Methodological Training
In most of our traditional subfields, students are required to take a year-long series of classes in quantitative analysis. In addition, diverse methodological approaches (e.g., comparative case analysis, survey, game theory, etc.) are taught and respected. Finally, the department participates in a university-wide initiative, Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences, which provides certification to those students specializing in advanced statistical methods.

The department also assists top graduate students who seek advanced quantitative training by providing support for attendance at the Interuniversity Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR).

Teacher Training
All students enroll in a required teaching assistant training course taught by our undergraduate advisor and a particularly skilled senior T.A. Ongoing training and regular student evaluations provide students with an ample teaching portfolio to take with them into the job market. At the university level, students may elect to take additional courses and requirements to qualify for the Certificate in College and University Teaching.

Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Emphasis in Global Studies
Graduate students in Political Science and five other departments may receive credit for an interdisciplinary Ph.D. emphasis in global studies when they earn their doctorate in their home department. To be admitted to the emphasis, students must have completed their first year of graduate study in the participating department; must have a research interest (and eventual dissertation topic) that is in some way concerned with transnational social processes or forces; and must have the approval of their department's Graduate Advisor as well as their faculty advisor. For more information, visit the program's website or contact the Political Science Department's representative to the program, Professor Benjamin J. Cohen.

Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Emphasis in Technology and Society
This emphasis is designed for doctoral students whose interests involve technology and society, and who seek perspectives from multiple disciplines. Students must petition the Graduate Division to have this emphasis added to their transcripts, take a series of eligible courses in conjunction with their departmental course work, and complete a dissertation on a topic relevant to technology and society. More information is available on the emphasis website, http://www.technology-society.ucsb.edu/, or contact the Political Science Department's representative to the program, Professor Bruce Bimber.

Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Emphasis in Women's Studies
Students interested in this emphasis must take four graduate courses in Women’s Studies (or a related field outside their department) in addition to their own departmental requirements, and a faculty member from Women’s Studies must serve on their dissertation committee. For more information, visit the program's website or contact the Political Science Department's representative to the program, Professor Aaron Belkin.