Hello and Welcome to Political Science!

Political science has been a part of the University of Nebraska since 1871 when the first Chancellor of the University, a scholar of law and ethics Alan Benton, held the Chair of Moral Science. During the remainder of the 19th century, a number of professors of economic and political science, as well as political history and civics offered courses in government, politics and the law. By 1899, a Department of Political Economy and Sociology was formed, and reconstituted as a Department of Political Science and Sociology in 1906. Political science was established as an independent department in 1925.

Throughout their 130 years on campus, the men and women of the political science faculty have involved themselves in research that deals with questions central to the discipline as well as the practical concerns that more immediately touch the lives of all of us. They have been committed to providing quality undergraduate and graduate education, and to serving the needs of the local, state, national and international communities. We are proud of our past, but are looking toward the future. We are committed to continuing our record of excellence. Three faculty hold distinguished university professorships, eight have earned university wide teaching awards, and one is a member of the University's prestigious Academy for Excellence in Teaching. Several faculty have won national awards for their scholarship, and several serve as consultants with government and non governmental organizations at various levels.

Graduate study in Political Science at Nebraska offers students an opportunity to work directly with nationally and internationally known scholar-teachers in American politics, international relations, comparative politics, and public policy, as well as a number of interdisciplinary programs such as Human Rights and Human Diversity. Students receive the highest quality training for a career in government, teaching, the non-profit sector, or business. Graduate students typically have a close working relationships with faculty and often work collaboratively on joint projects which lead to scholarly publications.

Undergraduates will also find faculty very accessible and committed to undergraduate education. Undergraduates have the opportunity to be involved in exciting programs, such as Pi Sigma Alpha (the political science honorary), an internship with a government agency or non-profit, UCARE, and study abroad. If you would like to find out more about the Department, click on the menu in the right margin, and if you have any questions, please call!

Elizabeth Theiss-Morse

Professor and Chair