Political science is concerned with the systematic study of government and the political process. Within the discipline, scholars analyze the development, distribution, and uses of political power; determinants and consequences of various forms of political behavior and sources of political conflict; ways in which conflicts are both intensified and resolved; and the relationship between the individual and the state. Political science is a discipline of special interest to scientists and engineers who must understand the political system within which they live in order to evaluate their influence upon that system. It is of interest as well to those students who are considering careers in public service or university teaching and research.
The Department of Political Science has a research-oriented faculty that welcomes both undergraduate and graduate students in ongoing research. The department covers the fields of American politics and public policy, comparative politics, international relations and foreign policy, and political philosophy and social theory, with particular emphasis on ethnicity and identity, international security, representation, and the politics of globalization.
The political science curriculum for undergraduates combines professional social science training with opportunities for a broad liberal arts education. Students may choose subjects from a wide range of both undergraduate and graduate offerings, and are encouraged to engage in independent research projects. In addition, the department sponsors an internship program in which students work in governmental agencies, legislative offices, community associations, international organizations, and advocacy groups at all levels.
The undergraduate program prepares students for study in political science, law, public policy, and related fields, and for careers in government, business, law, research, teaching, or journalism. This program is also designed to give students, whatever their career objectives, an understanding of political institutions and processes. Some students want to focus on political systems themselves; others choose to concentrate on the political aspects of public policy, focusing on such issues as the environment, health, or arms control. Both of these perspectives are found in the program.
Subjects are offered by the department in the following fields: political theory, American politics and public policy, security studies, comparative politics, and international relations and foreign policy. Students may work out individualized programs with the assistance of a faculty advisor.
In the junior year students are introduced to the major theoretical and methodological themes of political science in two subjects:
| 17.869 | |
Political Science Scope and Methods (typically fall term, junior year) |
| and | ||
| 17.871 | |
Political Science Laboratory (typically spring term, junior year) |
The department believes that every political science major should have the experience of conducting and writing at least one substantial research project, a requirement that is fulfilled by the senior thesis. Each undergraduate chooses a thesis advisor and a second thesis reader in his or her area of interest. The student then registers for:
| 17.ThT | |
Thesis Research Design Seminar (fall term, senior year) |
| and | ||
| 17.ThU | |
Thesis (spring term, senior year) |
In addition to the thesis, there are numerous other opportunities for students to pursue research interests. Students are eligible to receive academic credit or limited funding for expenses or wages through the Institute-wide Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Students should consult the department's UROP coordinator to discuss specific projects.
The objective of the Minor Program in Political Science is to deepen and expand student knowledge of the discipline of political science. A minor in political science consists of six subjects divided into two tiers, selected from any of the discipline's subfields as listed in Part 3. Tier I consists of introductory classes, and Tier II, of upper-level classes.
The requirements of the minor are as follows:
| Tier I | At least one but no more than two introductory classes (introductory classes are designated with two-digit numbers). These introductory classes provide broad theoretical and/or empirical overviews of their subject matter. Examples include: | |
| 17.01J Justice 17.20 Introduction to the American Political Process 17.40 American Foreign Policy 17.50 Introduction to Comparative Politics |
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| Tier II | At least four but no more than five upper-level classes (upper-level classes are designated with three-digit numbers). These specialized classes provide students with advanced and in-depth examination of their subject matter. Examples include: | |
| 17.195 Globalization 17.405 Politics and Conflict in the Middle East 17.477J Technology and Policy of Weapons Systems 17.881 Game Theory and Political Theory |
For a listing of available subjects in these areas, consult Tobie Weiner in the Political Science Undergraduate Office, Room E53-484 or the HASS Office, Room 14N-410.
MIT educates its students for a future in an increasingly global economy and international research environment. The interdisciplinary HASS Minor in Applied International Studies prepares undergraduates for this reality by integrating international learning into their course of study. The six-subject minor is organized into three areas that address key components of international education.
The first area is language and culture. Lasting economic and social relationships in an international context are only possible for those who speak the language of a foreign country and are familiar with its cultural dimensions. Therefore, this part of the minor gives students the opportunity to become competent in a foreign language and learn about the culture of a foreign country or region.
The second area is international politics, economics, and history. This area offers students a set of subjects that help them to critically understand the economic, political, cultural and historical concepts and movements that create an increasingly interconnected world. Students take two or three subjects from this area. One of these subjects focuses on a chosen geographical region of specialization.
The third area is a significant international experience. Recognizing that theoretical learning should be combined with hands-on experience, the Minor in Applied International Studies includes a stay-abroad component that exposes students to the challenges and opportunities of working and living in another culture. Within this area, the minor offers students courses that directly prepare them for these experiences abroad and help them to reflect on their work, research, or study-abroad experience after the return to campus. Students choose one or two courses. The Minor in Applied International Studies requires a stay abroad. Students select their stay abroad options in close consultation with the minor advisor. The experience abroad will typically take place within an internship, research stay, service learning opportunity, or a study abroad structure.
| Tier I | Language and culture: two or three subjects that
expose students to foreign languages and/or cultures,
beyond first-year language subjects. At least two subjects
must focus on one country or region. Consult the minor
advisor for a list of approved subjects. |
|
| Tier II | Politics, economics, and history: two or three subjects,
one of which must focus on the geographical area chosen
in Tier I. Consult the minor advisor for a list of
approved subjects. |
|
| Tier III | International experience: one or two subjects from the following group, linked to study, research, or work experiences abroad. Other subjects than these may be substituted with the approval of the minor advisor: | |
| 21F.019 Communicating Across Cultures 17.921J/21F.099 Independent International Research Project (at least 9 units) 17.199J/21F.098 Working in the Global Economy |
Additional information can be obtained from Bernd Widdig, minor advisor, Center for International Studies, E38-762, 617-253-3925, bwiddig@mit.edu.
The Department of Political Science jointly offers a Minor in Public Policy with the Department of Urban Studies and Planning (Course 11). The description of undergraduate study in Course 11 contains a detailed description and list of requirements for this minor.
The Department of Political Science offers degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
The Department of Political Science offers programs leading to the Master of Science in Political Science and the Doctor of Philosophy.
All applicants must take the GRE general test. Non-native English speakers must take the TOEFL. Applicants from all disciplines are welcome. Applicants need not have majored in political science, though some prior course work in political science or related subjects, such as history, economics, philosophy, psychology, or sociology is helpful.
The Master of Science in Political Science is a one-year program intended for students who wish to develop skills in applied research in preparation for a career in public policy or with a business or research organization. The master's program emphasizes intensive preparation in a single field of study. Applicants to the SM program should specify their field of specialization.
The minimum number of subjects required for the SM degree is six graduate subjects, at least four of which must be completed in the Political Science Department at MIT. The remaining two may be taken elsewhere at MIT or through cross-registration at Harvard University. A 3.5 GPA must be maintained. A master's thesis is required. See the section on Graduate Education in Part 1 for the general requirements for the SM.
The department offers a five-year program leading to the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science, awarded simultaneously. This program is open to MIT undergraduates only. It allows the student to plan for a single combined SB-SM thesis written during the last three terms at the Institute. Undergraduate Institute requirements may be completed during the fifth year of the program.
Doctoral students must complete the following requirements (for specifics see the department handbook):
A full-year seminar for first-year students covering the fields of political science
One class in statistics
One class in empirical research methods
One class in political philosophy
Reading proficiency in one language other than English (demonstrated by four semesters of course work or an exam) or knowledge of advanced statistics (demonstrated by three semesters of course work or an exam)
A second-year paper
A doctoral thesis
In addition, doctoral students are required to elect two of the following major fields: American politics and public policy; comparative politics; international relations; models and methods; political economy; political philosophy and social theory; and security studies.
The requirements in each of the two elected fields are as follows:
First major field: a written and oral general exam.
Second major field: three courses in the field, selected to ensure breadth and avoid significant overlap with the first field.
Specific fields may have additional requirements.
Students may take subjects in other MIT departments. Cross-registration arrangements also permit enrollment in subjects taught in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University and in some of Harvard's other graduate schools. Students are encouraged to do field research and develop close working ties with faculty members engaged in major research activities.
Financial assistance is available to qualified applicants in the form of research and teaching assistantships and a limited number of fellowships. Research assistants work under faculty supervision on projects administered by the department and through MIT-affiliated research facilities such as the Center for International Studies (described in the section on Interdisciplinary Research and Study in Part 1) and the Center for Technology, Policy, and Industrial Development, part of the Engineering Systems Division. In addition, advanced graduate students may qualify to become teaching assistants.
Additional information regarding graduate programs in the department and admissions may be obtained from the graduate administrator, Susan Twarog, 617-253-8336. Information on research programs, assistantships and financial aid, may be obtained from the administrative officer, Karen Griffin, 617-253-6635. Written inquiries should be addressed to Department of Political Science, Room E53-467, MIT.
Charles Stewart III, PhD
Professor of Political Science
Department Head
Stephen Ansolabehere, PhD
Elting E. Morison Professor of Political Science
Suzanne Berger, PhD
Raphael Dorman and Helen Starbuck Professor of Political Science
Nazli Choucri, PhD
Professor of Political Science
Richard M. Locke, PhD
Alvin J. Siteman Professor of Entrepreneurship and Political Science
Michael Joseph Piore, PhD
David W. Skinner Professor of Political Economy and Political Science
Barry R. Posen, PhD
Ford Foundation International Professor of Political Science
Richard J. Samuels, PhD
Ford International Professor of Political Science
Director, Center for International Studies
James M. Snyder, Jr., PhD
Arthur and Ruth Sloan Professor of Political Science and Economics
Stephen W. Van Evera, PhD
Professor of Political Science
Adam Berinsky, PhD
Associate Professor of Political Science
Andrea Campbell, PhD
Associate Professor of Political Science
Chappell H. Lawson, PhD
Associate Professor of Political Science
(On leave, fall)
Melissa Nobles, PhD
Associate Professor of Political Science
Kenneth A. Oye, PhD
Associate Professor of Political Science
Roger Petersen, PhD
Associate Professor of Political Science
(On leave)
Edward Steinfeld, PhD
Associate Professor of Political Science
Taylor Fravel, PhD
Assistant Professor of Political Science
Orit Kedar, PhD
Assistant Professor of Political Science
Gabriel Lenz, PhD
Assistant Professor of Political Science
David Andrew Singer, PhD
Assistant Professor of Political Science
Lily Tsai, PhD
Assistant Professor of Political Science
(On leave)
Donald L. M. Blackmer, PhD
Professor of Political Science, Emeritus
Lincoln P. Bloomfield, PhD
Professor of Political Science, Emeritus
Joshua Cohen, PhD
Professor of Political Science, Emeritus
Willard R. Johnson, PhD
Professor of Political Science, Emeritus
William W. Kaufmann, PhD
Professor of Political Science, Emeritus
Lucian W. Pye, PhD, LLD
Professor of Political Science, Emeritus
George W. Rathjens, PhD
Professor of Political Science, Emeritus
Harvey M. Sapolsky, PhD
Professor of Political Science, Emeritus
Eugene B. Skolnikoff, PhD
Professor of Political Science, Emeritus