Contact Information
Department of Political Science
Mailcode #9420
University of California
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9420

Phone: (805) 893-3432
Advising: (805) 893-4192
Fax: (805) 893-3309

Welcome to The Department of Political Science
The Department of Political Science at UC Santa Barbara has assembled an exceptional faculty who are engaged in advanced research and who place a high value on excellent teaching. The department trains doctoral students for academic careers, and offers an undergraduate major enrolling about 800 students. We strive to use the resources of the University to create an environment of productive intellectual inquiry and rigorous academic training. We encompass the traditional fields of international relations, comparative politics, American politics, political theory, and research methods. Additionally, in conjuction with other departments and research centers on campus, we organize many of our activities and research selectively around broad foci: political communication, the politics of identity, and the politics of public policy, especially environmental policy.  The department is part of the College of Letters & Science. UC Santa Barbara is a world-class research university offering a comprehensive array of academic programs, and it is located in a beautiful coastal community with a Mediterranean climate.
Political Science Alum is New Head of Government Relations
Kirsten Zimmer Deshler '87 has been appointed as the new Director of Governmental Relations, effective January 25, 2010.
Norris quoted on UC Registration Problems
Associate Professor Andrew Norris was quoted extensively in an LA Times news article about the difficulties UC students are having getting into classes this quarter.

Upcoming Events

  • Presentation by Matthew F. Shugart
    February 16, 2010
    "Presidents, Parties, and Executive-Legislative Relations."  Matthew F. Shugart is Professor of...
  • Lecture by Paul Spickard
    February 19, 2010
    "Migrants, Ethnicity, and Membership in Europe."  A presentation of the Research Focus Group on...
  • Colloquium--John Gastil
    February 25, 2010
    "Civic Awakening in the Jury Room: A longitudinal study of the impact of jury service on political...
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UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara CA 93106 (805) 893-8000
Contact polsweb@polsci.ucsb.edu