American politics at Penn State emphasizes the mechanisms and processes by which democratic preferences are translated into public policy.  

Faculty have a well-deserved reputation for studies that cross traditional lines such as examinations of political behavior in the context of institutions like courts or electoral rules, and studies exploring how institutions influence government responsiveness to citizens and interest groups.

In doing so, faculty research helps us better understanding policy debates concerning health care, welfare, criminal justice, education, climate change and other pressing issues.

We have particular strengths in U.S. state politics, judicial politics, gender, race, and ethnic politics, and the study of elections and public opinion.

Collaborative research projects provide numerous opportunities for graduate student training and research aided by the Center for American Political Responsiveness, which provides opportunities for graduate students to develop their own research and interact with faculty from around the country.

The field benefits from dual degree Ph.D. programs in African American and Diaspora Studies, Social Data Analytics (SoDA), and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS).