifically, it studies national government institutions such as the presidency, Congress, the bureaucracy and the courts and subnational governments and the federal system. Organizations such as parties, interest groups and social movements are also part of this field. Specific attention is directed to the political behavior of parties an, interest groups and social movements and their influence on these institutions and public policy.
Faculty in American Politics
Andrew Dowdle
Pearl Ford
Brinck Kerr
Janine Parry
William Schreckhise
Todd Shields
International Relations/Comparative Politics
Both areas of study focus on international affairs, broadly conceived. International relations students examine foreign affairs as well as relations among state and non-state actors in the international system. The discipline draws from economics, law, organizational studies and other fields.
Comparative politics focuses on some of the same issues but tends to examine them more within regional contexts. Typically, faculty will focus on Asia, western or eastern Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East.
Faculty in International Relations/Comparative Politics
Patrick Conge
Najib Ghadbian
Donald Kelley
Jeff Ryan
Ka Zeng
Public Administration
Public administration, and especially the Masters of Public Administration (MPA), prepares people who pursue public service careers. These degree programs develop the skills and techniques used by leaders and managers to implement policies, projects, and programs that resolve important societal problems while addressing organizational, human resource, and budgetary challenges. Graduates work in a wide variety of public service fields and in all levels of government (federal, state, local, and regional), in nonprofits, as well as in the international arena, and in the private sector.