About Political Science
Department of Political Science
What We Do
Political Science students learn about government, policy, and political activity from experienced faculty and a supportive department that offers opportunities for collaboration and research throughout the year. Students apply this knowledge in ways to advance strong communication and analytical skills.
Who We Are
The University of Mississippi is categorized as an R1 research institution, which means that our faculty are at the top of their fields and actively conducting groundbreaking research. It also means students work and study alongside some of the best.
Our faculty members include award-winning educators and researchers with years of experience. Our department boasts particular strengths in the areas of political behavior, international conflict and international organizations, and race and politics.
- Dr. Tim Nordstrom recently won the Elsie M. Hood Award for Outstanding Teaching. Having previously won the Cora Lee Graham award for outstanding teaching of freshmen, Nordstrom now joins Professor Bob Brown as the second Hood award winner in the department.
- Dr. Susan Allen (far left in photo) co-authored a book on the UN Security Council, which resulted in in invitation to New York City to talk with the South Korean delegation preparing to chair the Security Council along with about 20 other nation representatives. They recently received the 2024 book of the year from the United Nations.
What We Offer
B.A. and B.S. in Political Science
Political science is the study of political institutions and political behavior at the local, state, national, and international levels. Undergraduate majors of political science will develop critical thinking, writing, and oral communication skills that can be applied across a wide range of careers.
Minor in Political Science
A minor in political science gives undergraduates of all majors the skills to understand political realities and be active citizens. The minor is a strong compliment to a range of majors.
M.A. in Political Science
The M.A. degree provides students with an intensive study of the different fields, theories, and research methods in contemporary political science. The degree prepares students for doctoral study in political science, and for careers in business, government, or policy analysis.
Ph.D. in Political Science
The Ph.D. degree provides students with an intensive knowledge and research skills for practicing contemporary political science. The objective of the degree is to prepare students for careers as political scientists in university, community college, government, or research settings. The degree can also lead to specialized careers in the private sector.
Welcome from the Chair
Political Science is a vibrant academic field that prepares students for a wide range of prospects, from business to law school to politics. The University of Mississippi Political Science Department is organized around three fields of study: American politics, Comparative politics, and International politics. The undergraduate political science major provides students with a strong liberal arts education that prepares them for careers in a wide variety of fields. While many go to law school, many others find careers in business, teaching, the Foreign Service, the armed forces, government, law enforcement, lobbying, and non-profit organizations. Some of our alumni serve in Congress, at the White House, in state government and in U.S. embassies abroad, while others are attorneys, teachers, and business professionals.
While here, students take courses from award-winning faculty who are leaders in their fields. Our department has 19 faculty and instructors who support students in our undergraduate degrees (both a B.A. and a B.S.), M.A. and a Ph.D. in Political Science. The commonality across all three degrees is a focus on the development of critical thinking and being able to articulate and address important questions. We have seen students take these skills and apply them across the full spectrum of careers.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thanks!
Dr. John M. Bruce, Chair
Department of Political Science
662-915-7401 | jbruce@olemiss.edu
Department Leadership and Support
John Bruce
- Chair and Associate Professor of Political Science
Sue Skipworth
- Instructional Associate Professor of Political Science and Assistant Chair
Benjamin Jones
- Associate Professor of International Relations
Rachael Jones
- Academic Counselor
American Politics
Miles Armaly
- Associate Professor of Political Science
Robert Brown
- Professor of Political Science
John Bruce
- Chair and Associate Professor of Political Science
Kesicia Dickinson
- Assistant Professor of Political Science and African American Studies
Richard Forgette
- Associate Provost and Professor of Political Science
Marvin King
- Associate Professor of Political Science & African American Studies
Jonathan Klingler
- Associate Professor of Political Science
Sue Skipworth
- Instructional Associate Professor of Political Science and Assistant Chair
Jonathan Winburn
- Professor of Political Science and Director of Social Science Research Laboratory
Julie Wronski
- Associate Professor of Political Science
Comparative Politics
Alice Cooper
- Professor of Political Science
Gang Guo
- Croft Associate Professor of Political Science
Gregory Love
- Professor of Political Science
Steven Schaaf
- Assistant Professor of the Comparative Politics of the Middle East
International Relations
Laura Huber
- Assistant Professor of Political Science
Benjamin Jones
- Associate Professor of International Relations
Timothy Nordstrom
- Professor of Political Science
Applied Politics
Haley Barbour Center for the Study of American Politics
The Department of Political Science in home to the Haley Barbour Center for the Study of American Politics, which promotes study and understanding of politics in the American context.
Social Science Research Laboratory
The Social Science Research Laboratory (SSRL) has extensive experience in research design and methodology, program evaluation, economic development, survey research, needs assessment, advanced econometrics, and market research.