• What do political scientists do?
• Why study Political Science in ITAM?
• Where do our graduates work?


What do political scientists do?

ITAM's approach to the study of political science is what distinguishes us from other universities in Mexico. We place high value not only on theoretical knowledge, but also on economic and analytical knowledge and tools.

Our analysis proceeds by following, as closely as possible, the four steps of the scientific method.

1. We begin by observing a phenomenon which calls our attention, asking ourselves how it works. We may notice, for example, a contrast between the American electoral situation - which only has two viable partisan options, both fairly moderate - and the Mexican - with three viable options, one left, one center and one right. What explains this difference?
   
   
2. We immediately proceed to discuss and justify the importance of our question. This leads us to the area of political philosophy, where normative issues are discussed. Our example suggests an obvious question: what is preferable, to have a more diverse electoral "menu" (as in Mexico) or to guarantee that, no matter who wins, the guideline will be political moderation (as in the United States)?
   
   
3. Next we develop an answer to our question. We thus enter the field of positive political theory, where political phenomena are explained. An explanation of the example at hand comes to mind: proportional representation exists in Mexico and not in the United States. Perhaps different electoral institutions cause differences in the number of parties and their place in the ideological spectrum.
   
   
4. To evaluate whether or not our explanation is valid, we search for evidence confirming it or falsifying it. We thus enter the field of political methodology, where we develop models to look for empirical support for the predictions stemming from our theories. In our example, we could try to see if the alleged relationship between proportional representation and multiparty politics is verified in other democracies of the world. In fact, there is good evidence that this is so: the electoral system has shown to be a good predictor for the number of parties and their ideological location.

• Because we have nearly 20 years of experience in teaching Contemporary Political Science in Mexico.
  
  
• Because we have the best and most complete study plan, offering five areas of concentration:
  
  (1) Political Philosophy;
  (2) Elections and Parties;
  (3) Institutions and Comparative Politics;
  (4) Political Economy; and
  (5) Public Opinion
  
  
• Because we are the only academic department in Mexico in which all full time faculty members have doctoral studies in one of the top ten Political Science departments in the United States (Chicago, Duke, Harvard, Michigan, Princeton, UCLA, UCSD and Yale). Our faculty also includes two associate professors from the Department of Political Science at Stanford.
  
  
• Because our professors have the necessary academic credentials to impart each and every curricular course in our program. The competition may be inspired by our study plan, but they still lack competent staff to teach it.
  
  
• Because our students have a unique record of excellence in Mexico, with international recognition. We have a stock of over 150 BA theses completed by our program's graduates. The quality standards which characterize these research documents guarantee that not a year goes by without several of our graduates being admitted and financed for graduate studies in the most prestigious Political Science programs in the United States and Europe.
  
  
• Because ITAM has student exchange agreements with over 80 universities in the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America and Asia. This allows you to take the courses of one or two semesters in prestigious universities abroad.
  
  
• Because all of the above translates into very high probabilities of professional success in your career. ITAM offers you the best work opportunities in Mexico at the end of your program.