About Political Science
Learn about our department faculty and program offerings. We also house a center and lab that offer opportunities to apply our knowledge to the world of politics and policy.
- Home
- Departmental Directory
- Liberal Arts
- Department of Political Science
- 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
UG
Understanding political actors and institutions, both domestic and international.
- Oxford
UG
Applying a more quantitative lens to the study of political institutions and actors.
- Oxford
GRAD
Deepen your research skills and prepare for a wide range of top careers.
- Oxford
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