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Nationally Recognized
Broaden Your Understanding of International Politics, Security, and Global Affairs
Develop an interdisciplinary understanding of how power operates within and between states in the international arena.
Create clear, persuasive, and grounded oral and written arguments using critical thinking skills.
Use knowledge of global issues and problems to identify policy options and potential solutions.
Use a specialized concentration to gain insight into and systematically evaluate different aspects of the international sphere.
Study a Variety of Topics and Customize Your Course List
Study a Variety of Topics and Customize Your Course List
Your courses will examine theoretical concepts and contemporary issues such as ethnic conflict, terrorism, global violence, and economic and political globalization. Studies in international and comparative politics — as well as in economics, geography, and history — round out this comprehensive degree.
You will also specialize with a unique concentration tailored to your interests in global politics.
Create Your Own Learning Path
The B.A. in International Politics offers three areas of study for you to choose from:
International Political Economy
Provides for focused study at the intersection of politics and economics, with courses that allow students to engage with topics such as global trade, foreign investment, and international business
National Security Studies
Focuses on a study of global security, threats, and risks, with attention paid to addressing threats from state and non-state actors in the international system
International Relations
Offers a multidisciplinary foundation in the study of international affairs and is suitable for students who are interested in international politics but are not focused exclusively on economics or security studies
The Bachelor of Arts in International Politics degree requires students to complete a minimum of 123 credits. A grade of "C" or better is required for all courses in the major.
Foundational Courses (select 9 credits)
- 3credits
This course examines the American democracy by looking at the dynamic interaction between the founding ideals of the United States government, the institutions established by the Constitution, and the ongoing contest for power within and through those institutions.
- or:3credits
Critical analysis of contemporary political ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, anarchism, fascism, feminism, and environmentalism.
- 3credits
This course examines the variety of ways that people seek and wield power around the world. Through cross-national comparison and individual country analysis, the course considers different forms of democratic and authoritarian regimes, sources of stability and change in different regime types, and the relationship between cultural, economic, and social factors and political processes.
- or:3credits
This course introduces students to the politics and governing institutions of European countries through a historical and comparative perspective.
- 3credits
Characteristics of modern nation-states and forces governing their international relations; nationalism; imperialism; diplomacy; current problems of war and peace.
Advanced Courses (select 6 credits)
- 3credits
The transnational politics of trade, investment, aid, raw materials, and the environment; nation-states, multinational corporations, and the U.N.
- Prerequisite
ECON 102, ECON 104, or IB 303
- 3credits
A survey of traditional and contemporary conceptual frameworks and theoretical approaches for the analysis of international relations.
- Prerequisite
PLSC 14
- 3credits
Analysis of political terrorism as a violent alternative for peaceful change and traditional warfare in the nuclear age.
- Prerequisite
CRIMJ 100 or PLSC 14 or permission of program
- 3credits
Principles of American foreign policy; processes of policy formulation; roles of the President, Congress, the State Department, and other government agencies.
- Prerequisite
PLSC 14
Supporting Courses (select 12 credits)
- 3credits
Introduction to various methods of analyzing strategic behavior using social choice and game theories.
- Prerequisite
PLSC 1 , PLSC 3 , or PLSC 14
- 3credits
The transnational politics of trade, investment, aid, raw materials, and the environment; nation-states, multinational corporations, and the U.N.
- Prerequisite
ECON 102, ECON 104, or IB 303
- 3credits
A survey of traditional and contemporary conceptual frameworks and theoretical approaches for the analysis of international relations.
- Prerequisite
PLSC 14
- 3credits
Impact of national security on U.S. government and foreign policy; roles and interaction of President, Congress, government agencies, interest groups.
- Prerequisite
PLSC 001 or PLSC 014
- 3credits
Analysis of political terrorism as a violent alternative for peaceful change and traditional warfare in the nuclear age.
- Prerequisite
CRIMJ 100 or PLSC 14 or permission of program
- 3credits
Principles of American foreign policy; processes of policy formulation; roles of the President, Congress, the State Department, and other government agencies.
- Prerequisite
PLSC 14
- 3credits
Social forces and processes, governmental institutions, foreign policies of major states of Latin America.
- Prerequisite
PLSC 3 or PLSC 200N
- 3credits
The international relations of the Middle East, stressing national security policies of regional and outside actors, and major contemporary conflicts.
- Prerequisite
PLSC 14 or HIST 181
- 3credits
This course will examine the inter-relationship of foreign, military and economic policy.
Program Options (12 credits)
Choose one of the following program options. Courses for each program option will be determined in conjunction with your academic adviser.
International Relations (12 total credits)
History (select 3 credits)
- 3credits
Political, social, and ideological developments; origin and impact of two World Wars; totalitarianism and democracy; changing role in the world.
- 3credits
In-depth study of the origins and conduct of World War II. Political and economic aspects as well as military.
- 3credits
Examines the history of modern Latin America, including the geographic and political development of the region, the development of various economic models, and the widespread extraction of labor focusing on African slavery and Indigenous exploitation.
- 3credits
Origins of Islamic civilization; expansion of Islam; the Ottoman Empire; the Middle East since 1918.
Economics (select 3 credits)
- 3credits
Methods of economic analysis and their use; price determination; theory of the firm; distribution.
- or:3credits
National income measurement; aggregate economic models; money and income; policy problems.
Geography (select 3 credits)
- 3credits
Explores various visions of the apocalypse and their relevance for addressing major contemporary social, ecological, and economic issues. These issues include global climate change, nuclear war, the growing refugee crisis, the breakdown of democratic governance, economic recession, and forms of everyday violence and social fracture.
- 3credits
Introduces students to the multiple connections of people and the environment through the dynamics of food and the places where it is produced, processed, and consumed.
- 3credits
Explores the fundamentals of cartography, geographic information science, and associated technologies through mapping and spatial analysis to answer key human and environmental problems.
- 3credits
Introduction to the relationships between humans and the natural environment, in addition to the theories and methods that geographers employ in addressing them.
History/Geography/Economics (select 3 credits)
- 3credits
Contemporary economic, social, and political aspects of the United States and its role as a world power since 1945.
- 3credits
Focuses on the political, economic, and social changes in Turkey, Iran, Israel, and the Arab countries in the twentieth century; explores the Arab-Israeli conflict.
- Note
This course will fulfill the Global History requirement at the 400 level.
- 3credits
A selective overview of the history of imperialism and nationalism in Africa.
- 3credits
The human use of resources and ecosystems and social causes and consequences of environmental degradation in different parts of the world; development of environmental policy and management strategies.
- 3credits
Designed for students to understand the natural processes of aquatic ecosystems, management of water resources, and threats to sustaining water quantity and quality, for all types of freshwater surface, groundwater, rivers, lakes, wetlands.
- 3credits
Analysis, formulation, implementation, and impacts of energy-related policies, regulations, and initiatives.
- 3credits
Human dimensions of global environmental change: human causes; human adaptations; and policy implications of global warming.
- 3credits
Why nations trade, barriers to trade, balance of payments adjustment and exchange rate determination, eurocurrency markets, and trade-related institutions.
- 3credits
A survey of the major aspects of international business environment and operations with an emphasis on the cultural dimension.
National Security (12 total credits)
Take all (9 credits)
- 3credits
Theory and research concerning behaviors and lifestyles viewed as significant departures from a group's normative expectations.
- Prerequisite
CRIMJ 12
- 3credits
This introductory course spans areas of security, risk, and analysis covering contexts in government agencies and business organizations.
- 3credits
Provides overview of nature, scope, and seriousness of threats to security as a result of terrorism and crime.
- Prerequisite
SRA 111
History/Geography/Economics (select 3 credits)
- 3credits
Political, social, and ideological developments; origin and impact of two World Wars; totalitarianism and democracy; changing role in the world.
- 3credits
In-depth study of the origins and conduct of World War II. Political and economic aspects as well as military.
- 3credits
Examines the history of modern Latin America, including the geographic and political development of the region, the development of various economic models, and the widespread extraction of labor focusing on African slavery and Indigenous exploitation.
- 3credits
Origins of Islamic civilization; expansion of Islam; the Ottoman Empire; the Middle East since 1918.
- 3credits
Contemporary economic, social, and political aspects of the United States and its role as a world power since 1945.
- 3credits
Focuses on the political, economic, and social changes in Turkey, Iran, Israel, and the Arab countries in the twentieth century; explores the Arab-Israeli conflict.
- Note
This course will fulfill the Global History requirement at the 400 level.
- 3credits
A selective overview of the history of imperialism and nationalism in Africa.
- 3credits
Methods of economic analysis and their use; price determination; theory of the firm; distribution.
- 3credits
National income measurement; aggregate economic models; money and income; policy problems.
- 3credits
Why nations trade, barriers to trade, balance of payments adjustment and exchange rate determination, eurocurrency markets, and trade-related institutions.
- 3credits
A survey of the major aspects of international business environment and operations with an emphasis on the cultural dimension.
- 3credits
Explores various visions of the apocalypse and their relevance for addressing major contemporary social, ecological, and economic issues. These issues include global climate change, nuclear war, the growing refugee crisis, the breakdown of democratic governance, economic recession, and forms of everyday violence and social fracture.
- 3credits
Introduces students to the multiple connections of people and the environment through the dynamics of food and the places where it is produced, processed, and consumed.
- 3credits
Explores the fundamentals of cartography, geographic information science, and associated technologies through mapping and spatial analysis to answer key human and environmental problems.
- 3credits
Introduction to the relationships between humans and the natural environment, in addition to the theories and methods that geographers employ in addressing them.
International Political Economy
Economics (select 3 credits)
- 3credits
Methods of economic analysis and their use; price determination; theory of the firm; distribution.
- 3credits
National income measurement; aggregate economic models; money and income; policy problems.
Economics or International Business (select 6 credits)
- 3credits
Why nations trade, barriers to trade, balance of payments adjustment and exchange rate determination, eurocurrency markets, and trade-related institutions.
- 3credits
Causes/consequences of trade; effects of tariffs and quotas; strategic trade policy; political economy of trade restrictions and other topics.
- Prerequisite
ECON 302 or ECON 333
- 3credits
Trade balance movements, exchange rate determination; monetary and fiscal policies in open economies; international policy coordination; the world monetary system.
- Prerequisite
ECON 304 or ECON 333
- 3credits
Problems of capital formation, institutional considerations, theories of economic growth.
- Prerequisite
ECON 302 or ECON 304 or ECON 372
- 3credits
A survey of the major aspects of international business environment and operations with an emphasis on the cultural dimension.
History/Geography (select 3 credits)
- 3credits
Political, social, and ideological developments; origin and impact of two World Wars; totalitarianism and democracy; changing role in the world.
- 3credits
In-depth study of the origins and conduct of World War II. Political and economic aspects as well as military.
- 3credits
Examines the history of modern Latin America, including the geographic and political development of the region, the development of various economic models, and the widespread extraction of labor focusing on African slavery and Indigenous exploitation.
- 3credits
Origins of Islamic civilization; expansion of Islam; the Ottoman Empire; the Middle East since 1918.
- 3credits
Contemporary economic, social, and political aspects of the United States and its role as a world power since 1945.
- 3credits
Focuses on the political, economic, and social changes in Turkey, Iran, Israel, and the Arab countries in the twentieth century; explores the Arab-Israeli conflict.
- Note
This course will fulfill the Global History requirement at the 400 level.
- 3credits
A selective overview of the history of imperialism and nationalism in Africa.
- 3credits
Explores various visions of the apocalypse and their relevance for addressing major contemporary social, ecological, and economic issues. These issues include global climate change, nuclear war, the growing refugee crisis, the breakdown of democratic governance, economic recession, and forms of everyday violence and social fracture.
- 3credits
Introduces students to the multiple connections of people and the environment through the dynamics of food and the places where it is produced, processed, and consumed.
- 3credits
Explores the fundamentals of cartography, geographic information science, and associated technologies through mapping and spatial analysis to answer key human and environmental problems.
- 3credits
Introduction to the relationships between humans and the natural environment, in addition to the theories and methods that geographers employ in addressing them.
- 3credits
The human use of resources and ecosystems and social causes and consequences of environmental degradation in different parts of the world; development of environmental policy and management strategies.
- 3credits
Designed for students to understand the natural processes of aquatic ecosystems, management of water resources, and threats to sustaining water quantity and quality, for all types of freshwater surface, groundwater, rivers, lakes, wetlands.
- 3credits
Analysis, formulation, implementation, and impacts of energy-related policies, regulations, and initiatives.
- 3credits
Human dimensions of global environmental change: human causes; human adaptations; and policy implications of global warming.
Electives (15–18 credits)
Among the above degree requirements, students should incorporate at least:
- 3 credits in U.S. cultures
- 3 credits in international (IL) cultures
- 3 credits in writing-across-the-curriculum courses
The above course list includes only courses offered by World Campus. An official degree audit or the recommended academic plan for this program may include additional course options and detailed requirements. All students are expected to complete at least 36 Penn State credits to earn this degree. Please consult an academic adviser for details.
General Education Requirements
Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.
- Foundations: 15 credits
All courses require a grade of C or better. Inter-Domain courses may not be used for foundations requirements.- Writing/Speaking: 9 credits
- Quantification: 6 credits
3-6 credits are selected from mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics; 3 credits may be selected from computer science or symbolic logic.
- Knowledge Domains: 15 credits
Inter-Domain courses may not be used for knowledge domain requirements.- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Integrative Studies: 6 credits
- Inter-Domain course work: 6 credits
- Exploration: 9 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN) (may be Inter-Domain): 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, and Inter-Domain courses: 6 credits
May include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the requirements of the student’s degree program or at the 12th credit level, whichever is higher.
These General Education Requirements are for students who started in summer 2023 or later. Students who started earlier can review the prior version of the general education requirements.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
Some Bachelor of Arts requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major, General Education courses, or electives. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.
- Foreign Language: 0–12 credits
Students must attain 12th credit level of proficiency in one foreign language. - B.A. Fields: 9 credits
Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arts, Foreign Languages, Natural Sciences, Quantification (cannot be taken in the area of the student's primary major; foreign language credits in this category must be in a second foreign language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the first language) - Other Cultures: 0–3 credits
Select 3 credits from approved list. Students may count courses in this category in order to meet other major, minor, elective, or General Education requirements, except for the General Education US/IL requirement.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Start or Advance Your Career
Start or Advance Your Career
You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
The program is suited for students interested in foreign affairs, domestic or international security, and diplomacy; those pursuing careers in international business; and individuals interested in graduate study or education in domestic or international law.
Career Services to Set You Up for Success
From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.
- Opportunities to connect with employers
- Career counselor/coach support
- Occupation and salary information
- Internships
- Graduate school resources
Ready to Learn More?
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State bachelor's degree?
Costs and Financial Aid
Costs and Financial Aid
Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.
Costs and Financial Aid
Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State.
Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
2024–25 Academic Year Rates
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If you have 60 or more credits |
|---|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $632 per credit | $678 per credit |
| 12–19 | $7,678 per semester | $8,288 per semester |
2025–26 Academic Year Rates
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If you have 60 or more credits |
|---|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $638 per credit | $685 per credit |
| 12–19 | $7,755 per semester | $8,371 per semester |
Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19.
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Federal financial aid may only be used to pay for credits used to satisfy program requirements.
Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
Additional Cost of Attendance Details
To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:
- visit the Tuition Information site
- click the plus sign to expand the table
- select a semester from the World Campus row
Who Should Apply?
The Bachelor of Arts in International Politics is intended for students who have a specific interest in international affairs or international relations and who would like to focus their course work in those areas.
A Liberal Arts–Focused Approach
A Liberal Arts–Focused Approach
The international politics degree program differs from the B.A. and B.S. in political science because it aims to provide a broad, interdisciplinary education in international politics that includes the critical thinking, research, and communication skills you need to be a leader in a complex and changing world.
If you want a deep knowledge of U.S. domestic politics, international politics, or the politics of other nations, but also want to develop the critical thinking needed to understand relationships between governments and the populations they serve, a Penn State Bachelor of Arts in Political Science may be right for you.
If you are more interested in political analysis and evaluation, a Penn State Bachelor of Science in Political Science may be right for you. As a student in the B.S. program, you’ll balance your studies between understanding political behavior, institutions, and processes and gaining a wide array of skills in data analytics.
National Political Science Honor Society
The mission of Alpha Iota Omega, the national political science honor society, is to promote excellence in the study of political science, government, and international and public affairs. Honor society members have access to networking, grants, awards, scholarships, and other opportunities.
Set Your Own Pace
Set Your Own Pace
Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.
Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser.
To Finish Your Degree in Two to Three Years
- Take 6 courses each semester
To Finish Your Degree in Three to Four Years
- Take 4–5 courses each semester
To Finish Your Degree in Five or More Years
- Take 2–3 courses each semester
Timelines may vary for students transferring credits from another school or based on course availability.
Convenient Online Format
This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.
A Trusted Leader in Online Education
Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.
How to Apply to Penn State
How to Apply to Penn State
Apply by March 15 to start May 19
Application Instructions
Deadlines and Important Dates
Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.
Summer Deadline
Apply by March 15 to start May 19Fall Deadline
Apply by June 30 to start August 25Spring Deadline
Apply by October 31, 2025, to start January 12, 2026
New students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by March 1. Please visit the Office of Student Aid website for more information about applying for financial aid and recommended deadlines.
Steps to Apply
To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate, or have completed your GED.
You will need the following items to complete your application:
High school transcripts or GED transcript — First-year applicants are required to submit Self-Reported Academic Records (SRAR) when applying. Official high school transcripts for first-year applicants will only be required at the time a student accepts an offer of admission to Penn State.
Transfer international students will need to submit their high school transcript before their application can be reviewed.
Official college or university transcripts and/or official military transcripts (if applicable) — All college or university transcripts are required regardless of the length of time that has passed, the grades earned, or the accreditation of the institutions attended. Acceptance of transfer credit toward your degree is subject to final approval by the academic department. For detailed information, see the Transfer Students page.
Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Language Proficiency section on the Undergraduate Admissions International Requirements page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.
Create a New Penn State Account
If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.
Accessing MyPennState
The MyPennState Portal provides access to our online admissions services. Before accessing MyPennState, you must have a Penn State account that will be used to access all Penn State systems. After creating an account, you will receive a unique Penn State User ID. You will need to enter your User ID followed by @psu.edu when signing in to MyPennState and other Penn State sites. For example, you should be entering something like '[email protected]' in the Sign In field.
The application consists of six sections:
- Application Setup
- Program of Study
- Citizenship and Residency
- Academics and Experience
- Miscellaneous
- Review and Submit
Application Setup
Be sure to select "Online" for the "How would you like to complete your degree" question if you plan to attend Penn State World Campus.
The rest of this section will ask some basic questions about your education experience and military affiliation.
Program of Study
You will choose the degree type and then the starting semester.
Your starting campus will be selected as Penn State World Campus by default as long as you picked "Online" in your Application Setup. Click Continue.
On the Choose a Program page, select your intended major from the list.
Review your selection on the summary screen and click Continue to move on to the Citizenship and Residency section.
Citizenship and Residency
Complete the series of questions about your citizenship status, demographic information, Pennsylvania residency status, and family history.
Academics and Experience
You will need to enter academic experience information about your high school and any attempted courses at a college or university after high school.
The Education Gap Statement offers a place to explain any time that has elapsed between your high school graduation and your anticipated enrollment at Penn State. Please provide a summary of why that gap occurred. Some examples that would explain a gap in your education include work, family, attending another college or university, etc.
Miscellaneous
In the Miscellaneous section, you will provide any program-specific requirements (e.g., a personal statement), information about activities, and financial aid information.
Review and Submit
Review your information, digitally sign your application, and provide payment for the application fee ($65 domestic or $75 international).
High School Transcripts and Academic Record
After your application is completed, you will also need to self-report your high school course work before the application deadline. You will be directed to fill out the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). It is helpful to have a high school transcript available when completing this section. In the third section, you'll select your program of study and campus.
Official high school transcripts or GED transcript, along with records from high school, are required, regardless of the length of time that has passed.
Include any college/university transcripts (required), military transcripts, and Proof of English Language proficiency (if applicable). SAT/ACT scores are not required if you are identified as an adult learner or transfer student.
All official documents should be sent to:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park, PA 16802You can also have your transcripts sent electronically through Parchment, eScript-Safe, or the National Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from the college/university where course work was attempted.
Acceptance
After receiving your application, application fee, and all required materials, your application will be evaluated for admission. You can check your application status online. This will provide the most up‐to‐date information about the status of your application and is updated once daily, before 8:00 a.m. (ET). Once a decision has been made regarding your application, it will be available to you through the MyPennState portal.
For information on when you can expect an admissions decision, visit the Dates and Deadlines page of the Undergraduate Admissions website. Make sure you click the "+" sign to see these dates for World Campus Applicants (First-Year and Transfer).
5. Complete the application.
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Contact Us
Contact Us
Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.
To learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in International Politics, please contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
Email: [email protected]
Learn from the Best
Learn from the Best
This program will give you the opportunity to study with highly regarded faculty from Penn State's College of the Liberal Arts, one of the premier liberal arts institutions in the world.
Faculty
Burton Atkins
- DegreePh.D., Political Science, University of Kentucky
- DegreeM.A., Political Science, University of Kentucky
- DegreeB.A., Political Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Dr. Burton Atkins is an instructor for Penn State World Campus and Professor Emeritus (political science) at Florida State University. His research interests and publications have focused on American constitutional law and judicial behavior, as well as on comparative judicial studies with an emphasis on the British appellate courts.
James W. Binney
- DegreePh.D., International Relations Theory & Comparative Politics, University of Kentucky
- DegreeM.Ed., Higher Education, Penn State
- DegreeM.A., International Relations Theory & Comparative Politics, University of Kentucky
- DegreeB.A., Political Science, University of North Carolina at Wilmington
- DegreeB.S., Hotel and Restaurant Management, Penn State
Dr. James W. Binney is an instructor for Penn State World Campus. He has a wide range of teaching interests that include American politics, international relations theory, racial politics and ethnic conflict, comparative politics (regional specialties in Post-Soviet politics and Central Asia), political and economic development, developing nations, and political theory and ideologies. Dr. Binney is interested in research in foreign aid.
Christopher Cook
- DegreePh.D., Political Science, University of California, Santa Barbara
- DegreeM.A., Political Science, University of California, Santa Barbara
- DegreeM.A., Political Science, California State University, Los Angeles
- DegreeB.S., History, Fitchburg State College
Dr. Christopher Cook’s research and teaching interests include foreign policy with an emphasis on intervention, terrorism, and political communication. He has published articles examining American foreign policy in the Congo and Sierra Leone as well as examining U.S. media coverage of African conflicts.
Justin K. Crofoot
- DegreePh.D., Political Science, Florida State University
- DegreeM.S., Political Science, Florida State University
- DegreeB.A., Political Science and Philosophy, University of Alabama
Dr. Justin K. Crofoot is an assistant teaching professor of political science at Penn State University Park. Dr. Crofoot's research and teaching interests include state and local politics, the policymaking process, and interest groups. He is particularly interested in the role of interest groups in the policymaking process across the American states.
Marie Hojnacki
- DegreePh.D., Political Science, Ohio State University
- DegreeM.A., Political Science, Ohio State University
- DegreeM.S., Public Policy Analysis, University of Rochester
- DegreeB.A., Political Science and Communication, Canisius College
Dr. Marie Hojnacki is an associate professor of political science at Penn State University Park. Her research examines how organized interests act to shape public policy, and why some types of interests have advantages over others in terms of policy success and agenda setting. A current project investigates how organizations communicate their issue priorities, and how and why communication strategies may differ for different types of groups. Dr. Hojnacki teaches about political parties, interest groups, representation, and research design.
Tamar London
- DegreePh.D., Political Science, University of Rochester
- DegreeB.A., Mathematics and Political Science, Binghamton University
Dr. Tamar London is an instructor for Penn State World Campus. Her past research has focused on mathematical models of international negotiation. She teaches courses on international relations, international political economy, and game theory and statistics.
Nicole Morford
- DegreePh.D., Political Science, Penn State
- DegreeM.A., Political Science, Penn State
- DegreeB.A., Political Science, Geneva College
Dr. Nicole Morford is an instructor for Penn State World Campus. Her research focused on social movements and civil society development in post-Soviet states, particularly the women's movement in Ukraine. She teaches courses about American and comparative politics.
Adam Nye
- DegreePh.D., Political Science, University at Buffalo, SUNY
- DegreeM.S., Social Sciences Interdisciplinary, University at Buffalo, SUNY
- DegreeB.A., Political Science and Psychology, University at Buffalo, SUNY
Dr. Adam Nye is an associate teaching professor in the Department of Political Science at Penn State’s University Park campus. He primarily teaches courses related to public law and judicial politics. The public law courses focus on landmark Supreme Court cases, while the courses related to judicial politics concentrate on legal procedures and the behavior of judges. In addition, Dr. Nye also teaches about the bureaucracy in America, and the American national government.
Glenn Palmer
- DegreePh.D., Political Science, University of Michigan
- DegreeB.A., Government, Cornell University
Dr. Glenn Palmer is a professor emeritus of political science, recently retired from a distinguished 23-year career at Penn State. Palmer served as executive director for the Peace Science Society (International) for 17 years and as editor for Conflict Management and Peace Science for 13. He was the long-term primary investigator for the Militarized Interstate Dispute Project, funded with numerous grants from the National Science Foundation. He co-authored three books and numerous articles for scholarly journals dealing with his interests in international conflict and foreign policy.
Amanda Parks
- DegreePh.D., Political Science, Penn State
- DegreeM.A., Political Science, Penn State
- DegreeB.S., Journalism, Bowling Green State University
Dr. Amanda Parks, an instructor for Penn State World Campus, centers her research and teaching interests around public opinion and political communication, with a particular focus on the institutional reasons for media distortions and its effect on citizens' evaluations of policies and candidates. Other research interests include deliberative citizen engagement and the effects of new media on political communication.
Daniel Ponder
- DegreePh.D., Political Science, Vanderbilt University
- DegreeB.S., Political Science, Missouri State University
Dr. Daniel Ponder is a professor of political science at Drury University in his hometown of Springfield, Missouri. For 13 years before that, he was a professor at the University of Colorado. His research and writing focus on the American presidency, but he teaches on the Supreme Court, constitutional law, quantitative methods, congress and the presidency, public policy, and the interplay of film, music, and politics. He wrote two books on the presidency, and his research appears in numerous scholarly journals. In 2019–20, he was president of a section of the American Political Science Association.
Jason Warner
- DegreePh.D., African Studies, Harvard University
- DegreeM.A., Government, Harvard University
- DegreeM.A., African Studies, Yale University
- DegreeB.A., International Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Dr. Jason Warner, assistant professor at the Military Academy at West Point, teaches in the Department of Social Sciences and is an associate in the Combating Terrorism Center, where he directs research on terrorism and counterterrorism in Africa. His research focuses on terrorist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State in Africa, terrorism, counterterrorism, and political violence. He is the co-author or co-editor of three books and has published in leading academic journals in political science, security studies, and African studies.
Ilya Winham
- DegreePh.D., Political Theory, University of Minnesota
- DegreeM.A., Social Sciences, University of Chicago
- DegreeB.A., Political Science, Macalester College
Dr. Ilya Winham is an instructor for Penn State World Campus, and also teaches courses in the history of political thought at the University of Georgia. He was an assistant editor of the journal Political Theory from 2007-2010. His research interests include the political thought of Hannah Arendt, Isaiah Berlin, and Machiavelli.
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