Political Psychology

Political psychology is an interdisciplinary academic field that considers the relationships between psychology and political science, human thought and the political behavior. It considers the psychological issues of voters, legislators, bureaucrats and leaders, local and national governments and administrations, international organizations, political parties, and associations.

The Director of the program is Jerrold Post.

Curriculum Requirements

To complete the certificate in political psychology, students must take four core courses plus two supporting course. Students may take other courses not on the list of suggested courses with the approval of the Office of Academic Advising and Student Services.

Required Core Courses:
PPSY 201 Fundamentals of Political Psychology
PPSY 202 Political Psychology Research Methods
PPSY 204 The Theory and Practice of International Negotiations
PPSY 205 Political Violence and Terrorism

Supporting Courses:
ANTH 220 The Anthropology of Development
ANTH 263 Nationalism and Ethnicity
PSYCH 219 Group Dynamics
PSYCH 247 Psychology of Leadership in Organizations
PSYCH 253 Social Cognition
PSYCH 254 Social Influence
PSYCH 255 Attitudes and Attitude Change
PSYCH 259 Psychology of Individual and Group Decision Making
SOC 210 Political Sociology
SOC 225 Social Change
SOC 241 Sociology of Organizations
SOC 246 Comparative Race and Ethnicity
SOC 258 Deviance and Control

For a list of special topics courses that may apply to your certificate program, please refer to the current course schedule or the Office of Academic Advising and Student Services