Political Science The University of New Mexico

Overview

The Political Science programme at The University of New Mexico provides students with a sophisticated understanding of power, governance, and global policy. This curriculum is designed to transform dedicated learners into effective citizens, policy makers, and internationally recognised scholars through intensive research training.

The department maintains a small, selective cohort of approximately 35 students to ensure personalised mentorship and direct collaboration with faculty. This intimate academic setting allows for frequent co-authoring opportunities between students and professors, fostering a professional environment where emerging researchers can thrive. The faculty consists of nationally recognised experts who specialise in diverse areas such as election administration, international human rights, and global health politics.

Why Political Science at The University of New Mexico?

The University of New Mexico boasts a distinguished history in political research, with its graduate department dating back to 1969. The institution is particularly noted for its success in securing highly competitive national awards. In the past decade, only three larger departments in the United States have surpassed this programme in winning prestigious dissertation-stage grants from the National Science Foundation and the Fulbright programme.

Facilities and teaching methods at the university emphasise a multi-method approach, combining qualitative insights with advanced methodology. The department actively disseminates new knowledge through high-visibility, peer-reviewed publications, ensuring that the research conducted on campus has a tangible impact on local, national, and international communities. Students benefit from an accessible yet intensive training structure that prepares them for the complexities of modern political analysis.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 29146 per year
• National fee: USD 29146 per year
• Local fee: USD 10084 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum covers several core subfields and specialised areas of political inquiry. Modules may include:

• American Politics
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Public Policy
• Methodology
• Political Behavior and Election Administration
• International Human Rights and Restorative Justice
• Global Health Politics
• Gender, Race and Ethnic Politics
• Media Politics and Civic Engagement
• Congressional Politics and Campaign Spending
• Political and Interstate Conflict
• Political Economy of Illicit Markets
• Latino Politics and Health Policy
• Corporate Political Spending and International Trade
• Political Violence and Conflict Resolution
• Urban Elections and Campaigns
• Urban Policy

Careers with Political Science

Graduates of the programme are highly competitive in both academic and non-academic job markets. Ph.D. alumni frequently secure faculty positions at prestigious institutions such as the University of Arizona, University of Missouri, and the University of Vermont. These roles involve advanced research and teaching at the university level across the United States.

For those pursuing the M.A. track, career outcomes are diverse and include significant roles within the public sector. Graduates have found employment at the Sandia National Laboratories and within various levels of local, state, and federal government. Some alumni have successfully transitioned into elected office, while others apply their analytical skills in policy making and governmental administration.