columbia university political science phd application

Politics and Education PhD

Doctor of philosophy in politics and education.

This Ph.D. program prepares students to conduct original and rigorous research relating to education policy and the political conditions that facilitate its adoption, implementation, and sustainability. Graduates of this program secure position: as professors within political science, public policy, and education departments at various types of four year institutions; as researchers in think tanks and private research organizations; and in government agencies with research and policy missions.

Courses are offered in a traditional schedule during the fall and spring, with a limited number of course options available in summer. Ph.D. students must demonstrate command of two research tools, selected from the following list: 1) a reading knowledge of a foreign language, 2) a reading knowledge of a second foreign language, 3) an approved two-course sequence in quantitative analysis, 4) an approved two-course sequence in formal modeling or advanced multivariate statistics, 5) a comparable level of proficiency in a comparable research tool approved by the college.

Students are asked to participate in a set of core political science and general foundation courses in education. Each student will also complete methodological requirements including but not limited to statistics, qualitative and quantitative methods. After completing the core, each student is expected to focus his or her studies on a set of political debates in education or a particular political arena.

Ph.D. students may be required to take as many as 12 points of coursework at Columbia University in the Political Science Department.

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Admissions Information

Displaying requirements for the Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024 terms.

Doctor of Philosophy

• Points/Credits: 75
• Entry Terms: Fall

Application Deadlines

Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines , such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.

Application Requirements

Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2023-2024)

Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 terms.

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Students are asked to participate in a set of core political science and general foundation courses in education policy. These are selected with the approval of the faculty advisor in order to best meet each individual student's interests and professional goals. Students may be required to take as many as 12 points of coursework at Columbia University in the Political Science Department.

Ph.D. students must demonstrate command of two research tools, selected from the following list: 1) a reading knowledge of a foreign language, 2) a reading knowledge of a second foreign language, 3) an approved two-course sequence in quantitative analysis,* 4) an approved two-course sequence in formal modeling or advanced multivariate statistics, 5) a comparable level of proficiency in a research tool approved by the College. Using a foreign language to satisfy the research tool is appropriate only if the student’s dissertation or future research will be enhanced by developing such knowledge.

For further information on specific program requirements consult the program website at https://www.tc.columbia.edu/education-policy-and-social-analysis/politics-and-education/ and The Ph.D. Requirements Bulletin is available for download via the Office of Doctoral Students’ website. 

* Satisfied by meeting 6-point statistics requirement.

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Program Director : Professor Ansley Erickson

Box: Box 11

Teachers College, Columbia University Zankel Building 212

Contact Person: Malgorzata Kolb

Phone: (212) 678-3751 Fax: (212) 678-3589

Email: kolb@tc.columbia.edu

• Graduate School
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Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD)

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Applicants to Master’s and Doctoral degrees are not affected by the recently announced cap on study permits. Review more details

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The Department of Political Science offers Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs that are structured around five substantive fields: Canadian politics, international relations, comparative politics, political theory, and U.S. Politics.

We offer in the range of 25 graduate seminar courses per year and ample support for mentoring grad students in their professional development, through research collaboration, workshops, and colloquia. We have the most successful doctoral graduates of any program in Canada, judged by our record of placing graduates in academic positions in Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Australia, and elsewhere.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

What makes the program unique?

One of the key criteria that sets the Political Science department at UBC apart is the methodological breadth and diversity of research interests of faculty members, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. We have particular strengths for graduate students in:

• indigenous politics, with indigenous faculty members in two different subfields
• critical political theory and identity politics
• democratic theory and practise
• political behaviour, parties and elections
• comparative public policy and institutions
• migration, social diversity, and identity
• environmental politics
• international norms, institutions and goverance, and human security.

Quantitative Methods: we are particularly strong on quantitative methods for students using this kind of approach, with the deepest lineup of persons engaged in systematic quantitative research and the country’s most robust sequence of graduate methods courses for those students wishing to acquire a sophisticated understanding of quantitative analysis.

Regional Area Strengths: we are exceptionally strong in the study of Asian politics, the politics of the Americas, European politics, U.S. politics, and Canadian politics.

The reputation, the expertise, and the strong support of UBC and its Political Science Department were the decisive factors in my decision to study here.

Antonin Lacelle-Webster

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, 1) check eligibility, minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 92

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 6.5

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is required by some applicants. Please check the program website.

2) Meet Deadlines

September 2025 intake, application open date, canadian applicants, international applicants, deadline explanations.

Deadline to submit online application. No changes can be made to the application after submission.

Deadline to upload scans of official transcripts through the applicant portal in support of a submitted application. Information for accessing the applicant portal will be provided after submitting an online application for admission.

Deadline for the referees identified in the application for admission to submit references. See Letters of Reference for more information.

3) Prepare Application

Transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD)

Citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Research Information

Research focus.

Canadian Politics: federalism, the Canadian electoral system, the constitution, the courts, electoral reform, parliamentary institutions, political parties, Canadian public policy, Canadian political thought, voting behaviour Comparative Politics: democratization and democratic institutions, state-society relations, comparative public policy, comparative political economy, constitutional design and comparative political institutions, executive politics, separation of powers, governance, non-governmental organizations, and immigration politics International Relations: International Relations Theory, International Political Economy, International Security, International Law and Organization, International Norms, Human Security, the politics of international law, and global governance Political Theory: democratic theory, liberalism, constitutionalism, human rights, feminism, multiculturalism, nationalism, identity politics, critical theory, history of political thought.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial Support

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Program Funding Packages

We offer a full five-year funding package for our PhD students, which generally consists of a combination of UBC Four-Year Fellowships (4YFs), Department Funding, Teaching Assistantship, and Research Assistantship.

In some cases, we are able to offer additional funding in the form of RA positions, but these are contingent on several factors, including faculty members having available research funds for RAs.

The Department of Political Science will offer TA opportunities to PhDs when available in order to enhance the financial resources at students’ disposal. Moreover, we consider it an important aspect of the professional development of our PhDs to work as Teaching Assistants, at some point in their PhD program, to develop their teaching skills under the guidance of faculty members.

Average Funding

• 14 students received Teaching Assistantships. Average TA funding based on 14 students was $15,348.
• 9 students received Research Assistantships. Average RA funding based on 9 students was $8,794.
• 10 students received Academic Assistantships. Average AA funding based on 10 students was $3,461.
• 21 students received internal awards. Average internal award funding based on 21 students was $27,166.
• 4 students received external awards. Average external award funding based on 4 students was $26,500.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Outcomes

47 students graduated between 2005 and 2013. Of these, career information was obtained for 44 alumni (based on research conducted between Feb-May 2016):

Sample Employers in Higher Education

Sample employers outside higher education, sample job titles outside higher education, phd career outcome survey, career options.

Our PhDs have been highly successful in pursuing academic and non-academic careers.

On the academic front, UBC PhDs hold tenured or tenure track positions at major universities in North America and internationally – including the University of Toronto, University of Victoria, University of Western Ontario, York University, University of Ottawa, University of Calgary, University of Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech, University of Essex, Sophia University, National University of Singapore, University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Ritsumeikan University, University of Sheffield, Queensland University, Simon Fraser University, MacEwan University, University of Fraser Valley, University of Manitoba, Memorial University, McMaster University, and Cardiff University.

Our PhDs have held postdoctoral fellowships at a wide range of international institutions including Harvard University, Yale University, Columbia University, Vanderbilt University, University of Toronto, Queens University, Oxford University, Duke University, and others.

Many UBC PhDs have taken their doctoral training to high-level positions with government agencies, NGOs, and private-sector employers. Our students have pursued careers at Statistics Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada, the US Department of Defense Asia-Pacific Center, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Deutschebank (London), and the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, among others.

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (PhD). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

Completion Rates & Times

• Research Supervisors

Advice and insights from UBC Faculty on reaching out to supervisors

These videos contain some general advice from faculty across UBC on finding and reaching out to a supervisor. They are not program specific.

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

• Afsahi, Afsoun (Democratic theory and practice, Gender in politics, Challenges, opportunities, and best methods of inclusion, Representation of marginalized communities in democratic decision-making processes)
• Arneil, Barbara (Identity politics, history of political thought)
• Baier, Gerald (Canadian politics, federalism, constitutional law, courts, federal-provincial relations, Constitution, federalism and public law in Canada)
• Baum, Bruce (Political Culture, Society and Ideology; critical social theory; feminist theory; critical hermeneutics; issues of cross-cultural interpretation; American political thought and cultural politics; political theories of Mill and Marx; philosophy of political inquiry; liberal and democratic theory)
• Borwein, Sophie (intersection of political economy, political behaviour, and public policy)
• Byers, Michael (International relations; Public international law (except international trade law); international law; international relations; Outer Space; Arctic; Law of the Sea; Laws of War; International Human Rights; International Environmental Law)
• Cameron, Maxwell (Political science; Political Regimes (Democracy, Monarchy, Federalism, Parliamentarism, etc.); Social Organization and Political Systems; Comparative Politics; Democratization; Latin America; Practical wisdom)
• Chowdhury, Arjun (Failed states, intervention, civil war, autocrats, revolution. )
• Coleman, Katharina Pichler (International organizations, international relations, international security/peace operations, interntional rules, noms and legitimacy, sun-Saharan Africa)
• Coulthard, Glen (First Nations politics – national; political theory )
• Cutler, Frederick (Social movements and democracy; public opinion; Political Methodology; Canadian Politics; Elections; Electoral Systems; Federalism; Academic Publishing Systems)
• Dauvergne, Peter (Social sciences; international relations; global environmental politics; sustainability governance; global South; Developing countries; transnational corporations; technology; consumption; Plastic Pollution; social movements; environmentalism; activism; deforestation)
• Doberstein, Carey (Political science and policy administration; Agencies and arms-length bodies in Canada; Public servant behavior in Canada; How citizens engage with government as part of local consultations and public engagement; Homelessness (politics, governance, policy); Local government or governance)
• Ellermann, Antje (Political science; Migrations, Populations, Cultural Exchanges; Migratory Flows; Public Policies; Identity and Transnationality; Role of Governments and Institutions; Comparative Public Policy; Migration and Citizenship)
• Harrison, Kathryn (Canadian politics, environmental politics, environmental policy, climate change, global warming, climate change policy, Canadian public policy)
• Hopkins, Vincent (Political science; Democratic theory and practice; Federalism and Local Politics; Migration Policy and Politics; Public Management; public opinion)
• Huebner, Kurt (European integration; euro and global currency regimes; international trade and fdi; sustainability and innovation policies; global macroeconomics;European politics, Money and currency regimes, politics and economics of European integration as well as on contradictions and complementarities of sustainability and international competitiveness)
• Jacobs, Alan Michael (Political science; Social Organization and Political Systems; economic inequality; Political economy; public opinion; Public Policy; Research Methodology)
• Janara, Laura (Language and symbolism especially in gendered and familial thinking, politcal theory)
• Jeong, Gyung-Ho (Political science; Social Organization and Political Systems; Congress; Foreign Policy; Immigration Policy; Legislative Politics; Public Choice; Trade Policy; US politics)
• Jurkevics, Anna (critical theory, democratic theory, and the history of German political thought)
• Kam, Christopher (Nature and evolution of parliamentary democracy, historical development of institutions)
• la Selva, Samuel (Political theory, legal philosophy)
• Li, Xiaojun (international and comparative political economy with a focus on China; Does Conditionality Still Work? China)
• Lightfoot, Sheryl (First Nations, international relations )

Doctoral Citations

Sample Thesis Submissions

• A mosaic of mundane innovations : emerging powers, multinational firms, and global 5G technology rules
• Moral intuition and international order : on change, progress, and threat
• Running a rebellion : essays on armed group behavior
• Competing without parties : voter mobilization in Peru
• Negotiating gender in crisis : global norms and state power in South Sudan
• A democratic theory of hope : collective agency in uncertain times
• Essays on ethnic identity, attitude formation, and political behaviour in contemporary Southeast Asia
• Essays on the political economy of equality, development, and influence in Indonesia and Singapore
• The price of a life: the confluence of strategy and legitimacy in civilian harm compensation
• Discrimination in post-World War II naturalization policy : France and Switzerland
• The impact of investor-state arbitrations on foreign direct investment and domestic public opinion : evidence from FDI flows, elite interviews and a survey experiment
• Mainstreaming the labour market integration of immigrants in the EU : policy framework and policy impact
• Governing on the left : essays on governance and party development in contemporary Latin America
• Democracy in an uncertain world : campaign information and voter decision-making

Related Programs

Same specialization.

• Master of Arts in Political Science (MA)

Related Disciplines

• Doctor of Philosophy in Economics (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD)

Further Information

Specialization.

The program covers the following subjects:

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Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

Katelynn Kowalchuk

UBC’s dedication to innovation and transforming ideas into action is what originally drew me to the university. Before deciding to attend my hometown university for my undergraduate degree, I was interested in applying to UBC’s architecture and urbanism program. Though I ultimately didn’t pursue...

Martina Zago

I really wanted to pursue my doctoral studies in Canada, where my Dad was born. I applied to UBC specifically because of the work of Professor Barbara Arneil. I had encountered her writings during my master’s degree and read her pathbreaking books on the history of liberalism and empire.

Addye Susnick

I largely decided to study at UBC because of the Department of Political Science’s strength in critical political theory and environmental politics. I was also drawn to the Social Justice Institute and various opportunities UBC offers for interdisciplinary research. Less tangibly, I liked the vibe...

Leah Shipton

I decided to study at UBC for a number of reasons, but the main reason was because the faculty both within the Department of Political Science as well as in other departments have expertise in my research areas of interest. This made me reassured that it would be a great campus to learn and develop...

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Exploring the Landscape of Columbia Political Science 

By Eric Eng

Exploring the Landscape of Columbia Political Science

As one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Columbia University offers a varied and comprehensive political science program for students seeking to understand the world of politics and social sciences. In this article, we will explore the landscape of the Columbia political science program, including its history, research opportunities, student life, and career prospects.

A Brief History of Political Science at Columbia University

Columbia’s Department of Political Science was established in 1880, making it one of the oldest and most distinguished political science programs in the United States. It has produced many notable alumni, including several US presidents, Supreme Court justices, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists. Today, the department is known for its focus on comparative politics, international relations, and political theory, among other fields.

In addition to its renowned faculty and alumni, Columbia’s Department of Political Science is also known for its innovative research initiatives. The department has been at the forefront of developing new methodologies for studying political phenomena, including the use of big data and computational analysis.

This has led to groundbreaking research on topics such as political polarization, social movements, and the role of technology in politics. The department’s commitment to cutting-edge research ensures that it remains a leader in the field of political science.

The Top Political Science Programs Offered at Columbia University

Columbia offers three main programs in political science: the BA, MA, and PhD. The BA program provides students with a strong foundation in political theory and empirical analysis. The MA program offers a more specialized focus on a particular area of political science, such as international relations or comparative politics. The PhD program allows students to pursue advanced research and scholarship in political science.

Additionally, Columbia University offers a variety of opportunities for students to engage in political science research outside of the classroom. The university’s Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy (ISERP) provides funding and resources for faculty and students to conduct research on a wide range of social and political issues.

Students can also participate in research projects through the university’s various research centers, such as the Center for the Study of Democracy, Toleration, and Religion or the Center for International Conflict Resolution.

Distinguished Faculty in the Political Science Department at Columbia University

Columbia’s political science faculty is composed of some of the most distinguished and renowned political scientists in the world. Many of them have received numerous awards and have been published widely in academic journals and books. They bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and experience to the classroom, and are committed to providing their students with a rigorous and intellectually stimulating education.

One of the notable faculty members in the Political Science Department at Columbia University is Professor Robert Y. Shapiro. He is a leading expert in American politics and public opinion and has authored several books on the subject. Professor Shapiro has also served as a consultant to various government agencies and political campaigns and is a frequent commentator on national news programs.

Another distinguished faculty member is Professor Karen Barkey, who specializes in comparative politics and historical sociology. She has conducted extensive research on the Ottoman Empire and its legacy and has published several books and articles on the subject. Professor Barkey is also a recipient of numerous awards and fellowships and has served as the President of the Association for the Study of Nationalities.

A Look Inside the Curriculum of Columbia University’s Political Science Program

The curriculum of Columbia’s political science program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in political theory, empirical analysis, and research methods. Students are required to take courses in political philosophy, American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and research methods. Additionally, they have the opportunity to take many elective courses in a range of subfields.

One of the unique aspects of the political science program is its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. Students are encouraged to take courses in related fields such as economics, history, and sociology to gain a broader understanding of political issues. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to develop a more nuanced understanding of political phenomena and to approach problems from multiple perspectives.

Another notable feature of the program is its focus on experiential learning. Students have the opportunity to participate in internships, research projects, and study abroad programs to gain practical experience and apply their knowledge in real-world settings. These experiences not only enhance students’ resumes but also provide valuable insights into the workings of politics and policy-making.

Student Life in Columbia University’s Political Science Department

Columbia’s political science department offers a vibrant and intellectually stimulating community for students. The department sponsors many events, including guest lectures, seminars, and conferences. There are also several student-run organizations, such as the Political Science Students’ Association and the Model United Nations Club, which offer opportunities for students to engage with their peers and develop their academic and professional skills.

Additionally, the department has a strong focus on research and encourages students to get involved in faculty-led projects. This provides students with valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field.

The department also offers various study abroad programs, allowing students to gain a global perspective on political science and expand their cultural horizons. Overall, the political science department at Columbia University provides students with a well-rounded and enriching academic experience.

How to Succeed in a Political Science Major at Columbia University

A successful political science major at Columbia will need to have strong analytical and writing skills, as well as a deep and broad understanding of political theory and empirical analysis. It is essential for students to take advantage of the many research opportunities, internships, and other extracurricular activities offered by the department and university. Additionally, cultivating relationships with faculty mentors and pursuing advanced degrees are important steps toward a successful career in political science.

One way to develop strong analytical skills is to take courses in statistics and data analysis. These skills are increasingly important in the field of political science, as more and more research is conducted using quantitative methods. Students should also consider taking courses in related fields, such as economics or sociology, to gain a broader understanding of the social sciences.

Another important aspect of succeeding in a political science major at Columbia is staying up-to-date with current events and political developments. This can be done by reading newspapers and political journals, attending lectures and events on campus, and participating in political organizations or campaigns. By staying informed and engaged, students can develop a deeper understanding of the political landscape and apply their knowledge to their coursework and research.

Career Opportunities for Graduates of Columbia’s Political Science Program

Graduates of Columbia’s political science program have gone on to successful careers in a range of fields, including academia, law, public service, journalism, and business. The BA program provides a solid foundation for entering the job market, while the MA and PhD programs prepare students for advanced research and scholarship. Additionally, the department offers many resources for career development, including internships, fellowships, and job placement services.

One notable aspect of Columbia’s political science program is its emphasis on practical experience. Students have the opportunity to participate in internships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and political campaigns. These experiences not only provide valuable skills and connections but also help students clarify their career goals and interests. Many graduates credit their internships with helping them secure their first job after graduation, and some have even gone on to work for the same organization where they interned.

Graduates Spotlight: Success Stories from Alumni of Columbia’s Political Science Program

Graduates of Columbia’s political science program have achieved great success in a range of fields. For example, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a 1959 graduate of the program, went on to become a US Supreme Court Justice and trailblazer for women’s rights. Another notable alum is Fareed Zakaria, a 1986 graduate, who is a journalist and political commentator for CNN and the Washington Post. Their success demonstrates the breadth and depth of opportunities available to graduates of Columbia’s political science program.

Additionally, many graduates of Columbia’s political science program have gone on to successful careers in government and public service. For instance, Eric Garcetti, a 1992 graduate, is the current mayor of Los Angeles, while Samantha Power, a 1999 graduate, served as the US Ambassador to the United Nations under President Obama. These alumni have made significant contributions to society and have helped shape the political landscape of the United States and beyond.

How to Apply to Columbia University’s Political Science Program

Interested students can apply to Columbia’s political science program through the undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral admissions process . Undergraduate applicants will need to submit a common application and supplemental materials, including transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. Graduate and doctoral applicants will need to submit similar materials, along with GRE scores and a statement of purpose.

It is important to note that Columbia University’s political science program is highly competitive, with a low acceptance rate. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants have a strong academic record, relevant extracurricular activities, and compelling personal statements. Additionally, prospective students may benefit from reaching out to current students or alumni of the program to gain insight into the application process and program experience.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Political Science Department at Columbia University

Columbia’s political science department is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its work. The department values diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences among its faculty and students, and actively works to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. This commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in the department’s curriculum, research, and extracurricular activities.

One of the ways in which the department promotes diversity and inclusion is through its recruitment and retention efforts. The department actively seeks out and recruits faculty and students from underrepresented groups, and provides support and resources to ensure their success. Additionally, the department offers a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion, such as workshops, seminars, and mentorship opportunities.

Student Organizations and Extracurricular Activities for Poli-Sci Majors at Columbia

There are many student organizations and extracurricular activities available for political science majors at Columbia, including the Political Science Student’s Association, the Model United Nations Club, and the Columbia Political Review. These organizations provide students with opportunities to engage with their peers, develop their academic and professional skills, and participate in the broader political and social debates of our time.

Another popular student organization for political science majors at Columbia is the Roosevelt Institute, which is a student-run think tank that focuses on policy research and advocacy. The institute provides students with opportunities to conduct research, write policy papers, and engage with policymakers and experts in various fields.

Additionally, Columbia University offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that are not specifically geared toward political science majors but are still relevant and beneficial for students interested in politics and social issues. These include student-run newspapers, such as the Columbia Daily Spectator and the Columbia Journal of Politics and Society, as well as community service organizations, such as the Columbia Community Outreach Program and the Columbia Urban Experience.

Research Opportunities in Political Science at Columbia University

Columbia offers numerous research opportunities for students in political science, including fellowships, internships, and research assistantships. Students can also participate in the Political Science Senior Thesis Seminar, which provides support and guidance for students undertaking independent research projects. Additionally, the department sponsors many research centers and institutes, such as the Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy and the Center for International Conflict Resolution.

One of the unique research opportunities available to political science students at Columbia is the chance to work with the Columbia Global Policy Initiative. This program brings together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to address global challenges and develop innovative policy solutions. Students can participate in research projects and events, gaining valuable experience and networking opportunities.

Another exciting research opportunity is the chance to work with faculty members on their own research projects. Many professors in the political science department are engaged in cutting-edge research on topics such as international relations, comparative politics, and political theory. By working with these scholars, students can gain insight into the research process and contribute to important academic debates.

The Role of Politics in Campus Life at Columbia University

Politics plays a significant role in campus life at Columbia, with many students and faculty actively engaged in political activism, advocacy, and research. The university also hosts many political events, including lectures, debates, and demonstrations. It is common for students to take part in political discussions and activities, both on and off campus, as they explore their interests and build their skills.

One notable aspect of politics at Columbia is the presence of student-run political organizations. These groups cover a wide range of political ideologies and issues, from environmentalism to human rights to economic policy. They provide opportunities for students to get involved in political campaigns, organize events, and network with like-minded individuals. Additionally, many of these organizations collaborate with faculty members to conduct research and advocacy on important political topics.

Current Events and Debates in the World of Political Science, as Taught at Columbia

The world of political science is dynamic and ever-changing, with new events and debates emerging all the time. At Columbia, students have the opportunity to explore the latest topics and controversies in political science, including issues related to globalization, climate change, social justice, and democracy. Instructors use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, and workshops, to engage students in critical thinking and analysis.

In conclusion, exploring the political science landscape at Columbia University reveals a rich and diverse range of academic programs and opportunities for students interested in the political world. The department’s distinguished faculty, comprehensive curriculum, vibrant student life, and commitment to diversity and inclusion make Columbia a premier destination for those seeking to pursue a career or academic research in political science.

One of the current events that has been a topic of discussion in the political science department at Columbia is the ongoing refugee crisis. Students have the opportunity to learn about the political, economic, and social implications of the crisis, as well as the policies and actions taken by different countries and international organizations to address it. This topic is particularly relevant in today’s globalized world, where the movement of people across borders has become increasingly complex and contentious.

Another area of debate in political science that is explored at Columbia is the role of technology in politics. With the rise of social media and other digital platforms, political communication and campaigning have undergone significant changes in recent years. Students can learn about the opportunities and challenges that technology presents for democracy, as well as the ethical and legal issues that arise from the use of data and algorithms in political decision-making.

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Program Overview

The research-intensive Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Political Science at UBC Vancouver will help prepare you to secure tenure-track faculty positions and prestigious postdoctoral fellowships, as well as other academic and non-academic careers.

Prospective graduate students should browse our research areas to learn about the groups of faculty members working in 30 different research fields, methodologies, and geographic regions.

Our PhD program consists of two years of graduate coursework followed by comprehensive exams following the completion of course requirements.

Students write a dissertation proposal by the end of their third year of study, and with its approval and defense, move on to their dissertation research and writing, which normally takes two to three years to complete.

We are proud to see many of our PhDs in faculty positions and in successful careers throughout the world. We value collaboration and collegiality, and we strive to create an atmosphere of trust, respect, and professional courtesy to ensure a diverse intellectual community.

NEW: CANADIAN POLITICS FACULTY RENEWAL

UBC Political Science has significantly renewed our Canadian Politics faculty roster in recent years with the recruitment of Profs. Carey Doberstein, Sophie Borwein, and Vince Hopkins.

The Canadian Politics field at UBC is now especially equipped to supervise graduate students in the realm of public policy, public opinion and identity, inequalities in society, and how governments design and implement policies, programs, and services.

New faculty also complement the existing Canadian Politics faculty strengths in the areas of federalism (Kathy Harrison, Gerald Baier) and political behavior (Fred Cutler, Matthew Wright).

Faculty in the Canadian Politics field use survey methods, data science and experimental designs, and qualitative approaches in the course of their research.

The renewed Canadian Politics faculty at UBC will supplement department financial support packages in the doctoral program with research assistance fellowships and conference support.

Our PhD graduates have been highly successful in pursuing academic and non-academic careers.

On the academic front, UBC PhDs hold tenured or tenure track positions at major universities in North America and internationally. Our graduates have taken up  tenure-track and tenured positions at Canadian institutions including the University of Toronto, University of Victoria, University of Western Ontario, York University, University of Ottawa, MacEwan University, University of Fraser Valley, University of Manitoba, Memorial University of Newfoundland, McMaster University, and the University of Calgary; at U.S. institutions including the University of Michigan, University of Pittsburgh, Colorado State University, Georgia Tech, Soka University; and outside North America at institutions including the University of Essex, University of Sheffield, University of St. Andrews, Cardiff University, Trinity College Dublin, Tel Aviv University, Sophia University, National University of Singapore, Queensland University, Australia National University, University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, and Ritsumeikan University.

Our PhDs have held postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard University, Yale University, Columbia University, Vanderbilt University, University of Toronto, Queen’s University, Oxford University, Duke University, and other institutions.

Many UBC PhDs have taken their doctoral training to high-level positions with government agencies, NGOs, international organizations, think tanks, and private-sector employers, including Statistics Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada, the US Department of Defense Asia-Pacific Center, Global Affairs Canada, Health Canada, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Medecins Sans Frontiers, the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, Deutschebank, Innovative Research Group, the Institute for Research on Public Policy, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, among others.

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Political Science

Departmental Office: 710 International Affairs Building; 212-854-3707 http://www.polisci.columbia.edu

Director of Undergraduate Studies: Prof. Robert Shapiro, 730 International Affairs Building; 212-854-3955;  [email protected]

Economics-Political Science Advisers: Economics : Prof. Susan Elmes, Director of Undergraduate Studies, 1006 International Affairs Building; [email protected] Political Science : Prof. Carlo Prato, 718 International Affairs Building; 212-854-3977; [email protected]

Political Science-Statistics Advisers: Political Science : Prof. Andrew Gelman, 1255 Amsterdam Ave., Room 1016; 212-851-2164; [email protected] Statistics : Prof. Ronald Neath, 612 West 115th Street, Room 612; 212-853-1398;  [email protected] Statistics : Prof. Gabriel Young, 612 West 115th Street, Room 614; 212-853-1395;  [email protected]

The discipline of political science focuses on issues of power and governance and, in particular, on political institutions, both formal and informal. It also focuses on political behavior, political processes, political economy, and state-society relations.

The field consists of four substantive subfields: American politics , which covers such topics as national and local politics, elections, and constitutional law; comparative politics , which aims at understanding the political systems of other countries, both by studying individual states and by engaging in cross-national comparisons; international relations , which deals with the ways that states and other political actors behave in the international arena, including such topics as security, foreign policies, international organizations, and international economic relations; and political theory , which analyzes the history of normative political thought as well as of analytic concepts such as the nature of justice or liberty.

Other broad topics, such as “political economy,” or the study of the relationships between economic and political processes, overlap with the subfields, but also constitute a separate program (see below). Methodology, including statistical analysis and formal modeling, also occupies an important place in the discipline.

Advanced Placement

The department grants credit toward the major for work completed under the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) Advanced Placement Program. Students receive 3 academic credits and exemption from POLS UN1201 INTRO TO AMERICAN POLITICS or POLS UN1501 INTRO TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS for scores of 5 in the United States and Comparative Government and Politics AP Exams.

The Department of Political Science offers a variety of advising resources to provide undergraduate majors and concentrators with the information and support needed to successfully navigate through the program. These resources are described below.

Undergraduate Advising Office

Students should take questions or concerns about the undergraduate program to the department's undergraduate advising office first. If advisers cannot answer a student's question, they then refer the student to the appropriate person.

The undergraduate advising office is staffed by political science Ph.D. students who hold open office hours each week (the schedule can be found online at  https://polisci.columbia.edu/content/undergraduate-advising ). During open hours, advisers are available to respond to questions and concerns about requirements, course selection, course of study, transfer and study abroad credit, and any other aspect of the program. Students may also reach advisers by email at [email protected] .

Students should also consult the undergraduate advisers for assistance in completing the political science program planning form (available online at https://polisci.columbia.edu/content/undergraduate-forms-library ). The advisers must sign and date this form in the approval column next to any listed class that requires approval to fulfill program requirements (transfer courses, non-traditional courses, etc.). Each student's planning form is kept on file in the department, so that each semester they may meet with an adviser to update it.

The advisers are also available to speak with students about academic and professional issues, including research interests, internships, and post-college plans. Since the advisers have been through the graduate school application process, they are great resources with whom students may discuss the process. Also, as current Ph.D. students in the department, they are familiar with the research interests of political science faculty and can therefore refer students to a professor whose research aligns with the students' interests for focused thesis advice, information about academic, professional, and research opportunities, or professional development.

Requesting a Faculty Adviser

Often the best way for students to obtain advising from a faculty member is to contact a professor with whom they have taken a class in an area of interest. Students also have the option of having a faculty adviser assigned by the department. To request a faculty adviser, students should complete the Faculty Adviser Request Form and submit it to the undergraduate coordinator during the first two weeks of the semester. The link to the current adviser request form may be found in the undergraduate forms library on the department website.

Students may consult with their faculty adviser for any substantive issue, but still must visit walk-in advising hours to have courses approved, to have planning forms reviewed and approved, and to discuss departmental requirements and regulations.

Director of Undergraduate Studies

The director of undergraduate studies oversees the department's undergraduate programs and is available during office hours. While a student's first stop for advising should be the undergraduate advising office, the director of undergraduate studies is available to answer any questions that the undergraduate advisers or the undergraduate coordinator cannot. 

Economics–Political Science Adviser

Economics–political science majors may consult with the economics-political science adviser during office hours. However, students should also see an undergraduate adviser to discuss major requirements and fill out a planning form. 

Political Science–Statistics Adviser

Political science–statistics majors may consult with the political science-statistics adviser during office hours. However, students should also see an undergraduate adviser to discuss major requirements and fill out a planning form. 

Faculty At-Large

All faculty are available for consultation with students during office hours or by appointment to discuss interests in political science, course selection, and other academic or post-college matters. The faculty may provide advice about graduate schools, suggest literature that the student might consult as sources for research, recommend specific courses or professors based on the student's interests, or offer information about research opportunities with faculty. However, students should note that any issues surrounding departmental regulations and requirements, major certification, course approvals, etc., should be addressed initially with the undergraduate advisers.

Honors Program

The department offers the Honors Program for a limited number of seniors who want to undertake substantial research projects and write honors theses. The honors thesis is expected to be about 75 pages in length and of exceptional quality.

Honors students perform research as part of a full-year honors seminar ( POLS UN3998 - POLS UN3999 , 8 points total) during their senior year, in place of the seminar requirement for majors. Honors students may, however, take additional seminars to fulfill other course requirements for the major. Theses are due in late March or early April. To be awarded departmental honors, the student must satisfy all the requirements for the major, maintain a 3.6 GPA in the major, and complete a thesis of sufficiently high quality to merit honors.

The honors seminar director provides general direction for the seminar and supervises all students. Each student also works with a faculty member in his or her major subfield (American politics, comparative politics, international relations, or political theory) and a teaching assistant. The honors seminar meets weekly for part of the year and addresses general issues involved in research and thesis writing, such as how to develop research questions and projects, methodology, sources of evidence, and outlining and drafting long papers. The sessions are also used for group discussions of students’ research and thesis presentations. Students are also expected to meet periodically with the supervising professor and preceptor.

Students who wish to apply to the Honors Program must notify the department in writing by the end of the spring semester of the junior year. Please check the department website for the official deadline. Normally no more than 10% of graduating majors receive departmental honors in a given academic year. Applicants are required to have already completed the methods requirement for the major.

Application Materials

Applications to the Honors Program must include the following:

• A cover page with the student’s name, CUID number, e-mail address, and school (Columbia College or General Studies);
• An official transcript, which may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar in Kent Hall, or from Student Services Online (SSOL);
• A writing sample, preferably a paper written for a political science course;
• A brief description (no more than one page) of a possible thesis topic.

Completed applications should be sent to:

Department of Political Science Attn: Departmental Honors 420 West 118th Street Mail Code 3320 New York, NY 10027

In addition, students are encouraged to find a faculty sponsor for their thesis proposal. Students who have identified a faculty sponsor should indicate the sponsor in the proposal; students without a faculty sponsor should identify a faculty member with whom they would like to work. Research areas for the political science department faculty are listed on the department's website . Students will be notified by e-mail of the decision taken on their applications before fall registration.

Students who are not accepted into the honors seminar or who decide after the application deadline that they would like to write an honors thesis may take one or two semesters POLS UN3901 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH I  and POLS UN3902 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH II  in order to write a thesis to submit for honors consideration. Any member of the department's full-time faculty may sponsor independent study courses. Part-time faculty are not obligated to sponsor these courses.

For registration information and more details about this process, students should contact the Academic Affairs Coordinator. Note that most honors theses are about 75 pages in length. All theses must be submitted along with a confidential assessment of the paper by the supervising instructor in order to be considered for departmental honors. Students who choose this path must also complete all the requirements for the major and maintain a minimum major GPA of 3.6. Theses are due in late March or early April, and decisions about departmental honors are announced in May.

Departmental Prizes and Fellowships

The Department of Political Science administers the following prizes and awards. Unless otherwise noted, students do not play an active part in the nomination process. Rather, faculty members nominate students at their own discretion. Departmental prizes are reserved for political science majors.

Charles A. Beard Prize

A cash prize awarded every other year to the student who writes the best paper in political science during the academic year.

Caroline Phelps Stokes Prize

A cash prize established at the bequest of Caroline Phelps Stokes is awarded to a student who has been a degree candidate at Columbia College or Barnard College for at least one academic year, and who has written the best essay in course or seminar work on the general subject of human rights.

Allan J. Willen Memorial Prize

A cash prize awarded to the Columbia College student who writes the best seminar paper on a contemporary American political problem.

Edwin Robbins Academic Research/Public Service Fellowship

The Robbins Fellowship provides a stipend each summer for at least two political science students in Columbia College who will be engaged in research in important matters of politics or policymaking or who will be working, without other compensation, as interns in a governmental office, agency, or other public service organization. Each spring, the department invites students to submit fellowship proposals. Awards are announced in late April or early May.

The Arthur Ross Foundation Award

Phyllis stevens sharp fellowship in american politics.

The Phyllis Stevens Sharp Endowment Fund provides stipends each year during the summer for one or more Columbia College or School of General Studies students majoring or concentrating in political science to support research in American politics or policy making, or otherwise uncompensated internships in a government office, agency, or other public service organization. Each spring, the department invites students to submit fellowship proposals. Awards are announced in late April or early May.

Early Admission to the Master's Degree Program in Political Science for Columbia and Barnard Political Science Undergraduates

While the Department of Political Science does not offer a joint bachelor of arts/master’s degree, it does allow Columbia and Barnard undergraduates to apply for early admission to its master’s degree program. 

Students should apply during the fall semester of their senior year for admission to the M.A. program in the following fall semester, after completion of the B.A. degree. The department and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences may award up to one-half residence unit of advanced standing and/or up to three courses (nine to twelve credits) of transfer credit for graduate courses ( 4000 -level and above) taken at Columbia in excess of the requirements for the Columbia bachelor's degree, as certified by the dean of the undergraduate school awarding the bachelor's degree.

For further information about the application process and minimum qualifications for early admission, please contact the director of undergraduate studies.

For further information about requirements for the M.A. degree, see  https://gsas.columbia.edu/degree-programs/ma-programs/political-science .

• Jagdish Bhagwati (also Economics)
• Allison Carnegie
• Alessandra Casella (also Economics)
• Partha Chatterjee (Anthropology)
• Jean L. Cohen
• Michael Doyle (University Professor)
• Robert Erikson
• Virginia Page Fortna
• Timothy Frye
• Ester Fuchs (School of International and Public Affairs)
• Andrew Gelman (also Statistics)
• Donald P. Green
• Bernard Harcourt (Law)
• Fredrick Harris
• Jeffrey Henig (Teachers College)
• Shigeo Hirano
• David C. Johnston
• Ira Katznelson (also History)
• Sudipta Kaviraj (Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies)
• Jeffrey Lax
• Mahmood Mamdani (Anthropology)
• Karuna Mantena
• M. Victoria Murillo (also School of International and Public Affairs)
• Andrew J. Nathan
• Sharyn O'Halloran (also School of International and Public Affairs)
• Justin Phillips (Chair)
• Robert Y. Shapiro
• Jack Snyder
• Michael Ting (also School of International and Public Affairs)
• Nadia Urbinati
• Gregory Wawro
• Andreas Wimmer (also Sociology)
• Keren Yarhi-Milo (also School of International and Public Affairs)

Associate Professors

• Daniel Corstange (also School of International and Public Affairs)
• Alexander W. Hertel-Fernandez (also School of International and Public Affairs)
• Turkuler Isiksel
• Kimuli Kasara
• John Marshall
• Carlo Prato

Assistant Professors

• Naoki Egami
• Nikhar Gaikwad
• Junyan Jiang
• Daniel Luban
• Andrew McCall
• Tamar Mitts (also School of International and Public Affairs)
• Calvin Thrall
• Yamil Velez
• Jacqueline C. Dugard Kevin Funk Elise Giuliano Clara Maier Benjamin Mueser Benjamin Mylius Michael Parrott Tsveta Petrova David Ragazzoni Chiara Superti
• Profs. Carnegie, Egami, Gaikwad, Kim, Mantena ( 2023-24 )
• Prof. Doyle ( Fall 2023 )
• Profs. Casella, Johnston, Marshall ( Spring 2024 )

Guidelines for all Political Science Majors, Concentrators, and Interdepartmental Majors

Planning forms.

Major Planning forms are available on the department website .

Policy on Double-Counting Courses

• Columbia College
• School of General Studies
• Courses in the Core Curriculum do not fulfill requirements for the Political Science major.

Policy on Counting Credits outside the Department of Political Science

• Courses taken at other institutions or other Columbia departments may not be used to meet the requirement of a major or concentration in political science without the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies or the department’s undergraduate adviser. Students should secure such approval in advance of registration.

Pass/D/Fail and Grading Policy

• The course used to fulfill the research methods requirement cannot be taken Pass/D/Fail.
• Students must receive a grade of at least C- in order for a course to count towards the major or concentration.

AP Credit Policy

• Students who receive transfer credit for one or more AP exams in political science may count a maximum of one AP course toward the major or concentration, contingent upon completing an upper-level (3000 or higher) course with a grade of C or higher in the subfield in which the AP exam was taken. All transfer credits must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies or the  undergraduate adviser .

Transfer Credit Policy

For the political science major, a maximum of three courses in political science may be transferred from other institutions, including study abroad and AP credit. For the political science concentration as well as the economics-political science and political science-statistics interdisciplinary majors, a maximum of two courses in political science may be transferred from other institutions.

All transfer credits must be approved in writing by the Director of Undergraduate Studies or the undergraduate adviser .

• Students wishing to count transfer credits toward the major or concentration should send the undergraduate adviser their transfer credit report, the syllabi of the courses they want to count toward departmental requirements, and a statement of how they want to apply the transfer credits to the requirements.

Independent Study Policy

• Independent Study ( POLS UN3901 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH I  in the fall or POLS UN3902 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH II  in the spring) taken in fulfillment of course requirements for the major/concentration must be taken for at least 3 points of credit.

Major in Political Science

Program of study.

To be planned with the department as soon as the student starts to register for courses toward the major. Students should not wait until they formally declare the major before meeting with an undergraduate adviser during the registration period to plan their programs for the major.

Course Requirements

Students must choose a  Primary Subfield  and a  Secondary Subfield  to study. The subfields are as follows:

• American Politics (AP)
• Comparative Politics (CP)
• International Relations (IR)
• Political Theory (PT)

The major in political science requires a minimum of 9 courses in political science, to be distributed as follows:

Students must complete the methods requirement by the end of the junior year. A student may fulfill the research methods requirement with another course inside or outside the department only with the advance written permission of the Director of Graduate Studies or the department's undergraduate adviser. If a course outside the Department of Political Science is used to satisfy the research methods requirement, this same course cannot be used to fulfill requirements of another major, concentration or program.

Students are expected to take two 3000-level 4-point seminars. They may choose from among the seminars offered, though at least one of the seminars taken must be in the student’s Primary Subfield (that in which at least 9 other points have been completed). Entry into seminars requires the instructor's permission.

For detailed seminar registration guidelines, see  t he  department website . Seminars cannot be taken for R credit or Pass/D/Fail.

Barnard colloquia are open to students with the permission of the instructor. However, Barnard colloquia may not be used to fulfill the seminar requirement, though they may be used to fulfill subfield or elective requirements. Note that admission to Barnard colloquia is by application to the Barnard Political Science Department only. Please consult with the Barnard Political Science Department for more information.

Recommended Courses

In addition to political science courses, students are strongly advised, but not required, to take six points in a related social science field.

Major in Economics–Political Science

The major in economics-political science is an interdisciplinary major that introduces students to the methodologies of economics and political science and stresses areas of particular concern to both. This program is particularly beneficial to students planning to do graduate work in schools of public policy and international affairs.

Two advisers are assigned for the interdepartmental major, one in the Department of Economics and one in the Department of Political Science. Please note that the economics adviser can only advise on economics requirements and the political science adviser can only advise on political science requirements.

For the political science part of the major, students must choose a  Primary Subfield  and a  Secondary Subfield  to study. The corresponding introductory courses in both subfields must be taken, plus two electives in the Primary Subfield and one in the Secondary Subfield. The subfields are as follows:

The economics–political science major requires a total of 59 points: 22 points in economics, 17 points in political science, 6 points in mathematics, 6 points in statistical methods, 4 points in a political science seminar, and 4 points in the interdisciplinary seminar as follows:

Students who wish to count toward the political science seminar requirement a course that is not in the above list of approved seminars must obtain permission from the political science Director of Undergraduate studies.

Barnard colloquia may not be used to fulfill the seminar requirement. Note that admission to Barnard colloquia is by application to the Barnard political science department only.

Major in Political Science–Statistics

The interdepartmental major of political science–statistics is designed for students who desire an understanding of political science to pursue advanced study in this field and who also wish to have at their command a broad range of sophisticated statistical tools to analyze data related to social science and public policy research.

Students should be aware of the rules regarding the use of the Pass/D/Fail option. Courses in which a grade of D has been received do not count toward the major requirements.

Political science–statistics students are eligible for all prizes reserved for political science majors.

The political science-statistics major requires a minimum of 15 courses in political science, statistics, and mathematics, to be distributed as follows:

Students taking Statistics Sequence A may replace the mathematics requirements with both  MATH UN1207 HONORS MATHEMATICS A and  MATH UN1208 HONORS MATHEMATICS B .

Concentration in Political Science

To be planned with the department as soon as the student starts to register for courses toward the concentration. Students should not wait until they formally declare the concentration before meeting with an undergraduate adviser during the registration period to plan their programs for the concentration.

Concentration Requirements

The concentration in political science requires a minimum of 7 courses in political science, to be distributed as follows:

In addition to courses in political science, students are strongly advised, but not required, to take six credits in a related social science field.

American Politics

POLS UN1201 INTRO TO AMERICAN POLITICS. 4.00 points .

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the principles of American politics and governance. Upon completing the class, students should be more informed about the American political process and better able to explain contemporary American political phenomena, as well as being more likely to engage with politics and elections

POLS UN3213 AMERICAN URBAN POLITICS. 3.00 points .

This course examines the pattern of political development in urban America, as the countrys population has grown in urbanized locations. It explores the process by which cities and suburbs are governed, how immigrants and migrants are incorporated, and how people of different races and ethnicities interact in urbanized settings as well as the institutional relations of cities and suburbs with other jurisdictions of government. The course focuses both on the historical as well the theoretical understandings of politics in urban areas

POLS UN3220 LOGIC OF COLLECTIVE CHOICE. 3.00 points .

Much of politics is about combining individual preferences or actions into collective choices. We will make use of two theoretical approaches. Our primary approach will be social choice theory, which studies how we aggregate what individuals want into what the collective ;wants.; The second approach, game theory, covers how we aggregate what individuals want into what the group gets, given that social, economic, and political outcomes usually depend on the interaction of individual choices. The aggregation of preferences or choices is usually governed by some set of institutional rules, formal or informal. Our main themes include the rationality of individual and group preferences, the underpinnings and implications of using majority rule, tradeoffs between aggregation methods, the fairness of group choice, the effects of institutional constraints on choice (e.g. agenda control), and the implications for democratic choice. Most of the course material is highly abstract, but these abstract issues turn up in many real-world problems, from bargaining between the branches of government to campus elections to judicial decisions on multi-member courts to the allocation of relief funds among victims of natural disasters to the scoring of Olympic events. The collective choice problem is one faced by society as a whole and by the smallest group alike

POLS UN3222 THE AMERICAN CONGRESS. 3.00 points .

Prerequisites: POLS UN1201 or the equivalent, or the instructor's permission. Prerequisites: POLS W1201 or the equivalent, or the instructors permission. Inquiry into the dynamics, organization, and policy-making processes of the American Congress. Particular emphasis on the relationship of legislators to constituents, lobbyists, bureaucrats, the president, and with one another

POLS UN3225 AMERICAN CONSTITUTIONAL HISTOR. 4.00 points .

This Course is intended to look at key developments of American History through the prism of Supreme Court decisions and their aftermath. In essence, this Course will address three questions: 1. How did the Supreme Court reflect, and affect, historic patterns of U.S. development, and how did it impact the legal and economic framework of the United States? 2. How did the Supreme Court respond to, or worsen, crises in U.S. history? 3. How did the perception of individual and collective rights and liberties, and of the function and role of Governments -- both Federal and State -- evolve over time?

POLS UN3245 RACIAL AND ETHNIC POLITICS. 3.00 points .

This course examines the role of race in American politics and the political behavior of racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. Topics will include, but are not limited to, minority political participation, segregation, gentrification, group identity, implicit bias, political representation, media effects, and the role of race in political campaigns

POLS UN3255 RACE AND THE US CARCERAL SYSTEM. 3.00 points .

This course will introduce students to research on the institutions of the US carceral system, including the police, courts, prisons, and immigration control. We will focus on two questions: how race relates to experiences with the institutions of the carceral state, and how those institutions in turn influence racial politics. The main objective is not the accumulation of factual knowledge about this system, but familiarity with theoretical frameworks with which to make and critically assess arguments about the functioning of carceral institutions as they relate to racialized people and the functioning of democracy

POLS UN3260 LATINO POLITICAL EXPERIENCE. 3.00 points .

This course focuses on the political incorporation of Latinos into the American polity. Among the topics to be discussed are patterns of historical exclusion, the impact of the Voting Rights Act, organizational and electoral behavior, and the effects of immigration on the Latino national political agenda

POLS UN3285 FREEDOM OF SPEECH ＆ PRESS. 3.00 points .

Examines the constitutional right of freedom of speech and press in the United States. Examines, in depth, various areas of law, including extremist or seditious speech, obscenity, libel, fighting words, the public forum doctrine, and public access to the mass media. Follows the law school course model, with readings focused on actual judicial decisions

POLS UN3290 VOTING AND AMERICAN POLITICS. 3.00 points .

Elections and public opinion; history of U.S. electoral politics; the problem of voter participation; partisanship and voting; accounting for voting decisions; explaining and forecasting election outcomes; elections and divided government; money and elections; electoral politics and representative democracy.

American Politics Seminars

POLS UN3921 AMERICAN POLITICS SEMINAR. 4.00 points .

Priority given to senior majors, followed by junior majors, then all other students.

Prerequisites: the instructor's permission. Pre-registration is not permitted. Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Pre-registration is not permitted. Seminar in American Politics Seminar. Students who would like to register should join the electronic wait list. For list of topics and descriptions see: https://polisci.columbia.edu/content/undergraduate-seminars

Comparative Politics

POLS UN1501 INTRO TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS. 4.00 points .

This course provides a broad overview of the comparative politics subfield by focusing on important substantive questions about the world today. The course is organized around four questions. First, why can only some people depend upon the state to enforce order? Second, how can we account for the differences between autocracies and democracies? Third, what different institutional forms does democratic government take? Finally, are some institutions more likely than others to produce desirable social outcomes such as accountability, redistribution, and political stability?

POLS UN3528 NEW/OLD FORMS OF POL PROTEST. 3.00 points .

This course will introduce the students to the important topic of political protest. Each week we will address different aspects of the phenomenon: from the determinant to the actors and strategies of protest. We will discuss how the forms of protest have changed and the current role of the internet in general and social media in particular. Finally, we will discuss the role of the state and state repression, in particular censorship in the dynamics of protest. Since this is a comparative politics course, we will cover a range of different countries, including the United States, as well as both democratic and authoritarian regimes

POLS UN3534 AUTOCRACY AND DEMOCRACY. 3.00 points .

With longstanding democracies in Europe and the US faltering, autocratic regimes in Russia and China consolidating, and hybrid regimes that mix elements of democracy and autocracy on the rise, scholars, policymakers, and citizens are re-evaluating the causes and consequences of different forms of government. This course is designed to give students the tools to understand these trends in global politics. Among other topics, we will explore: How do democracies and autocracies differ in theory and in practice? Why are some countries autocratic? Why are some democratic? What are the roots of democratic erosion? How does economic inequality influence a country’s form of government? Is the current period of institutional foment different past periods of global instability? This course will help students keep up with rapidly unfolding events, but is designed primarily to help them develop tools for interpreting and understanding the current condition of democracy and autocracy in the world

POLS GU4423 POLITICAL ECONOMY ANALYSIS OF ELITES ＆ INSTITUTIONS. 4.00 points .

This course examines political institutions and elite behavior from a political economy perspective. This course has three core goals. First, the substantive goal is to familiarize students with foundational theoretical arguments and frontier empirical evidence pertaining to central questions in political economy relating to political elite and institutions. Second, the methodological goal is to empower students to implement research designs that can effectively address the substantive questions driving their research. Third, the professionalization goal is to expose students to the academic processes of writing reviews, replicating and extending others’ studies, presenting research projects, and writing original research designs or academic papers

POLS GU4439 State and Society in Ukraine. 4.00 points .

This course deals with the functioning of the state and society in post-Soviet Ukraine, from its peaceful establishment in 1991 to its affirmation and revision in the crucible of the war with neoimperial Russia since 2014. On the one hand, it examines the formation and subsequent transformation of the state, including he branches of government, the party system, elections, foreign policy, education and social welfare. On the other hand, it discusses various facets of society such as religion, media, language use, gender relations, poverty, racism, etc. In tracing the relations between the state and society on a rocky road from totalitarianism to democracy, particular attention is paid to two upsurges of popular protest against state abuse, namely the Orange and Euromaidan revolution and subsequent attempts to empower society and strengthen its control over the state. No less prominent will be discussions of two military interventions by Russia seeking to keep Ukraine its its sphere of influence, the annexation of Crimea and the instigation of a separatist conflict in the Donbas in 2014, and the full-blown invasion in 2022, and the Ukrainian state and society’s responses to these interventions

POLS GU4453 POLITICS IN RUSSIA. 3.00 points .

This course begins by studying the late Soviet era—the 1970s through the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991--in order to understand what kind of political system and political culture Russia inherited. We spend some time analyzing why and how the Soviet Union—a superpower for 75 years—disintegrated suddenly and for the most part, peacefully. Then, the bulk of the course focuses on state-building in the Russian Federation. Russia’s effort to construct new political institutions, a functioning economy, and a healthy society represents one of the greatest political dramas of our time. Beginning with Yeltsin’s presidency in 1991 and continuing through the current eras of Putin, Medvedev, and Putin again, we consider phenomena such as economic reform, nationalism, separatism, federalism, war, legal reform, civil society, and democratization. The third part of the course addresses Russia’s foreign relations. Like its predecessor states, the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, Russia is concerned with what kind of state it is (or should be) and where it stands in the international order. We will study how Russian elites make sense of Russia’s identity, as well as Russia’s policies toward the US, Europe, its “near abroad,” the Middle East, and China

POLS GU4455 Russian Politics: How Autocracy Works. 3.00 points .

This course is designed to give students the tools to understand the politics of post-Soviet Russia through the lens of theories of modern autocracy and by putting Russian in comparative perspective. Among other topics, we will explore: Why did the Soviet Union collapse? Why was economic reform in Russian in the 1990s so difficult? How does autocracy influence economic development? How does Russia’s autocracy work? Why has Russia become increasingly repressive in the Putin era? Why did Russia invade Ukraine in 2022? What are the prospects for political change? How does economic inequality influence a country’s form of government? In addition to answering these questions, we will also examine the many difficult challenges in identifying the causes and consequences of studying autocracy. The course not only hopes to use modern theories of autocracy to understand Russia, but also to use the Russian case to build theories of modern autocracy. This course will help students keep up with rapidly unfolding events but is designed primarily to help them develop tools for interpreting and understanding the politics of autocratic Russia

POLS GU4457 Russian Propaganda Dom ＆ Global Politics. 4.00 points .

Propaganda is a key tool of contemporary authoritarian politics. Autocrats such as Russia’s Vladimir Putin, China’s Xi Jinping, or Hungary’s Viktor Orbán use state-controlled media to manipulate citizens, and some of them extensively rely on propaganda to undermine democracy in other countries. This course encourages students to think about the specific roles that media and propaganda play in autocracies, focusing on Russia in particular. We will read and discuss cutting-edge empirical research in political science and media studies to understand how autocrats such as Putin manipulate public opinion, why their propaganda can be successful, what its limits are, and how we can spot authoritarian propaganda in practice

POLS GU4461 Latin American Politics. 4 points .

This is a lecture class that seeks to introduce students to social scientific analysis while discuss the shifting dynamics of political representation in Latin America. In analyzing political representation in the region, it focuses on demands for political inclusion by different actors and how they were resisted or accepted by established elites in a process that moved from regime change to electoral rotation in power. The course covers these political dynamics and their institutional consequences since the onset of the twentieth century, starting with the Mexican Revolution, until the contemporary period where democracy is the predominant form of government and elections a crucial tool for social and political change. While analyzing the politics of Latin America, we will cover important political science concepts associated with democratic representation, social inclusion and the rule of the law, such as social movement mobilization, political regime change, presidentialism, political party systems, political identities, state capacity, and institutional weakness.

POLS GU4471 CHINESE POLITICS. 3.00 points .

This course offers a historical and thematic survey of Chinese politics and of salient issues in China’s public policy and governance. The first half of the course reviews the patterns and dynamics of political development in China, focusing mainly on the last two hundred years, during which the country has been on a rugged yet fascinating path toward modernity. We will examine major political events including the collapse of the Imperial China, the rise of the Communist Party, the Cultural Revolution, and the post-Mao shift toward reform and opening. The second half of the course will look various special topics, including the structure of the party and the state, the relationship between state and society, the modes of economic development, and the governance of the media and the Internet. Throughout the course, special attention will be paid to how China’s domestic political and economic processes intersected with major world events and transnational forces, such as imperialism, world wars, and economic globalization

POLS GU4472 JAPANESE POLITICS. 4.00 points .

POLS GU4496 CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN POLITICS. 3.00 points .

This course aims to teach students what, if any, answers social scientists have to the questions that concern anyone with an interest in African politics: 1) Why have democratic governments flourished in some countries and not others? 2) What institutions may enable Africans to hold their leaders accountable? 3) How do people participate in politics? 4) In what ways do aspiring African political leaders build public support? 5) To what extent does persistent poverty on the continent have political causes? and 6) Why is violence used to resolve some political disputes and not others?

Comparative Politics Seminars

POLS UN3951 COMPARATIVE POLITICS SEMINAR. 4.00 points .

Prerequisites: POLS V1501 or the equivalent, and the instructor's permission. Pre-registration is not permitted. Please see here for detailed seminar registration guidelines: http://polisci.columbia.edu/undergraduate-programs/seminar-registration-guidelines. Prerequisites: POLS V1501 or the equivalent, and the instructors permission. Pre-registration is not permitted. Please see here for detailed seminar registration guidelines: http://polisci.columbia.edu/undergraduate-programs/seminar-registration-guidelines. Seminar in Comparative Politics. Students who would like to register should join the electronic wait list. For list of topics and descriptions see: https://polisci.columbia.edu/content/undergraduate-seminars

International Relations

POLS UN1601 INTERNATIONAL POLITICS. 4.00 points .

This introductory course surveys key topics in the study of international politics, including the causes of war and peace; the efficacy of international law and human rights; the origins of international development and underdevelopment; the politics of global environmental protection; and the future of US-China relations. Throughout the course, we will focus on the interests of the many actors of world politics, including states, politicians, firms, bureaucracies, international organizations, and nongovernmental organizations; the interactions between them; and the institutions in which they operate. By the end of the semester, students will be better equipped to systematically study international relations and make informed contributions to critical policy debates

POLS UN3619 NAT'L ＆ CONTEMP WORLD POLITICS. 3.00 points .

The causes and consequences of nationalism. Nationalism as a cause of conflict in contemporary world politics. Strategies for mitigating nationalist and ethnic conflict

POLS UN3623 ENDING WAR ＆ BUILDING PEACE. 3.00 points .

This course provides an introduction to the politics of war termination and peace consolidation. The course examines the challenges posed by ending wars and the process by which parties to a conflict arrive at victory, ceasefires, and peace negotiations. It explores how peace is sustained, why peace lasts in some cases and breaks down in others and what can be done to make peace more stable, focusing on the role of international interventions, power-sharing arrangements, reconciliation between adversaries, and reconstruction

POLS UN3648 GOVERNING THE GLOBAL ECONOMY. 4.00 points .

Who governs the world economy? Why do countries succeed or fail to cooperate in setting their economic policies? When and how do international institutions help countries cooperate? When and why do countries adopt good and bad economic policies? This course examines how domestic and international politics determine how the global economy is governed. We will study the politics of trade, international investment, monetary, immigration, and environmental policies to answer these questions. The course will approach each topic by examining alternative theoretical approaches and evaluate these theories using historical and contemporary evidence. There will be an emphasis on applying concepts through the analysis of policy-relevant case studies designed specifically for this course

POLS UN3674 China's Technological Rise. 3.00 points .

This course examines the causes and consequences of China’s rise as an economic and technological great power over the past four decades. It provides a theoretically-informed introduction to the political economy of contemporary China and to major debates surrounding China’s relations with the United States and its allies and partners. Topics covered include Chinese industrial and innovation policies, China’s capabilities in core technologies like semiconductors and artificial intelligence, the prospects for U.S.-China economic decoupling, the risk of conflict over Taiwan, the future trajectory of China’s rise, and more. At the end of this course, students will have a strong understanding of the main features of modern Chinese political economy, how China’s positions in the global economy and international system have changed in recent decades, and the implications of these transformations for U.S.-China strategic competition. They will also have learned to critically evaluate prominent theories in political science and international relations as they apply to China

POLS UN3692 Business ＆ Politics in Globalized World. 3.00 points .

Companies (or, as we’ll mostly refer to them, firms) play a number of important roles in both domestic and international politics; among other activities, they create jobs, engage in trade and in-vestment, create social responsibility programs, lobby governments, and create much of the world’s pollution. How should we think about firms as political actors? Why, when, and how do firms attempt to influence policymaking? And when do they succeed? In this course, we will study strategic collaboration, competition, and collusion between firms and governments in a range of settings and policy areas. To do so, we will draw on insights from international relations, economics, and business scholars, and we will frequently engage with current real-world examples of business-government relations. Topics will include (among others) lobbying, corporate social responsibility, taxation and tax avoidance, public-private governance, and corporate influence in foreign policy

POLS GU4814 GLOBAL ENERGY: SECURITY/GEOPOL. 3.00 points .

The course focuses on the nexus between energy and security as it reveals in the policies and interaction of leading energy producers and consumers. Topics include: Hydrocarbons and search for stability and security in the Persian Gulf, Caspian basin, Eurasia, Africa and Latin America; Russia as a global energy player; Analysis of the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on energy markets, global security, and the future of the energy transition; Role of natural gas in the world energy balance and European energy security; Transformation of the global energy governance structure; Role and evolution of the OPEC; Introduction into energy economics; Dynamics and fundamentals of the global energy markets; IOCs vs NOCs; Resource nationalism, cartels, sanctions and embargoes; Asia's growing energy needs and its geo-economic and strategic implications; Nuclear energy and challenges to non-proliferation regime; Alternative and renewable sources of energy; Climate change as one of the central challenges of the 21st century; Analysis of the policies, technologies, financial systems and markets needed to achieve climate goals. Climate change and attempts of environmental regulation; Decarbonization trends, international carbon regimes and search for optimal models of sustainable development. Special focus on implications of the shale revolution and technological innovations on U.S. energy security

POLS GU4845 NAT SECURITY STRAT OF MID EAST. 4.00 points .

At the crossroads of three continents, the Middle East is home to many diverse peoples, with ancient and proud cultures, in varying stages of political and socio-economic development, often in conflict. Following the Arab Spring and subsequent upheaval in Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya and more, the region is in a state of historic flux. The Sunni-Shia rivalry, especially between Saudi Arabia and Iran, growing Iranian-Israeli conflict, population explosion, poverty and authoritarian control, Russian ascendance and US retrenchment, are the primary regional drivers today. Together, these factors have transformed the Middle Eastern landscape, with great consequence for the national security of the countries of the region and their foreign relations. The primary source of the worlds energy resources, the Middle East remains the locus of the terror-WMD-fundamentalist nexus, which continues to pose a significant threat to both regional and international security. The course surveys the national security challenges facing the regions primary players (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, the Palestinians and Turkey,) and how the convolutions of recent years have affected them. Unlike many Middle East courses, which focus on US policy in the region, the course concentrates on the regional players perceptions of the threats and opportunities they face and the strategies they have adopted to deal with them. It thus provides an essential vantage point for those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of a region, which stands at the center of many of the foreign policy issues of our era. The course is designed for those with a general interest in the Middle East, especially those interested in national security issues, students of comparative politics and future practitioners, with an interest in real world international relations and national security

POLS GU4863 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. 4.00 points .

This course examines how domestic and international politics influence the economic policies of developing countries. We will critically evaluate different theoretical debates related to foreign economic policymaking in emerging markets, and introduce chief methodological approaches used in contemporary analyses. We will focus attention on different types of cross-border flows: the flow of goods (trade policy), the flow of people (immigration policy), the flow and location of production (foreign investment policy), the flow of capital (financial and monetary policy), and the flow of pollution (environment policy). In the process, we will address several themes that are central to understanding the politics of economic policymaking in emerging economies, including, the legacies of colonialism, trade protectionism and liberalization, globalization and the race to the bottom, the relationship between economic policy and culture, and development and redistribution. There will be an emphasis on applying concepts through the analysis of policy-relevant case studies designed for this course

POLS GU4865 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY. 4.00 points .

This course explores key frameworks and issue areas within international political economy. It examines the history and key characteristics of (economic) globalization, the theories of international cooperation, as well as the nature and role of international organizations (such as the World Trade Organization) in fostering trade and international economic cooperation. Furthermore, the course discusses the pros and cons of globalization and its implications on domestic policies of nation-states, with a particular focus on the tensions globalization creates and the lines of cleavages between winners and losers from globalization. Finally, the course reflects on the future of globalization and international trade and the challenges faced by national and supranational policy makers

International Relations Seminars

POLS UN3961 INTERNATIONAL POLITICS SEMINAR. 4.00 points .

Prerequisites: POLS UN1601 or the equivalent, and the instructor's permission. Prerequisites: POLS UN1601 or the equivalent, and the instructors permission. Seminar in International Politics. Students who would like to register should join the electronic wait list. For list of topics and descriptions see: https://polisci.columbia.edu/content/undergraduate-seminars

Political Theory

POLS UN1101 POLITICAL THEORY I. 4.00 points .

This course considers key questions at the foundation of political thought. What is justice? How do we justify the coercive power of states? Do we have an obligation to obey the government? Who should make and enforce the law? What basic rights and liberties should governments protect? How should our economic system produce and divide wealth and material resources? What are the claims of excluded or marginalized groups and how can these claims be addressed? We explore these questions through the works of several classical and contemporary political thinkers. A major goal of the course is to practice the skills needed to understand a political thinker’s arguments and to construct one’s own

POLS UN3100 JUSTICE. 3.00 points .

An inquiry into the nature and implications of justice in areas ranging from criminal justice to social justice to the circumstances of war and peace, considering issues such as abortion, the criminalization of behavior, the death penalty, climate change, global poverty, civil disobedience, and international conflict

POLS UN3106 Democracy: Principles, Critics and Problems. 3.00 points .

This course is about democracy: its theory, principles, critics and challenges. After centuries of vilification, democracy acquired the status of the "best" political order thanks also to the defeat of Nazism and fascism, in 1945. The end of the Cold War and the international order created by the victors of World War II caused some major changes in the perception and practice of democracy. The world has become a unified place for financial markets and a borderless space for the implementation of hegemonic projects. Openness and globalization put pressure on the ideal and practice of democracy, however. On the one hand, democracy seems to be the solution to all problems so much so that "democracy" now means everything on the right side of history. On the other hand, it seems instead to be a source of problems, and many (even democrats) criticize it for being inefficient in decision-making, subject to the prejudices of increasingly uninformed and ignorant voters, and finally a system that breeds corruption. The goal of this course is to understand this conundrum. What are the basic principles of democracy and the main objections raised against it? In what sense does democracy embody universal values? Is it desirable that democracy contains partisanship with competence? Is populism a fate of modern democracies? These questions will guide us in understanding the promises of democracy and the disappointments of democrats. We will begin our intellectual journey with the ancient vision of democracy and its early critics, then explore the modern trajectory of democratic theory and finally contemporary populist transformations

POLS UN3112 GANDHI, KING ＆ POLS OF NONVIOLENCE. 4.00 points .

Since Gandhi’s experiments in mass satyagraha over a century ago, nonviolence has become a staple of protest politics across the globe. From the Occupy movements to the Arab Spring to Movement for Black Lives, it might even be entering a new phase of revitalization. At the same time, what exactly nonviolence is and what it can accomplish in politics is very much under debate. This course aims to understand the politics of nonviolence by examining the political ideas and political careers of its most well-known twentieth-century advocates, M.K. Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. Though still venerated as founding figures of nonviolent protest, Gandhi and King have come to be remembered in ways that can misconstrue how they understood and practiced nonviolent politics. To many, Gandhi is a saintly idealist, who wanted to imbue politics with the spirit of ahimsa, truth, and conscience. Likewise, King is taken to be a spokesman for interracial brotherhood and Christian love. While partly true, these images also downplay the political side of their nonviolence – the techniques of organizing and strategies of protest that made their movements successful. We will examine the evolution of Gandhi’s and King’s political thinking in relation to the movements they led – the Indian independence movement and the civil rights movement in the US. We will consider how the theory and practice of nonviolence evolved and changed as it moved from one context to another. We will be especially focused on understanding the dynamics of nonviolent protest

POLS UN3141 Humans, Nature and the Future: an Introduction to Environmental Political Theory. 3.00 points .

This course is about how we understand humans and their relationship to nature – and about how these understandings influence the ways we design our societies, run our democracies, and make plans for the future. We’ll focus on two central themes. First: how does introducing a concern for ‘the environment’ (or the Earth, or ecology) deepen, and often complicate, our understanding of key concepts in political theory? Second: given that ‘the environment’ is an interdisciplinary issue, how do we understand the relationship between the ideas and conversations we have in political theory, and the ideas and conversations people are having in other disciplines? (For example: climate science.) There is no single prerequisite course for this one, but we will be assuming that you are familiar with the field of political theory in general. This is important, because many of our discussions will aim to map concepts and conversations from environmental political theory onto broader political theory conversations (which requires you to be familiar with those conversations!). Ideally, you’ll have taken a political theory survey before you take this course. If you haven’t, but you still think you’ve got the background necessary to participate fully in the class, please get in touch

POLS GU4110 RECENT CONTINENTAL POL THOUGHT. 4.00 points .

This course will compare and contrast the theories of the political, the state,freedom, democracy, sovereignty and law, in the works of the following key 20th and 21st century continental theorists: Arendt, Castoriadis, Foucault, Habermas, Kelsen, Lefort, Schmitt, and Weber. It will be taught in seminar format

POLS GU4132 POLIT THOUGHT-CLASSICL AND MEDIEVAL. 3.00 points .

Prerequisites: Contemporary Civilization or a comparable introduction to political theory course. Prerequisites: Contemporary Civilization or a comparable introduction to political theory course. This course examines ancient political thought from its origins in the archaic Greek poleis through the development of classical Greek political philosophy and the transmission and adaptation of Greek political ideas in the Hellenistic, Roman, and early Christian traditions. Our texts will include major ancient works of political theory by Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero as well as works of poetry, drama, history, and ethical and natural philosophy that offer insight into ancient thought on politics. We will approach these texts not only as reflections on the ancient democratic, oligarchic, monarchical, and republican political systems they address, but also as foundations for modern political discourse that still prompt us to consider the questions they raise—questions about the ideal form of government in theory, and the best form in practice; about the nature of law and justice, and the relationship between law and custom, science, or religion; about the rule of law, and the rights and obligations of an individual citizen living in a participatory state; and about the reach of empire, and the implications when a self-governing people attempts to direct the affairs of non-citizens or of other states

POLS GU4134 MODERN POLITICAL THOUGHT. 4.00 points .

Interpretations of civil society and the foundations of political order according to the two main traditions of political thought--contraction and Aristotelian. Readings include works by Hobbes, Spinoza, Locke, Montesquieu, Hume, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, Saint-Simon, Tocqueville, Marx, and Mill

Political Theory Seminars

POLS UN3911 SEMINAR IN POLITCAL THEORY. 4.00 points .

Seminar in Political Theory. Students who would like to register should join the electronic wait list. For list of topics and descriptions see: https://polisci.columbia.edu/content/undergraduate-seminars

Research Methods

POLS UN3704 RESEARCH DESIGN: DATA ANALYSIS. 3.00 points .

This course examines the basic methods data analysis and statistics that political scientists use in quantitative research that attempts to make causal inferences about how the political world works. The same methods apply to other kinds of problems about cause and effect relationships more generally. The course will provide students with extensive experience in analyzing data and in writing (and thus reading) research papers about testable theories and hypotheses. It will cover basic data analysis and statistical methods, from univariate and bivariate descriptive and inferential statistics through multivariate regression analysis. Computer applications will be emphasized. The course will focus largely on observational data used in cross-sectional statistical analysis, but it will consider issues of research design more broadly as well. It will assume that students have no mathematical background beyond high school algebra and no experience using computers for data analysis

POLS UN3720 RESEARCH DESIGN: SCOPE AND METHODS. 4.00 points .

This class aims to introduce students to the logic of social scientific inquiry and research design. Although it is a course in political science, our emphasis will be on the science part rather than the political part — we’ll be reading about interesting substantive topics, but only insofar as they can teach us something about ways we can do systematic research. This class will introduce students to a medley of different methods to conduct social scientific research

POLS UN3768 Experimental Research. 4.00 points .

Randomized experimentation is an important methodology in political science. In this course, we will discuss the logic of experimentation, its strengths and weaknesses compared to other methodologies, and the ways in which experimentation has been -- and could be -- used to investigate political phenomena. Students will learn how to interpret, design, and execute experiments

POLS GU4700 MATH ＆ STATS FOR POLI SCI. 4.00 points .

This course presents basic mathematical and statistical concepts that are essential for formal and quantitative analysis in political science research. It prepares students for the graduate-level sequence on formal models and quantitative political methodology offered in the department. The first half of the course will cover basic mathematics, such as calculus and linear algebra. The second half of the course will focus on probability theory and statistics. We will rigorously cover the topics that are directly relevant to formal and quantitative analysis in political science such that students can build both intuitions and technical skills. There is no prerequisite since this course is ordinarily taken by Ph.D. students in their first semester. The course is aimed for both students with little exposure to mathematics and those who have taken some courses but wish to gain a more solid foundation. NOTE: This course does not satisfy the Political Science Major/Concentration research methods requirement

POLS GU4702 Qualitative and Mixed Methods of Research Design and Inquiry. 4.00 points .

This course covers research methods and research design in political science. We cover concrete and practical issues of conducting research that are useful for all types of empirical political science research: picking a topic, generating hypotheses, case selection, measurement issues, and the ethics of research; with a focus on qualitative and mixed-methods tools such as: interviews, fieldwork, case studies, archival research, ethnographic work, designing and conducting experiments, coding data and working with data sets, combining quantitative and qualitative methods, etc. The course is designed for several audiences in Political Science, including: PhD students MA students undertaking a major research project or intending to continue on to the PhD Advanced undergraduates writing or contemplating an honors thesis, or another major research project

POLS GU4710 PRINC OF QUANT POL RESEARCH 1. 4.00 points .

This course examines the basic methods of data analysis and statistics, through multivariate regression analysis, that political scientists use in quantitative research that attempts to make causal inferences about how the political world works. The same methods apply to other kinds of problems about cause and effect relationships more generally. The course will provide students with extensive experience in analyzing data and in writing (and thus reading) research papers about testable theories and hypotheses

POLS GU4712 PRINC OF QUANT POL RESEARCH 2. 4.00 points .

Prerequisites: POLS W4710 or the equivalent. Prerequisites: POLS W4710 or the equivalent. This course will intensively examine some of the data analysis methods which deal with problems occurring in the use of multiple regression analysis. It will stress computer applications and cover, as needed, data coding and data processing. Emphasis will also be placed on research design and writing research reports. The course assumes that students are familiar with basic statistics, inference, and multiple regression analysis and have analyzed data using computer software (e.g., any standard statistical programs on micro-computers or larger machines -- Stata, “R”, SPSS, SAS, etc.). Students will be instructed on the use of the microcomputers and the R and Stata statistical software program(s) available as freeware (R) or in the CUIT computer labs (Stata; several campus locations) or through SIPA. The lectures and required discussion section will emphasize the use of “R.” Students may use whatever computer programs they prefer for all data analysis for the course. There may be an additional fee for classroom instructional materials

POLS GU4716 Data Science for Political Analytics. 3.00 points .

Prerequisites: ( POLS GU4714 ) or The digital revolution has created previously unimaginable opportunities to learn about political behavior and institutions. It has also created new challenges for analyzing the massive amounts of data that are now easily accessible. Open source software has reduced barriers and inequities in coding, but it also requires different kinds of effort to employ optimally the latest innovations. Harnessing the power of political data is more critical than ever, given the threats that misinformation and alternative “facts” present to democratic forms of government. This course will teach students both essential tools and general strategies of data science within the domain of politics. Whether students’ goals are to analyze political behavior for academic or professional purposes, successful analysis requires skills for handling a wide array of issues that stand in the way of creating knowledge and insights from data. This course prioritizes breadth over depth in the sense that we will introduce a broad range of topics relevant for data science to develop basic skills and form a foundation that students can build on. More complete mastery of these skills will require additional engagement beyond this course

POLS GU4720 QUANT METH 1 APPL REG CAUS INF. 4.00 points .

Fitting and understanding linear regression and generalized linear models, simulation, causal inference, and the basics of design of quantitative studies. Computation in R. Textbook: Regression and Other Stories by Gelman, Hill, and Vehtari

POLS GU4722 QUANT METH 2 STAT THEO＆CAUS INF. 4.00 points .

This course is the second course in the graduate-level sequence on quantitative political methodology offered in the Department of Political Science. Students will learn (1) a framework and methodologies for making causal inferences from experimental and observational data, and (2) statistical theories essential for causal inference. Topics include randomized experiments, estimation under ignorability, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity, difference-indifferences, and causal inference with panel data. We also cover statistical theories, such as theories of ordinary least squares and maximum likelihood estimation, by connecting them to causal inference methods. This course builds on the materials covered in POLS 4700 and 4720 or theirequivalent (i.e., probability, statistics, linear regression, and logistic regression)

POLS GU4724 QUANT METH 3 EXPERIMENTAL METH. 4.00 points .

In this course, we will discuss the logic of experimentation, its strengths and weaknesses compared to other methodologies, and the ways in which experimentation has been — and could be — used to investigate social phenomena. Students will learn how to interpret, design, and execute experiments. Special attention will be devoted to field experiments, or randomized trials conducted in real-world settings. Prerequisites: Students should have taken at least one or two semesters of statistics. Some understanding of probability, hypothesis testing, and regression are assumed. Familiarity with statistical software such as R is helpful. We will be working with data in class throughout the term. The examples used in the textbook and lectures are written in R, and R tutorials will be taught in special sessions early in the term

POLS GU4726 QUANT METH 4 TOPICS IN METHODS. 4.00 points .

This course is the fourth course in the graduate-level sequence on quantitative political methodology offered in the Department of Political Science. Students will learn a variety of ad-vanced topics in political methodology, such as machine learning, recent measurement methods (e.g., ideal point estimation, text analysis, list experiment, and conjoint experiment), network analysis, and causal inference with spatial and network data. Students will collaborate to present discussion papers throughout the semester. The main goal of this course is to help students to write a final paper that applies or develops advanced statistical methods. This course builds on the materials covered in POLS 4700, 4720, 4722, and 4724, or their equivalent courses (i.e., probability, statistics, linear regression, logistic regression, causal inference with observational and experimental data, and knowledge of statistical computing environment R)

POLS GU4730 GAME THEORY ＆ POLIT THEORY. 4.00 points .

Prerequisites: POLS GU4700 or equivalent level of calculus. Prerequisites: POLS GU4700 or equivalent level of calculus. Introduction to noncooperative game theory and its application to strategic situations in politics. Topics include solution concepts, asymmetric information, and incomplete information. Students should have taken POLS GU4700 or have equivalent background in calculus. Permission of instructor required

POLS GU4732 RESEARCH TOPICS IN GAME THEORY. 4.00 points .

Prerequisites: POLS W4730 or the instructors permission. Advanced topics in game theory will cover the study of repeated games, games of incomplete information and principal-agent models with applications in the fields of voting, bargaining, lobbying and violent conflict. Results from the study of social choice theory, mechanism design and auction theory will also be treated. The course will concentrate on mathematical techniques for constructing and solving games. Students will be required to develop a topic relating political science and game theory and to write a formal research paper

POLS GU4768 Experimental Research: Design, Analysis and Interpretation. 4 points .

Prerequisites: one or two semesters of statistics; basic understanding of probability, hypothesis testing, and regression are assumed. Basic familiarity with statistical software (Stata and R) is helpful but not required.

In this course, we will discuss the logic of experimentation, its strengths and weaknesses compared to other methodologies, and the ways in which experimentation has been -- and could be -- used to investigate social phenomena. Students will learn how to interpret, design, and execute experiments.

Senior Honors Seminar

POLS UN3998 HONORS SEMINAR. 4.00 points .

Prerequisites: admission to the departmental honors program. Prerequisites: admission to the departmental honors program. A two-term seminar for students writing the senior honors thesis

POLS UN3999 HONORS SEMINAR. 4.00 points .

Prerequisites: admission to the departmental honors program.

A two-term seminar for students writing the senior honors thesis.

Independent Reading and Research

POLS UN3901 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH I. 1.00-6.00 points .

POLS UN3902 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH II. 1.00-6.00 points .

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• Our Faculty

Educational Programs

News & events, epidemiology, phd student profiles, natalie boychuk.

• [email protected]

Natalie Boychuk is interested in the social and structural determinants of postpartum complications and particularly the impact of social policies (such as paid family leave) on postpartum health outcomes. A secondary area of interest includes the influence of chronic gynecological conditions (PCOS, endometriosis, adenomyosis) on life course reproductive health. She received her MPH from Columbia Mailman, where she worked on a project revising WHO metrics for emergency obstetric and newborn care. She has spent the last two years working as a data analyst for Dr. Teresa Janevic , where she has worked on studies related to racism and postpartum cardiometabolic health, prediction modelling for postpartum hospital utilization, diabetes trajectories after gestational diabetes, and an evaluation of a community-based doula program. A proud Canadian, Natalie obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto. In her free time, she loves to bake, explore the city with her partner Harry, and spend time with their cat, Shelby. 

Research Interests

• Reproductive, Maternal, and Child Health
• Social Epidemiology
• Health Services
• Epidemiologic Methods

Stanford Chihuri

• [email protected]

I am an epidemiologist with experience in patient and population-based research utilizing large database schemas. At Columbia University Medical Center, I helped design and conduct studies on substance use and injuries. My research focuses on the intersection of substance use, policies, and harm outcomes, such as injuries from motor vehicle crashes, falls, and self-harm, particularly among vulnerable populations like older adults, amputees, and pregnant women. I have guest-lectured on injury research methods at Columbia University and directed the Injury Lab at the Columbia University Center for Injury Science and Prevention.

Previously, I utilized statistical methods such as hierarchical modeling, longitudinal data analysis, and structural equation modeling to assist researchers investigating the health impacts of medication and product exposures. This includes studies on prenatal anesthesia exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes, epidural use and maternal mortality and morbidity, and allogeneic blood transfusion and postoperative infections.

I hold an MPH in epidemiology with a certificate in advanced epidemiology from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. In my free time, I enjoy reading true-crime novels, cooking, playing soccer, and listening to podcasts.

• Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders
• Injury Prevention
• Research Methods 

Alexander Furuya

• [email protected]

I am a Columbia University graduate student pursuing a PhD in Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health. I have an extensive background in data analysis, statistical programming, and public health research. My goal is to understand social determinants of health among those in the LGBTQ+ community and immigrant communities, and I hope to identify effective interventions to improve health.

I currently work with Dr. Dustin Duncan in analyzing data form the Trying to Understand Relationships, Networks and Neighborhoods in Trans women of color (TURNNT) Cohort. Specifically, I am looking into determinants of HIV prevention and treatment and identifying factors that affect them.

• LGBTQ+ Health
• Health of the Aging Community
• Intervention Science
• HIV Treatment and Prevention
• Biostatistical Methodologies
• Chronic Disease Epidemiology
• [email protected]

I am a first year doctoral student, first year fellow on the Global HIV Implementation Science Research Training Fellowship with ICAP, and an infectious disease epidemiologist. I received a BS in Biological Sciences from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 2014, an MPH in Epidemiological Methods and Applications from the University of Michigan in 2016, and prior to coming to Columbia, spent about seven years at the San Francisco Department of Public Health in the HIV Epidemiology Section. My research interests are centered around infectious disease prevention and treatment interventions, and I have past work pertaining to HIV care navigation, hepatitis C treatment, mpox vaccination, and COVID-19 coinfection among people with HIV. Apart from my role as an analyst, as a database administrator and developer, I designed, carried out, and evaluated a surveillance system modernization project to increase the accuracy, timeliness, and accessibility of HIV test results for department case investigators and outreach staff. My current projects relate to PrEP demand creation among women in South Africa and HIV care retention patterns in Côte d'Ivoire.

• Infectious Disease
• Health Interventions
• Implementation Science
• Global Health

Hoisum Nguyen

• [email protected]

Inspired by the stories of immigrants and social justice movements in the United States, Hoisum's research centralizes psychiatric and mental health outcomes with a particular focus on trauma and violence as it relates to firearms, racial/ethnic populations, LGBQIA+ communities, and financial means. Equipped with a Master’s in Public Health (MPH, Class of 2020) from Boston University in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, prior training in causal theories from UCLA (2021-2023), and previous work in suicide outcomes and emergency preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic for the county of Santa Clara, CA (2020-2022), Hoisum aims to create research of consequence for policy formulation.

Hoisum is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Epidemiology, a pre-doctoral fellow in Psychiatric Epidemiology Training Fellow (PET-T32), and also a Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Research Scholar (HPRS) receiving health policy and leadership training from Johns Hopkins University (Class of 2026).

• Mental and Psychiatric Health
• Violence and Trauma Epidemiology
• Firearms Violence
• Health Equity and Social Disparities
• Racial/Ethnic Community Health
• Health Policy

Adam Whalen

• [email protected]

I am a first-year pre-doctoral candidate in Epidemiology and a pre-doctoral fellow in the Advanced Training in Environmental Health and Data Science Training Program, jointly managed through the Department of Epidemiology and the Environmental Health Sciences Department. I received my BS in Biology and Public Health Science in 2015 from Santa Clara University, and my MPH in Epidemiology with a Certificate in Applied Biostatistics and Public Health Data Science from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in 2021. Previously, I worked as a data analyst at the Department of Epidemiology and Population Health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, working on research projects related to Hispanic/Latino health as well as women living with HIV. As a member of the Spatial Epidemiology Lab at Columbia, my current research investigates how discrimination against transgender women of color and sexual minority men affects health outcomes. I also examine activity space exposure to different features of the bult and social environment and how they influence criminal legal system involvement, sleep, access to gender-affirming health care, and other outcomes. My research interests include social and spatial epidemiology, novel spatiotemporal methods including GPS-based activity space analysis and geofencing applications, injury and violence outcomes such as transportation and police violence, and sexual and gender minority health.

• Spatial Methods
• Injury/Violence
• Transportation
• Police violence
• Sexual and Gender Minority Health

Erin M. Annunziato

• [email protected]

I am a pre-doctoral fellow in the Substance Abuse Epidemiology T32 Training Program. I am interested in structural-level determinants contributing to substance use-related harms, including racial and ethnic disparities in substance use treatment and drug-related legal outcomes. My current research examines relationships between 1) state policies, such as drug monitoring programs, and legal outcomes, and 2) racial and ethnic disparities in substance use treatment access through the criminal legal system. I have a BS in Biology from Boston College and an MPH in Epidemiology from the Mailman School of Public Health.

• Drug policy
• Drug criminalization
• Racial and ethnic disparities
• Social epidemiology
• [email protected]
• Google Scholar

I am a second year pre-doctoral candidate in Epidemiology and a second year pre-doctoral fellow in the Advanced Training in Environmental Health and Data Science Training Program, jointly managed through the Department of Epidemiology and the Environmental Health Sciences Department. I earned a BS in Biology from Brooklyn College (CUNY) in 2019, and an MPH in Epidemiology with an Advanced Certificate in Public Health and Humanitarian Action from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in 2021. Previously, I served as a clinical research coordinator at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, where I managed all aspects of research and administration for the Stroke Division. My previous research has focused on a range of mental, neurological, and substance use issues in humanitarian settings. As a doctoral student, my research efforts are focused on evaluating neurodevelopmental outcomes amidst the complex landscape of mental health and substance use among adolescents and their caregivers in diverse conflict-affected settings. My research interests include global mental health, substance use epidemiology, child development, and disability advocacy. 

• Global Mental Health
• Substance Use Epidemiology
• Child Development
• Disability Advocacy

Nicole Itzkowitz

• [email protected]

I am a 2nd year PhD student in the Department of Epidemiology and a pre-doctoral fellow in the Advanced Training in Environmental Health and Data Science T32 Training Program. I entered the program in 2022 with an MSc in epidemiology from The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a BA in public health from the University of Rochester. My research interests are broadly concerned with quantifying urban environmental and built environment exposures and exploring their relationship with injury and other non-communicable disease outcomes. My previous work at Imperial College focused on examining the causal relationship between acute noise pollution exposure and cardiovascular disease hospitalizations and creating a composite metric to estimate smoking behavior at small spatial resolutions. I am currently working with Dr. Andrew Rundle and the Built Environment and Health research group on several projects related to pedestrian and micromobility injuries and fatalities in the context of the built environment and alcohol use.

• Environmental Exposures
• Built Environment
• Non-communicable Disease 

German Rivera-Castellar

• [email protected]

I started my PhD in Epidemiology in 2022 after finishing my MPH at New York University GPH. Before moving to NYC, I completed a MS in research and evaluation of health systems and a BS in industrial microbiology at the University of Puerto Rico. Previously, I have worked in evaluation of CDC funded public health programs at UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center, knowledge management at UNICEF HIV/AIDS section, and research regarding HIV/AIDS in Puerto Rico and vaccination hesitancy amongst PWID. Currently, I am a fellow in T32 Social Determinants of HIV and my research interest include disparities in HIV amongst racial and ethnic minorities as we as sexual and gender minorities. My current work also addresses changes in the gut microbiome and its effect in the body. 

• Racial and Ethnic Disparities
• Sexual and Gender Minorities
• Spatial Epidemiology

Michelle Smith

• [email protected]

I am a second-year PhD student specializing in Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health. I am also a Lead Teaching Fellow at the Center for Teaching and Learning, and am a Trainee Associate Member of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center. I received my BS in Biology from Stony Brook University and my MPH in Epidemiology from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. My professional experience spans medical research in start-up companies, academic hospitals and research centers. Previously, I worked in start-up companies geared towards cancer outcomes and precision medicine where I focused on data abstraction and analysis of breast, colorectal and lung cancers using electronic medical records. I contributed to research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center on integrative medicine techniques addressing chemo-induced neuropathy, and administratively managed multiple projects at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, encompassing population health, neurosurgery, and Alzheimer’s disease research. At SUNY Downstate, I began research on adverse pregnancy outcomes and social determinants of health (SDOH) among predominantly Caribbean and African communities in Brooklyn. My current research focuses on examining the nuances of the breast cancer tumor microenvironment, particularly around pregnancy and hormonal shifts. This work involves spatial analysis, T-cell distribution, proteomics and traditional epidemiologic methods. 

• Breast Cancer
• Cancers of the Reproductive System
• Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
• Machine Learning
• Digital and Computational Pathology
• Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
• Health Disparities

Sara Wallach

• [email protected]

I am a second-year pre-doctoral candidate in Epidemiology and a second-year pre-doctoral fellow in the Global HIV Implementation Science Research Training Fellowship. I received my BA in Anthropology and Global Public Health from New York University and my MPH, with a focus on the evaluation of international health programs, from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In my work with the New Jersey Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Zimbabwe Office, I implemented, managed, and evaluated large-scale HIV programs. My research currently focuses on using novel epidemiologic methods to evaluate the impact of HIV programs using routinely collected data. I also perform research to determine drivers of HIV acquisition and opportunities for prevention in various contexts and populations using population-based HIV impact assessments and other data sources. My research interests include HIV, implementation science, health and human rights, LGBTQ+ health, and infectious diseases.

• Health and Human Rights
• Infectious Diseases

Dana Bezuidenhout

• [email protected]

I am a third-year pre-doctoral candidate in Epidemiology and a pre-doctoral fellow in the Global HIV Implementation Science Research Training Fellowship. I received my BA in Biology, Society, and the Environment from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in 2016 and my MPH, focusing on Epidemiology and Global Health, from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in 2018. Previously I worked as a project manager and epidemiologist at The Foundation for Professional Development in East London, South Africa, working on tuberculosis (TB) point-of-care diagnostics, TB stigma, and HIV prevention interventions for adolescent girls and young women. My research currently focuses on incorporating spatial and genomic data as an innovative way to understand community TB transmission and to inform active case-finding strategies in TB-endemic settings. I also perform research assessing the impact of diabetes on TB treatment outcomes. My research interests include TB transmission, spatial epidemiology, and implementation science.

• Tuberculosis Transmission

Sarah Forthal

• [email protected]

I am a PhD candidate and pre-doctoral fellow in the T32 Psychiatric Epidemiology Training Program at the Mailman School of Public Health. I am also a biostatistical analyst with the Global Psychiatric Epidemiology Group at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. I received an MPH in epidemiology from Mailman in 2019 and a BA in political science and statistics from Columbia’s undergraduate college in 2015. My core research interests include identifying mental health-protective factors following exposure to traumatic events, global mental health, intervention evaluation, and research with Multiracial populations. My current projects include investigating the role of parental social support in intergenerational trauma transmission, understanding depression risk in Multiracial American adults, developing an accessible guide to Single World Intervention Graphs, and co-authoring a book chapter on the health of Multiracial youth. Prior to entering the PhD program, I held research positions at the Partnership to End Addiction and Columbia-World Health Organization Center for Global Mental Health.

Catherine Gimbrone

• [email protected]

My research focuses on policy impacts and social disparities within psychiatric epidemiology. I'm passionate about exploring related areas and have been involved in a wide range of projects. These include studies on reproductive health policy, firearm legislation, naloxone access laws, adolescent political beliefs, and suicide trend forecasting. My goal is to identify emerging mental health trends among vulnerable populations, to help improve treatment efforts and inform policy decisions. I've co-authored several publications and enjoy using my skills in statistics to deepen my understanding of these complex issues. I graduated with an MPH from Columbia University in 2020 and, in a past life, worked in filmmaking and fashion.

• Psychiatric Epidemiology
• Policy Research
• Reproductive Health
• Adolescence

Anton Kociolek

• [email protected]

I am a third-year pre-doctoral candidate in Epidemiology and a graduate research assistant at the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain. In 2014, I received my BA in Anthropology from the City University of New York and in 2017 received my MA in Anthropology from the same institution, with a focus on historical anthropology of the Caribbean. I received my MS in Epidemiology from the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health in 2020. Prior to entering the Doctoral program in Epidemiology at Mailman, I worked as a study coordinator for Dr. Yaakov Stern at the Taub Institute, working on observational cohort studies of late-onset Alzheimer's Disease. My research focuses on investigating the relationships between underlying neuropathological processes and clinical signs in Alzheimer's Disease and the application of causal inference and machine learning methods to dementia research. My research interests include dementia and aging, neuroepidemiology, biomarker development and validation, causal inference, and machine learning. 

• Alzheimer's Disease
• Movement disorders
• Neuroepidemiology
• Causal Inference
• Machine Learning 

Megan Marziali

• [email protected]

I am a 3rd-year PhD Candidate in the Department of Epidemiology and a pre-doctoral fellow in the NIDA-funded T32 Substance Abuse Epidemiology Training Program (SAETP). I received my BSc in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of British Columbia in 2018 and my MPH in Epidemiology with a certificate in Advanced Epidemiology from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in 2021. My research focuses on substance use, including polysubstance use, fatal and nonfatal overdose, social networks, and psychosocial factors (e.g., loneliness). My work is often situated at the intersection of substance use and HIV. In addition, I perform research exploring the impact of various social and substance use policies on substance use outcomes.

• Social Networks
• Social Determinants of Health
• Social Policies
• Substance Use Policies

Melissa Nguyen

Inspired by the stories of immigrants and social justice movements in the United States, Hoisum's research centralizes psychiatric and mental health outcomes with a particular focus on trauma and violence as it relates to firearms, racial/ethnic populations, LGBQIA+ communities, and financial means. Equipped with prior training in causal theories from UCLA (2021-2023), Hoisum hopes to create research of consequence for policy formulation. Hoisum is also a Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Research Scholar receiving health policy and leadership training from Johns Hopkins University (Class of 2026).

• Mental Health
• LGBTQIA+ Populations
• Racial/Ethnic Populations

Navdep Kaur

• [email protected]

I am a fourth-year Epidemiology PhD candidate and predoctoral fellow in the Psychiatric Epidemiology Training Program (Director: Katherine M. Keyes ). I hold an Epidemiology MPH from Columbia University, and a Math BS and Biology BS from SUNY Binghamton University. As a Punjabi woman, I have both witnessed and experienced racialized inequities in US healthcare access. My family was uninsured for over ten years of my childhood, and we struggled to meet basic healthcare needs due to financial constraints and other structural barriers. Our collective struggle has inspired the work I do. My research is dedicated to improving mental healthcare access for BIPOC individuals. I have led studies to understand mental health and treatment utilization trends in BIPOC populations. My dissertation aims to improve mental health provider access for Medicaid recipients residing in low-income and racially segregated neighborhoods. I am also a social activist for the Punjabi community and volunteer at Sakhi, a South Asian survivor-led non-profit that serves gender-based violence survivors in the diaspora. Together, we are developing a psychoeducation program for South Asian caregivers that aims to reduce childrearing stressors and mitigate intergenerational trauma. I am also providing my epidemiologic expertise to develop a mixed-methods evaluation of the program. 

• Health Equity

Aleya Khalifa

• [email protected]

As a PhD Candidate in the Department of Epidemiology, my research aims to improve HIV programs and research methodologies for mobile populations, from truck drivers to cross-border migrants. My dissertation - Unpacking The HIV Epidemic Among People On The Move In Uganda - is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health under the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (F31). My research employs demographic, missing data, and spatial network methods to relate human movement to HIV outcomes. I have ten years of global experience at CDC, UNICEF, and ICAP designing HIV surveillance studies, modeling the epidemic for children and adolescents, and conducting implementation science to improve service delivery for vulnerable populations. I received my MPH in epidemiology from the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine with a concentration in infectious diseases.

• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Migrant Health
• Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

Christina Mehranbod

• [email protected]

Christina Mehranbod is a fifth-year doctoral candidate in the Department of Epidemiology at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. Using geospatial techniques and built environment research, I am interested in examining how the places individuals frequent over time and various environmental characteristics influence health, particularly injury risk and substance use. My doctoral research explores the social determinants of injury and violence (i.e., firearm violence) with a particular focus on neighborhood definitions and spatial analyses relating environmental characteristics to alcohol related harms. I applied for and successfully received an NRSA F31 Award from the National Institute of Health National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to create an innovative GPS-informed measure of alcohol outlet density. I have also received grant funding as a Principal Investigator to study alcohol consumption, environment, and norms in the context of traumatic events in Armenia from the Columbia University Global Mental Health Council. I completed my MPH in Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University and my BA in Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley.

• Neighborhood Health
• Injury and Violence Prevention
• Substance Use

Sasinya Scott

• [email protected]

I am interested in translational epidemiology and reducing health disparities. I would like to bridge genomics and population research with implementation, specifically to expand precision prevention research and bring the benefits of personalized medicine to populations of color. I hope to promote collaborative and equitable research between communities, physicians, and scientists. I would also like to study how the levels of racism influence disparities and the utilization of research in minority populations.

• Health disparities, minority health, translational epidemiology, implementation science, health communication, data visualization

Stephen Uong

• [email protected]

I am a fourth-year pre-doctoral candidate in Epidemiology and a former pre-doctoral fellow in the Advanced Training in Environmental Health and Data Science Training Program. My current research interests are in spatial and environmental epidemiology, particularly in the built environment, social infrastructure, housing, and queer and immigrant populations. Methodologically, I am interested in GIS/spatial analyses, making R programming more accessible for public health practitioners, and machine learning applications in public health, particularly in natural language processing. 

I received a BS in Public Health and Microbiology from The University of Texas at Austin and an MPH in Global Epidemiology from Emory University. During my MPH studies, I interned for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists for teams focusing on enteric zoonotic outbreak investigations, HIV, and substance use. Before I entered the PhD program, I was a Consulting Data Analyst at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research focused on racial and ethnic & immigrant health disparities in breast cancer, air pollution and cardiovascular disease, and healthcare delivery science.

• Spatial and Environmental Epidemiology
• Built and Social Environment
• Social Capital and Infrastructure
• Urban Planning and Health
• Immigrant Health
• Natural Language Processing

Sumera Aziz

• [email protected]

I am a medical doctor and an epidemiologist by training. My area of research interest is maternal and child health with a specific focus on preconception nutrition and maternal anemia. I have worked as a PI and Co-PI for various projects to improve maternal and newborn health in rural areas of Pakistan. Examples of such projects include: 1) Bill and Melinda Gates Funded multi-country study- Women First Preconception Nutrition Trial 2) NIH-USA funded multi-country study- Antenatal Corticosteroid Trial; 3) WHO Funded Study-Third Party Evaluation of Measles Supplementary Immunization Activity in Sindh, Pakistan, 4) UNICEF funded study on stillbirths and quality of new born care in Pakistan, and 5) AKU-research council funded study on Out-of-pocket expenditure of vaginal delivery and cesarean section in Public and Private Hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan. I am a recipient of the Fulbright Scholarship, the Allen Rosenfield Award, and Alberta Innovates Postdoctoral Recruitment Fellowship. I also received funding from an NIH-sponsored capacity development project for my Masters in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Through my research work over the last one decade, I have published 88 scientific papers (30 as the first author) in peer reviewed journals, and I am also an author of two books.

• Maternal and Child Health

Christopher Crowe

• [email protected]

My primary goal as an epidemiologist is to facilitate the healthy aging of our population by better understanding how exposure to psychological and social factors throughout the life course may influence health during older adulthood. Under the supervision of Dr. Sarah Tom , my current research aims to evaluate potential causal relationships between structural, functional, and quality aspects of social connection or the lack thereof (e.g., social isolation, perceived loneliness) and cognitive health outcomes (e.g., cognitive decline, dementia) among older adults. 

Outside of my research work, I also have a strong interest in teaching and have experience both designing and delivering course content for undergraduate and graduate students. Most recently, I have worked as a teaching assistant for Epidemiology II: Design and Conduct of Observational Epidemiology under the supervision of Dr. Sharon Schwartz and (Y)our Longer Life under the supervision of Dean Linda Fried and Dr. Dana March Palmer .

Neal Jawadekar

• [email protected]

I am a 5th year PhD candidate in Epidemiology and an NIH F31 predoctoral fellow. Prior to joining Columbia, I earned my BA and MPH degrees at Tufts University, and I also gained valuable experience in data engineering and predictive modeling as a Data Scientist in the healthcare industry. As a PhD student, I am currently employing causal inference methods to investigate the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors, cardioprotective drugs, and dementia. My dissertation focuses on using machine learning methods, notably Bayesian Additive Regression Trees, to estimate the heterogeneous treatment effects of statins on dementia. I am particularly interested in utilizing data-driven approaches to help understand how treatment effectiveness varies across subgroups.

I have also been recognized as a national finalist for the 2023 Epidemiology Tyroler Student Prize Paper Award. My nominated paper, “Practical Guide to Honest Causal Forests for Identifying Heterogeneous Treatment Effects,” highlights my dedication to advancing statistical methodologies within the field of public health. As I continue my academic journey, I remain committed to combining the powers of big data and advanced analytics to help propel medical advancements forward.

• Predictive Modeling
• Heterogeneous Treatment Effects
• Cognitive Aging

Sneha Kannoth

• [email protected]

I am a fifth-year PhD candidate in the Department of Epidemiology at Columbia University. I have completed pre-doctoral training in the NIEHS Environmental Health and Data Science T32 Fellowship Program, and I am currently supported by the NIAID Global HIV Implementation Science T32 Fellowship. I received a BS in Neuroscience in 2016 from Carnegie Mellon University and an MPH in Chronic Disease Epidemiology in 2018 from Yale University. I am interested in understanding the pathways by which social and physical environmental factors influence infectious and chronic disease morbidity. My dissertation focuses on defining the role of cardiovascular morbidity in the relationship between ambient air pollution exposure and adverse COVID-19 outcomes in New York City. My previous work examined the relationship between physical environmental stressors, specifically ambient air pollution exposure, neighborhood-level vulnerability to environmental exposures, and health outcomes, such as COVID-19 and pediatric asthma morbidity. I have further explored how social environmental stressors, such as ageism, amplifies the incidence and cost of health conditions among older adults. My primary research interest includes examining the relationship between environmental exposures, factors that contribute to greater vulnerability to environmental exposures, and the onset of infectious and chronic disease outcomes among pediatric and elderly populations.

• Environment
• Pediatric Populations
• Older Adult Populations
• mHealth Interventions

Shabnaz Siddiq

• [email protected]

I am a fifth-year doctoral candidate in Epidemiology. I received my BHSc in Health Sciences and MSc in Epidemiology from the University of Ottawa in Canada. I was a fellow in the Environmental Health and Data Science training program from 2020-2023 at MSPH. I currently receive the Kirschstein-NRSA predoctoral fellowship (F31) award under the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. My current research uses existing and novel epidemiologic methods to evaluate the impact of phthalate metabolites and their mixture on maternal-fetal outcomes such as maternal gestational weight gain and fetal growth.

Research Interests 

• Maternal Child Health
• Environmental Health

Brandi Vollmer

• [email protected]

I am in my fifth year in the doctoral program here at Columbia University. I received my BS in biochemistry with a minor in molecular biology in 2014 from Colorado State University, and my MPH in Epidemiology from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2016. Previously, I worked as a research assistant in the Department of Neurology at the University of Colorado conducting comparative effectiveness studies investigating therapeutics used in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. Since coming to Columbia University, I have utilized large claims-based data to examine the relationships of influenza-like illness and flu vaccination on stroke risk in young populations. Additionally, I have assisted in the exploration of healthcare utilization on cardiovascular outcomes. My current interests are in the relationship between inflammation throughout the lifetime and cognition or dementia risk. 

• Multiple Sclerosis

Autumn Clemons

• [email protected]

My name is Autumn Clemons, and I am a sixth-year doctoral candidate in Epidemiology. I have an MPH in International Health, where I conducted field research in Uganda, and an MS in Epidemiology. I also have extensive cardiovascular research experience. As a doctoral student, I worked on projects that use latent growth trajectory methods to assess how low-density lipoprotein (LDL) exposures throughout the life course contribute to cardiovascular disease burden and disparities later in life, leading to a manuscript published in JAMA Cardiology. I also worked on pilot projects that examined both chemical exposures and modifiable behaviors (e.g., breastfeeding) that increase breast cancer risk in Black and Hispanic women as an Initiative for Maximizing Student Development predoctoral fellow. My current research with Dr. Pam Factor-Litvak focuses on evaluating the socio-environmental (e.g., phthalate and psychosocial stress exposures) impact on adverse pregnancy outcomes in an ethnically diverse nulliparous pregnancy cohort in the United States. I began this research as a T32 Advanced training in environmental health and data science predoctoral fellow, where I contributed to peer-reviewed publications. During this fellowship, I was also awarded an F31 diversity grant to complete my dissertation to investigate psychosocial stress during pregnancy as a causal mechanism to explain the associations between maternal race and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in the United States. 

• Cardiovascular Health
• Environmental Health 

Anna Krasnova

• [email protected]

I am a pre-doctoral candidate in Epidemiology and a graduate research assistant with the Global Psychiatric Epidemiology group at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. I received a BSc in Computer Science and Statistics from the University of British Columbia and a MHS in Mental Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. My research is currently focused on using novel causal inference methods, including causal mediation, to evaluate the pathways for the unintended consequences of Section 8 housing voucher receipt on adolescent mental health outcomes. In addition, I conduct research to determine the effect of neighborhood and family environments on sleep quality and the risk of obesity among high-risk adolescents. My research interests include epidemiological methods, adolescent mental health, and social determinants of health. 

• Epidemiological Methods
• Adolescent Mental Health

Kathleene Ulanday

• [email protected]

I am a doctoral candidate in Epidemiology. I received my BS in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from the UCSD and my MPH in Epidemiology from SDSU. I am interested in cancer control and prevention research, with a focus on health disparities. Previously, as a Cancer Research Training Fellow at the NCI’s Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, I managed a data harmonization project for trans-NIH health disparities and Native American health research programs, engaged in understudied and small populations research think tanks, and analyzed Department of Defense data examining psychosocial factors and tobacco use among military personnel. At Columbia University, my pre-doctoral research with Dr. Heather Greenlee (NCI-Diversity Supplement funded) gave me valuable experience in the implementation and analyses of a culturally based randomized controlled diet and physical activity intervention for Latina breast cancer survivors. Currently, as a Cancer Trainee Associate Member at the Herbert Irving Cancer Center, I work with Drs. Jasmine McDonald , Lauren Houghton , and Mary Beth Terry conducting cancer etiology research among high-risk groups via prospective cohort studies. My goal is to better understand the social, environmental, and biobehavioral factors, including the cultural and historical contexts, associated with cancer across the life course.

• Environmental Justice

Morningside Campus Access Updates

Student - May 21, 2024

Political Analytics Students Meet with Political Data Firms in DC

• Political Analytics

By Saxon Stahl, M.S. in Political Analytics Student, School of Professional Studies

Earlier this year, my cohort at the  M.S. in Political Analytics program at Columbia University School of Professional Studies (SPS) was offered the opportunity to personally meet representatives from political data firms in their offices in Washington, DC.

During our trip, my Political Analytics classmates and I met experts from the Service Employees International Union, Impact Research, National Media, and OpenLabs, all of which play a central role in important ongoing campaigns across the United States.

Sitting down with key players at these organizations helped us understand the impact of big data on various political endeavors, especially when it comes to electoral campaigns.

We were given insights into how these organizations conduct research to provide their clients with the information they need to make critical decisions in the intensely competitive atmosphere of the current electoral cycle. These included targeting districts for polling and media advertisements, as well as mobilizing residents to vote through canvassing efforts. We also discussed topics such as coalition organizing with data, polling analysis and strategy research, and paid media outreach.

This was a wonderful experience as we were able to interact as a cohort with professionals in the analytics space and get a better sense of the demand for the kind of skills we are acquiring through the program's curriculum. It was great to connect not only with professionals but also with each other as we learned about emerging research in areas that are so fundamental to the process of our democracy.

This trip is one of the many activities in the Political Analytics program that prepare students with the foundational blocks for professional success. I strongly encourage those interested in the field of political analytics to apply so you can take advantage of opportunities offered by the program such as this one.

About the Political Analytics Program

The Columbia University M.S. in Political Analytics program provides students quantitative skills in an explicitly political context, facilitating crosswalk with nontechnical professionals and decision-makers—and empowers students to become decision-makers themselves. The final application deadline is June 1, 2024. The 36-point credit program is available part-time and full-time.

Saxon Stahl

Political Analytics Program Representative

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Doctoral Program

The primary focus of the doctoral program is research, with the philosophy that students learn best by doing—beginning as apprentices and becoming junior colleagues working with faculty on scholarly research projects. The faculty in the department conduct research in all areas of computer science. The doctoral degree requires a dissertation based on the candidate’s original research, which is supervised by a faculty member, and all students in the doctioral program are actively engaged in research throughout the program.

The PhD is the Computer Science Department’s primary doctoral program.  PhD students are expected to be full-time on-campus during every fall and spring academic semester from initial enrollment until the dissertation has been distributed to their defense committee, except during leaves of absence approved by the university.  PhD students spend at least half of their time on research under the direction of their faculty adviser from their first day in the program and devote themselves full time to research after coursework and other preliminaries have been completed. PhD students are also expected to participate in departmental and laboratory activities full time throughout the program, except possibly for summer internships elsewhere, and the department does not consider admission of part-time PhD students. The policy on outside activities by PhD students is here .

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Upcoming events, in the news, press mentions, dean boyce's statement on amicus brief filed by president bollinger.

President Bollinger announced that Columbia University along with many other academic institutions (sixteen, including all Ivy League universities) filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York challenging the Executive Order regarding immigrants from seven designated countries and refugees. Among other things, the brief asserts that “safety and security concerns can be addressed in a manner that is consistent with the values America has always stood for, including the free flow of ideas and people across borders and the welcoming of immigrants to our universities.”

This recent action provides a moment for us to collectively reflect on our community within Columbia Engineering and the importance of our commitment to maintaining an open and welcoming community for all students, faculty, researchers and administrative staff. As a School of Engineering and Applied Science, we are fortunate to attract students and faculty from diverse backgrounds, from across the country, and from around the world. It is a great benefit to be able to gather engineers and scientists of so many different perspectives and talents – all with a commitment to learning, a focus on pushing the frontiers of knowledge and discovery, and with a passion for translating our work to impact humanity.

I am proud of our community, and wish to take this opportunity to reinforce our collective commitment to maintaining an open and collegial environment. We are fortunate to have the privilege to learn from one another, and to study, work, and live together in such a dynamic and vibrant place as Columbia.

Mary C. Boyce Dean of Engineering Morris A. and Alma Schapiro Professor

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Gw law's immigration clinic assists clients worldwide.

The  Immigration Clinic at GW Law  started in 1979 and has helped countless people seek asylum or resist deportation. Clinic members have assisted victims of trafficking as well as DREAMers and youth covered by the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

They have worked with clients from El Salvador, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, Indonesia, China and elsewhere. Recently, they helped a returning client—a woman they successfully represented in her application for asylum in 2018—bring her four children to the United States from Honduras.

On average, the clinic helps about 50 people per year, including the family members of clients, and the clinic’s efforts on behalf of clients can stretch over several years.

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Better Futures for People and the Planet Take Shape at GW

The  Alliance for a Sustainable Future  hosted a conversation with Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) in April. The event convened community members from across the university to recognize work done under the alliance’s umbrella  since its launch in November 2023  and to look toward the future.

GDub Election Hub

Join GW for Decision 2024 as we offer our expertise and insights on what promises to be a truly historic election. The  GDub Election Hub  is GW's central location for faculty commentary on the election, events focused on elections, and resources for getting involved.

“It was an inspiring experience to not only meet Bill Clinton, but to work alongside him to give back to the community around us. I am very grateful to GW for selecting me and my teammates to be part of this incredible opportunity.“

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Department of Statistics at Columbia University

• Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) Position: Starting Fall 2024 – Review begins on November 15, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.
• Founder’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Position: Starting Fall 2024 – Review begins on January 13, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.
• Joint Postdoc with Data Science Institute
• Adjunct Faculty Positions – All applications must be made through Columbia University’s Academic Search and Recruiting (ASR) system apply.interfolio.com/102040

Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) Position starting Fall 2024

Position Description: The Department of Statistics invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position to begin July 1st, 2024. A Ph.D. in statistics or a related field by July 1st, 2024 is required. Candidates will be expected to sustain an active research and publication agenda and to teach in the departmental undergraduate and graduate programs. The field of research is open to any area of statistics and probability.

The Department, like the University itself, is an extraordinarily vibrant academic community. We are especially interested in candidates who through their research, teaching and/or service will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply. For further information about the Department and our programs, please go to our webpage at: http://www.stat.columbia.edu

Qualifications: Ph.D. in statistics or a related field by the date of appointment, as is a commitment to high quality research and teaching in statistics and/or probability.

Application Instructions: All applications must be submitted through Columbia’s online Recruitment of Academic Search and Recruitment  portal (ARS) http://apply.interfolio.com/132238 and must include the following materials:  cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, research statement and the names of 3 references, who will be asked to upload letters of recommendation on their behalf.

Salary Range or Pay Grade: $120,000-$135,000

Pay Transparency Disclosure: The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.  The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Inquiries may be made to Dood Kalicharan a t [email protected]

Review of applications begins on November 15, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Founder’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Position starting Fall 2024

Position Description: The Department of Statistics invites applications for the 2024 Founder’s Postdoctoral Fellowship in Statistics at Columbia University. This fellowship seeks to bring exceptional scientists of outstanding potential to Columbia University. This two-year fellowship, with no teaching obligations, is to begin between July and September 2024. The Fellow will hold the rank of postdoctoral research scientist in the Department of Statistics. A competitive annual salary will be supplemented with generous funding for conference travel and research support.

Applications in all areas of statistics and probability will be considered: the primary selection criterion will be the candidates’ exceptional promise to produce high quality and visible research. Candidates must have a PhD in statistics or related field by the date of appointment. Fellows will be expected to pursue a vigorous research agenda and to participate actively in the intellectual life of the Department.

The Department currently consists of 38 faculty members and 55 PhD students. The department has been expanding rapidly and, like the University itself, is an extraordinarily vibrant academic community. We are especially interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching and/or service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply. For further information about the department and our activities, centers, research areas, and curricular programs, please go to our web page a t: http://www.stat.columbia.edu

Qualifications: PhD in statistics or related field by the date of appointment

Application Instructions: All applications must be submitted through Columbia’s online Academic Search and Recruiting portal (ASR). http://apply.interfolio.com/136121

The application must include the following:

• A cover letter that explains your motivation for applying for this position and indicates your choice of mentors from the statistics
• A curriculum vitae (including a list of publications)
• A brief research statement that summarizes current research interests, past accomplishments, and future research It should contain a short proposal for the research activities you plan to conduct while at Columbia.
• The names of 3 references—references will be asked to upload letters of recommendation in

Review of applications begins on January 13, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries may be made to Dood Kalicharan a t [email protected].

Salary rang e:  $70,000-$100,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran.

Adjunct Faculty Positions Starting Fall 2023

Position Description: The Department of Statistics at Columbia University invites applications for adjunct faculty positions for the academic year of 2023-2024. We are looking for experienced professionals with expertise in statistics, probability, computation, and/or data science and an interest in teaching and mentoring curious and energetic students in a statistics classroom. Adjunct faculty teaches at most one course each semester. The department offers a wide range of courses in statistics, probability, and data science at both undergraduate and graduate levels. A robust proportion of our courses are offered in the late afternoons and evenings.

Qualifications: Ph.D. in statistics or a related field by the date of appointment, as is a commitment to high-quality teaching in statistics, probability, or data science. Preference will be given to applicants with previous teaching experiences and strong communication skills.

Application Instructions: All applications must be made through Columbia University’s Academic Search and Recruiting (ASR) system https://apply.interfolio.com/124535 .

Please upload the following required materials: CV, a short statement on teaching interest and teaching philosophy, sample teaching materials (optional), and up to two names of references (optional).

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Fall semester deadline is May 1, 2023; Spring deadline is Oct 1, 2023; and Summer deadline is Feb 1, 2024.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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New & notable collections, parallèles des édifices anciens et modernes du continent africain, rastafari ephemeral publications from the written rastafari archives project, la gran defensa : nuevo methodo de fortificacion, quaerimonia, pen/faulkner foundation records, katie g. cannon papers, 1955 -- 2018, lbgt films by chinese and taiwanese queer filmmakers, david wise papers, 1950s-2000s, elizabeth a. clark collection of research materials, circa 2000 -- 2020.

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The Libraries welcomed members of the Class of 1989 to an exhibit of materials from our special collections, curated specifically for '89 graduates by Libraries staff and including items from the C.V. Starr East Asian Library related to the Spring 1989 Democracy Movement in China.

Intern Nicole Cowan, a recent graduate of Chicago State University and current employee of the Chicago Public Library, participated in the Ask a Librarian internship, which enabled her to "help members of the Columbia University community access and retrieve needed information."

As graduation ceremonies conclude, the Libraries reminds Columbia graduates of available alumni benefits, including borrowing privileges and free, off-campus access to a wide range of databases and journals.

Professor Glenda Sluga of the European University Institute visited the Rare Book & Manuscript Library to consult the papers of Chinese diplomat V. K. Wellington Koo to "extend her research on the intellectual foundations of international cooperation into the twentieth century."

An annual event in honor of the Bancroft Prize, organized in partnership with the Department of History and the Forum, included remarks by Vice Provost and University Librarian Ann Thornton as well as conversations with the winners, Carolyn Woods Eisenberg and Elliott West.

"Established by award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson, the Baldwin-Emerson Elders Project captures and celebrates [through oral history] the untold stories of activists, storytellers, and community builders who have witnessed and shaped monumental change in American public life."

In recognition of Nakba Day on May 15, Middle East and Islamic Studies Librarian Peter Magierski calls attention to the ongoing erasure of archives, libraries, museums, and other cultural heritage institutions in Gaza and shares resources related to the destruction, both past and present.

Jonathan Marty, a Ph.D. student at the University of California-Berkeley, consults the papers of New York City-based, Marxist philosopher Marshall Berman, held by the Rare Book & Manuscript Library, for a forthcoming project on the "Socrates of Hamilton Heights."

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