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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

November 19, 2024

UC Merced-led WE Will! Workforce and Education Collaborative has awarded an additional $4.2 million to education and healthcare partners in Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties. A total of 21...

UC Merced Spendlove Prize Tsitsi Dangarembga
November 14, 2024

Tsitsi Dangarembga spread the spirit of ubuntu over UC Merced on Wednesday night, imparting its message of “how we can be good people who live well together.” Dangarembga, a Zimbabwean filmmaker,...

photo of student with brown hair and yellow shirt on blue and gold backgroud
November 13, 2024

As one of UC Merced’s first students, Josue “Josh” Franco seized the chance to help shape student government for future scholars on campus; now he has grasped a new opportunity on Capitol Hill. The...

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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.