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Pushing the Boundaries of the Discipline

The mission of the Political Science program is to push forward the boundaries of the discipline, and train graduate and undergraduate students to consume and produce sophisticated modern empirical and theoretical research. The rigorous methodological graduate training that students receive at UC Merced places them at the leading edge of the social sciences. We use a unique approach to graduate training, focused on Political Institutions & Political Economy (PIPE) and Political Cognition & Behavior (CAB), guaranteeing that students will have a comprehensive and creative understanding of politics. We believe in interdisciplinary research, crossing boundaries and finding new frontiers, so students are also encouraged to work with faculty from other disciplines such as cognitive science, psychology, economics, and sociology to enrich their education.

Featured News

April 18, 2024

UC Merced will host incoming students, their families and friends on Saturday, April 20, for Bobcat Day - the university's annual open house. Bobcat Day will begin at 9:15 a.m. with a welcome...

Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz shaking hands with Las Positas College President Dyrell Foster. Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz shaking hands with Madera College President Angel Reyna.
April 17, 2024

UC Merced has partnered with two California community colleges to further extend access to students transferring to a four-year university. In April, ceremonies were held to sign agreements with...

Traffic is shown along a stretch of Bellevue Road near UC Merced.
April 16, 2024

A major route to UC Merced could soon begin to be much safer under a project to install, test and assess several bike lane and other safety interventions. The Bellevue Road safety project will be...

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Our Faculty

One of the great strengths of political science at UC Merced is its faculty. We are dedicated to building a faculty of cutting-edge researchers and top-rate instructors.

At the Cutting Edge

Our faculty and students are at the forefront of innovative political science research. Our community celebrates publications, awards, presentations, and guest lectures.

Join Us

If you are interested in studying and working with leading scholars in Political Science, consider our program. Reach out to poligrad@ucmerced.edu for more information.