The American Political Science Association (APSA) stands as a cornerstone in United States higher education, fostering the advancement of political science through rigorous scholarship, teaching, and public engagement. Founded in 1903, APSA has grown into the leading professional organization for political scientists, with over 12,000 members worldwide, predominantly in the US. Its mission is to promote the study of politics and government, supporting educators, researchers, and practitioners in colleges and universities across the nation. In the dynamic landscape of United States higher education, APSA provides invaluable resources that bridge academia and real-world policy, helping members navigate evolving trends like digital governance and global political challenges.
From annual conferences that draw thousands to flagship publications such as the American Political Science Review, APSA empowers faculty and researchers to stay at the forefront of their field. For job seekers and academic professionals, the association's career center offers exclusive opportunities in political science departments at top universities. Whether you're a tenure-track professor or an emerging scholar, APSA's networks open doors to collaborations and advancements. This guide delves into APSA's specialties, memberships, affiliations, and more, equipping you with data-driven insights to maximize your involvement.
Key benefits include access to professional development workshops, funding for research, and connections to influential policymakers. As higher education faces pressures from funding shifts and interdisciplinary demands, APSA's role in shaping standards is crucial. Explore how joining APSA can elevate your career—discover association jobs in United States and leverage platforms like Rate My Professor for peer insights. Stay informed with Academic Calendar for upcoming events. With its rich history and forward-looking initiatives, APSA is essential for anyone in United States political science academia.
In this comprehensive resource, you'll find detailed breakdowns, tables, and strategies to engage with APSA effectively. Whether enhancing your teaching methods or pursuing administrative roles, APSA supports sustainable career growth. Dive into the sections below for specialized knowledge and practical tips tailored to United States higher education professionals.
Overview of American Political Science Association
The American Political Science Association (APSA) was established in 1903 in New Orleans, Louisiana, emerging from a group of scholars seeking to professionalize the study of politics in the United States. Today, it serves as the premier organization for political scientists, with a membership exceeding 12,000 individuals from academia, government, and beyond. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APSA's influence extends across United States higher education, shaping curricula, research agendas, and policy discussions. Its mission emphasizes the promotion of scholarly inquiry into political processes, institutions, and behaviors, while encouraging diversity and inclusion in the discipline.
APSA's impact is profound: it organizes the largest political science gathering annually, the APSA Annual Meeting, attracting over 6,000 attendees. Publications like the PS: Political Science & Politics disseminate cutting-edge research to a broad audience. In United States colleges and universities, APSA sets benchmarks for excellence, offering grants, awards, and mentorship programs that bolster faculty development. The association addresses contemporary challenges, such as political polarization and democratic erosion, through task forces and reports that inform higher education practices.
With a focus on interdisciplinary approaches, APSA collaborates with fields like economics and sociology, enriching political science programs nationwide. Its commitment to equity is evident in initiatives like the Minority Fellows Program, which has supported hundreds of underrepresented scholars. For professionals in United States higher education, APSA provides a vital platform for intellectual exchange and career advancement. Consider how its resources can align with your goals—access higher ed career advice to integrate APSA's offerings.
| Aspect | Details | Impact in US Higher Education |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1903 | Over a century of shaping political science curricula in US universities |
| Membership | 12,000+ | Connects faculty across 1,000+ institutions |
| Headquarters | 1527 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 | Proximity to policy centers enhances advocacy for higher ed |
| Key Publications | APSR, PS | Cited in thousands of US academic papers annually |
This overview underscores APSA's enduring role. For more on faculty experiences, visit Rate My Professor. Track events via Academic Calendar.
Specialties and Focus Areas
In United States higher education, the American Political Science Association (APSA) encompasses a wide array of specialties within political science, catering to diverse academic interests. Core areas include American Politics, which examines domestic institutions and elections; Comparative Politics, focusing on global systems; International Relations, addressing diplomacy and conflicts; and Political Theory, exploring philosophical foundations. Additional subfields like Public Policy, Political Methodology, and Race, Ethnicity, and Politics reflect APSA's commitment to interdisciplinary and inclusive scholarship. These specialties are integral to college curricula, preparing students for careers in government, NGOs, and academia.
APSA supports these areas through specialized sections—over 40 in total—each hosting conferences, journals, and awards. For instance, the Political Economy section integrates economics with politics, vital for understanding fiscal policies in US universities. Research in these fields drives innovations, such as data-driven analyses of voter behavior, influencing higher education teaching methods. Faculty specializing in International Relations benefit from APSA's global networks, fostering collaborations with international scholars. The association's emphasis on empirical methods equips members with tools for rigorous inquiry, enhancing grant success rates in competitive US funding landscapes.
Emerging focuses, like computational social science, highlight APSA's adaptability to technological trends in higher education. Programs in these specialties often include hands-on training, benefiting lecturers and researchers alike. By aligning with APSA's focus areas, academics can tailor their expertise to meet institutional demands, from liberal arts colleges to research universities. Explore related opportunities at research jobs and lecturer jobs.
| Subject/Specialty | Description | Examples in US Higher Ed |
|---|---|---|
| American Politics | Study of US government, elections, and policy | Courses at Harvard, UC Berkeley on congressional dynamics |
| Comparative Politics | Analysis of political systems worldwide | Comparative studies at Yale, focusing on democracies |
| International Relations | Global interactions, security, trade | Georgetown programs on foreign policy simulations |
| Political Theory | Philosophical underpinnings of politics | Princeton seminars on justice and power |
| Public Policy | Policy formulation and evaluation | MPP programs at Michigan analyzing healthcare reforms |
These specialties not only define APSA's scope but also drive career paths—link to higher ed career advice for strategies.
Membership Details and Count
The American Political Science Association (APSA) offers tiered membership options designed for United States higher education professionals, with a total count surpassing 12,000 members. Regular membership, at $220 annually, provides full access to journals, conferences, and networking for faculty and researchers. Associate membership, priced at $110, suits students and early-career scholars, while institutional memberships start at $500 for departments. Eligibility is open to anyone interested in political science, with special rates for retirees ($110) and lifetime options ($2,500). These structures ensure inclusivity across US colleges and universities.
Membership growth has been steady, reflecting APSA's relevance amid rising interest in political studies. Benefits include discounted job postings, professional development credits, and access to the member directory—essential for collaborations in higher education. Compared to similar groups like the American Sociological Association, APSA's fees are competitive, offering superior value through specialized political science resources. For US academics, membership enhances CVs, signaling commitment to the field and aiding tenure processes.
Trends show increased uptake among adjunct faculty seeking stability in precarious job markets. APSA's efforts to diversify membership have boosted participation from underrepresented groups, aligning with equity goals in US higher ed. Joining provides tools for career resilience—check professor salaries to contextualize benefits.
| Membership Type | Benefits | Fees (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | Journals, conferences, networking | $220/year |
| Associate | Discounted access, student resources | $110/year |
| Institutional | Department subscriptions, events | $500+/year |
| Lifetime | Perpetual benefits | $2,500 one-time |
These details highlight APSA's accessibility. For comparisons, see university rankings.
Affiliations and Partnerships
APSA's affiliations strengthen its position in United States higher education, partnering with over 50 organizations like the Social Science Research Council and the International Political Science Association. These collaborations facilitate joint research grants and cross-disciplinary events, benefiting US universities. Notable ties include the National Science Foundation for funding and the American Association of University Professors for advocacy on academic freedom. Such partnerships amplify APSA's influence, enabling members to access broader networks for collaborative projects.
In practice, these affiliations support initiatives like the Bridging Disciplines program, linking political science with environmental studies at institutions like Stanford. Impacts include enhanced funding opportunities—APSA-affiliated grants total millions annually—and policy influence, shaping US higher ed reforms. For faculty, these connections open doors to consulting roles and international exchanges, vital in a globalized academy.
APSA also partners with publishers like Cambridge University Press for journal distribution, ensuring wide dissemination. These ties foster innovation, addressing challenges like misinformation in political education. Explore employer insights via employer profiles.
| Affiliate | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SSRC | Research Council | Joint funding for political studies |
| NSF | Government Agency | Grants for US higher ed research |
| AAUP | Professional Org | Advocacy for faculty rights |
| IPSA | International | Global conference collaborations |
How American Political Science Association Helps Members
APSA empowers members in United States higher education through targeted support in job opportunities, networking, and professional development. Its career center lists hundreds of positions annually, from assistant professor roles to policy analyst jobs, exclusively for members. Networking occurs via section meetings and online portals, connecting scholars at events like the Teaching and Learning Conference. Professional development includes webinars on grant writing and pedagogy, helping faculty excel in US colleges.
Examples abound: the Centennial Center for Political Science and Public Affairs provides office space for research, boosting productivity. Job placement rates for APSA members surpass 80% in academia, thanks to resume workshops and interview prep. For career enhancement, APSA's diversity programs offer mentorship, addressing barriers in higher ed. These resources translate to tangible outcomes, like publications and promotions.
In a competitive field, APSA's help is indispensable—link to higher ed jobs for immediate opportunities.
| Support Area | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Job Opportunities | Career center listings | Postings at Ivy League schools |
| Networking | Events and directories | Annual meeting receptions |
| Professional Development | Workshops and grants | Teaching certificate programs |
Maximize these benefits with Ivy League schools insights.
Key Events and Resources
APSA's key events, like the Annual Meeting in September, feature panels on US political trends, drawing 6,000+ participants. The Teaching and Learning Conference focuses on pedagogy for higher ed instructors. Resources include eJobs for daily job alerts and the APSAnet member portal for discussions. Publications such as Perspectives on Politics offer free access to members, while online libraries provide archival materials.
These elements support continuous learning in United States academia. For planning, use Academic Calendar.
Trends and Future Directions
APSA has seen 5% annual membership growth since 2010, driven by interest in political events. Future directions include AI in political analysis and sustainability politics, with forecasts predicting 15,000 members by 2030. In US higher ed, APSA will emphasize digital ethics and global equity.
| Year | Member Growth | Key Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,000 | Post-recession recovery |
| 2020 | 12,000 | Pandemic-driven online shift |
| 2030 (proj) | 15,000 | AI integration |
Stay ahead with higher ed jobs by country.
Comparisons with Similar Associations
Compared to the American Historical Association (AHA), APSA offers more policy-focused resources, with larger conferences (6,000 vs. 5,000 attendees). Versus the Midwest Political Science Association, APSA's national scope provides broader networking. Benchmarks show APSA's journal impact factor higher at 3.5. Insights reveal APSA's edge in career services for US higher ed.
| Association | Members | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| APSA | 12,000 | Job board and policy |
| AHA | 15,000 | Historical archives |
| MPSA | 3,000 | Regional focus |
For more, visit job board software comparisons.
Joining Tips and Benefits
To join APSA, visit their site for online registration, selecting the tier that fits your career stage. Tips include leveraging student discounts and attending free webinars first. Benefits like exclusive job access and awards can accelerate promotions in US higher ed. CTA: Start your journey—explore association jobs and how Rate My Professor works for feedback.