About the Department of 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. Susan Allen 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.
- Dr. Tim Nordstrom received 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. Julie Wronski, oversees the broad area of American political behavior. Her selection reflects her standing in the profession, and brings positive attention to the department and the University.
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
Sue Skipworth
- Instructional Associate Professor of Political Science and Assistant Chair
Abbie Lagrone
- Administrative Coordinator I
Benjamin Jones
- Associate Professor of Political Science and Graduate Program Coordinator
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
Emily Ommundsen
- Assistant Professor of Political Science
Sue Skipworth
- Instructional Associate Professor of Political Science and Assistant Chair
Andrew Stone
- Assistant Professor of Political Science
Jonathan Winburn
- Professor of Political Science and Director of Social Science Research Laboratory
Julie Wronski
- Associate Professor of Political Science
Comparative Politics
Kendall Curtis
- Assistant Professor of Political Science
Gang Guo
- Croft Associate Professor of Political Science
Gregory Love
- Professor of Political Science
Ishana Ratan
- Assistant Professor of Political Science
Steven Schaaf
- Assistant Professor of the Comparative Politics of the Middle East
International Relations
Susan Allen
- Professor of Political Science
Lauren Ferry
- Assistant Professor of Political Science
Benjamin Jones
- Associate Professor of Political Science and Graduate Program Coordinator
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.
Our Community
A Place That Ever Calls
Located 70 miles from Memphis and surrounded by the natural beauty of Northern Mississippi, Oxford boasts thriving music, art, and literary scenes along with great restaurants. UM's athletics provide many opportunities to watch and participate in sports—and one of the world's best tailgating parties.
With everything Oxford has to offer, it's no wonder USA Today named Oxford as one of the Top Six College Towns in the Nation.
Come see why.