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The University of Rochester's Political Science Department stands out as the most compact yet consistently top-ranked program nationwide, with a faculty complement under half the size of peer institutions.
Committed to excellence in scholarship, education, and academic development, the department builds upon its distinguished heritage. It aims to pioneer the systematic examination of political systems, guided by a distinct vision of the essential components for this pursuit. These fundamental elements comprise:
Theoretical modeling and the pursuit of broad conceptual frameworks
Meticulous empirical validation using advanced, theory-informed statistical and qualitative techniques
In-depth knowledge of actual political dynamics that inspire such theoretical and empirical investigations
Our pronounced focus on explanatory theory and universal principles, combined with our longstanding tradition of influencing the broader political science field, distinguishes us from comparable programs. We maintain an unwavering dedication to assembling faculty who lead in both political theory and quantitative analysis. Equally important is our conviction that these methodical approaches should ultimately illuminate the patterns and practices of real-world politics.