Information about the Department of Political Science

Office

Location: Engineering and Technology Building (E&T A523)
Phone: (323) 343-2230
Fax: (323) 343-6452
Email: polisci@calstatela.edu
Website: Department of Political Science

Chair

Name: Taylor Dark

Location: E&T A517
Email: tdark@calstatela.edu
Phone: (323) 343-2230

Overview

Faculty and students of the Department of Political Science engage in teaching and learning-critically and systematically-about government, politics, public affairs, and public policy in the United States and the world. Political science courses embrace elements of the liberal arts, social sciences, and citizen education. The Department offers three degree programs: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Master of Arts in Political Science, and Master of Public Administration.

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science provides pre-professional education for careers in government, non-profit organizations, teaching, and business, as well as for admission to graduate and law school. Students may choose from four options: General Political Science, Global Politics, Pre-Legal Studies, and Public Administration. We also offer minors in General Political Science, Pre-Legal Studies, Public Administration, and Global Politics to students majoring in other subjects. The two graduate degree programs prepare students for professional careers in government, public service, public sector management, international relations, and teaching. Our graduate  and undergraduate courses also help prepare students for more effective civic engagement and participation in the political life of their communities.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Political Science is to combine teaching, research, and scholarship to educate students to:

• Think critically and systematically about government and politics across local, national, and global settings;
• Prepare for successful careers and graduate study in law, public service, politics, international affairs, and numerous other fields;
• Become active and informed citizens through an understanding of American politics and society; and,
• Contribute to the discipline of political science through professional participation and scholarly activities in academic and civic communities.

Accreditation

The Master of Public Administration program is accredited by NASPAA (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration). NASPAA is the recognized global accreditor of master’s degree programs in public administration, public policy, public affairs, non-profit and related fields.

The Faculty

Professors:  Taylor Dark (Chair), Timothy C. Lim, Michael L. McLendon
Associate Professors:  Emily Acevedo, Martin Adamian, Gar Culbert, Jessica DeShazo, Ellen Shiau
Assistant Professors:  Gabrielle Clark, Xian Gao, Chongmyoung Lee, Marla Parker
Emeriti:  Theodore Anagnoson, Greg Andranovich, Scott R. Bowman, Naomi Caiden, Siegrun Fox Freyss, Stephen K. Ma, Edward Malecki, Jaime Regalado, Nadine Koch Steinberg, Michael Siler, Kenneth Wagner

Programs

• Political Science, B.A.

• Minor in Global Politics
• Minor in Political Science
• Minor in Political Science Public Administration
• Minor in Prelegal Studies

• Political Science, M.A.
• Public Administration, M.P.A.

• Subject Waiver for the Single Subject Credential in Social Sciences

Courses

• POLS 4720 - Organization and Management
• POLS 4810 - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods in Political Science
• POLS 4900 - Special Studies in Political Science
• POLS 4980 - Senior Capstone Seminar
• POLS 4981 - Senior Service Learning/Community Engagement Capstone in Political Science, Senior Cap Service
• POLS 4982 - Senior Capstone Research Seminar in Political Science, Senior Cap Research
• POLS 4990 - Undergraduate Directed Study