Why Researchers Choose American Political Science Review for High-Impact Publications

American Political Science Review serves as the flagship journal of the American Political Science Association, delivering rigorous, innovative scholarship that shapes political science globally. Established in 1906, it has evolved into a cornerstone for researchers seeking to publish work that influences policy, theory, and practice across subfields like American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political methodology. With a storied history of featuring seminal articles—such as those on democratic theory and institutional design—the journal maintains an unwavering commitment to methodological excellence and intellectual depth.

Researchers gravitate toward American Political Science Review for its unparalleled prestige and visibility. Boasting a 2023 Clarivate Impact Factor of 5.4 and a Scopus CiteScore of 11.2, publications here garner citations that propel academic careers, particularly for deans and department heads aiming to lead in higher education. The journal's hybrid open access model allows authors to reach wider audiences while upholding traditional subscription access, ensuring broad dissemination without compromising quality. Its selective process, with an acceptance rate around 7-10%, underscores the value of acceptance as a career milestone.

The scope encompasses empirical and theoretical contributions that advance political understanding, from quantitative analyses to normative inquiries. Indexed in Web of Science, Scopus, and JSTOR, articles achieve lasting impact. For department leaders, publishing here signals excellence, aiding in faculty recruitment and program development. The editorial board, comprising leading scholars, provides constructive feedback that refines manuscripts.

To explore opportunities in political science academia, consider browsing political science faculty jobs or tenure-track positions. For personalized insights, visit Rate My Professor and check the academic calendar for deadlines.

Overview & History

Founded in 1906 by the American Political Science Association, American Political Science Review has chronicled the discipline's evolution. Initially focused on American government, it expanded post-World War II to include global perspectives. Key milestones include its role in behavioralism debates and recent emphasis on diversity in political scholarship. Today, it publishes quarterly, with over 100 years of archives accessible via Cambridge Core.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

American Political Science Review covers the full spectrum of political science, prioritizing original research with broad implications. Core areas include formal theory, political behavior, public policy, and political economy.

Key Journal Metrics

Indexing and Abstracting

American Political Science Review is indexed in major databases, ensuring global discoverability. Key services include Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), Scopus, PubMed (select articles), JSTOR, and ProQuest. This coverage facilitates high citation rates and interdisciplinary reach, vital for department heads tracking faculty output.

• Web of Science: Core collection for impact tracking.
• Scopus: Comprehensive abstracting for metrics.
• Google Scholar: Broad search visibility.
• DOAJ: Not applicable (hybrid model).

Publication Model and Fees

As a hybrid journal, American Political Science Review offers subscription-based access with open access options. No mandatory APC for standard publication; open access requires $3,500 USD, covering processing and archiving. Sherpa/RoMEO classifies it as green for self-archiving, allowing preprints on personal sites after acceptance.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions occur via ScholarOne Manuscripts portal at ScholarOne. Guidelines emphasize double-anonymous review, with manuscripts under 10,000 words preferred. Prepare abstracts, keywords, and data availability statements. Average time to first decision is 60 days.

Editorial Board Highlights

The board features luminaries like Editor-in-Chief Janet M. Box-Steffensmeier (Ohio State University), alongside associate editors from Harvard, Stanford, and international institutions. Their expertise spans subfields, ensuring balanced, high-quality reviews. For department leaders, this network highlights collaboration opportunities in international relations jobs.

Why Publish in American Political Science Review?

Publishing elevates careers by associating with elite scholarship. High metrics boost tenure dossiers, grant applications, and leadership roles. The journal's APSA affiliation connects authors to annual conferences, fostering networks. Compared to peers, its broad appeal maximizes impact for deans shaping curricula.

Comparison with Similar Journals

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

Craft a compelling abstract highlighting novelty. Ensure robust methods and clear implications. Engage with recent literature, including APSR articles. Seek feedback from colleagues before submitting. For career advancement, pair publications with dean positions or faculty head jobs. Track progress via the portal and prepare for revisions.