Political Science research
The University of Nevada, Reno is classified as an R-1 Carnegie rated “very high research” institute. The political science department faculty are involved in research that is widely published by academic presses and journals, and in policy reports. We encourage our students to get involved in a research project of interest. Faculty also often provide expert commentary for media outlets. Review our research areas below and find a faculty member to connect with in that field.
American politics
The American politics area includes all facets of the American political system: elections, parties, the presidency, the legislatures, the courts, the media, the bureaucracy, state and local government, public administration and interest groups. American politics courses also consider the effects of different institutional arrangements and decision rules.
Comparative politics
The comparative politics area includes general comparative analysis of national political systems, as well as comparative topics such as women in politics, revolution, terrorism, human rights and political development. It also includes the study of politics in specific areas: Western Europe, the former Soviet Union, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, Japan and China.
International relations
The international politics area covers interaction, cooperation and conflict among nations. It includes theories of international relations, great power politics, foreign policy, defense and national security, international law and organizations, global environmental policy, human rights and international political economy.
Political theory
The political theory area includes political philosophy and its history, contemporary political ideologies, democratic theory, political ethics and evaluation.
Public administration and policy
In addition, public administration and policy includes courses that deal with research methods and techniques for data gathering and analysis.