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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 3, 2024

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – As the election gets even closer, a lot of us are receiving many text messages from candidates and campaigns about wanting our vote.  “Irritated, very...

UC Merced political science Professor Christopher Ojeda displays a slide showing people say they feel depressed in polls taken after elections.
November 1, 2024

If it seems anxiety around elections is at an all-time high, then political groups have done their jobs. "It's very conscious, it's very calculated," said UC Merced political science Professor Anil...

October 30, 2024

UC Merced Assistant Professor Christopher Ojeda recently guested on Grief Journeys, a Philadelphia based G-Town radio program that focuses on stories of grief and loss. Professor Ojeda...

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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.