Equity & Diversity

Our Commitment

"Research shows that groups with greater diversity think more creatively and solve problems better. It is therefore a central goal for political science to welcome the diversity of citizens of the United States and the world to the study of politics. Our department sets a high value on creating classrooms, research, a graduate program, and a professoriate, who reflect ever greater diversity. Students of politics from all backgrounds are welcome in our department." —Joan C. Tronto, professor emerita of political theory

"The Department of Political Science at the University of Minnesota is strongly committed to all forms of inclusion and diversity, including varieties of personal experiences, circumstances, and worldviews that arise from differences in ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, indigeneity, economic class, religion, different abilities, culture, and geography. We take pride in the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our faculty and students, and we strive to create an intellectual environment in which individuals with diverse views, experiences, and cultural backgrounds come together." —Howard Lavine, professor of political psychology

Diversity in Political Science Program

The Department of Political Science hosts a one-day information session to provide prospective graduate students with insights into the process of applying to political science PhD programs. We aim to expose the "hidden curriculum" of the graduate school process, provide answers and information as you consider applying for a PhD program, and center the experiences of prospective graduate students who are from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in political science.

See our Diversity in Political Science Program page for more details about the program.

Graduate Concentration in Power, Equity, and Diversity

The goal of the Power, Equity, and Diversity concentration is to create an intellectual community in which people and topics that are often marginalized in the discipline—including the political organization of religion and religious minorities, Indigenous peoples, less powerful racial and ethnic groups, and issues related to class, and gender and sexuality—are put at the center of inquiry. The concentration will encompass readings from all subfields in political science and is open to any graduate student in the department.

The concentration will consist of a 10-week core course in Power, Equity, and Diversity (2 credits), a proseminar in Power, Equity, and Diversity (2 credits), and two elective courses.

If you have any questions about the Concentration in Power, Equity, and Diversity please contact the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS).

Faculty and Graduate Student Research (Equity/Diversity)

Members of our department are actively engaged in research that explores questions of diversity and equity from a variety of perspectives including race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, indigeneity, and income inequality. See our Faculty and Graduate Student Research page for specific articles in these areas.

American Political Science Association (APSA) Diversity Student Recruitment Program

The Department of Political Science at the University of Minnesota is a Diversity Student Recruitment Program (DSRP) Recruiting Graduate Department. APSA created DSRP to advance diversity in political science. The DSRP program, in collaboration with political science departments, identifies undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds who show potential for or are interested in doctoral study. This information is shared with other APSA DSRP recruiting departments.

Sophomore, junior, and senior minority students are eligible to participate in DSRP. Students may enroll themselves or ask their undergraduate advisor to submit their name and contact information. Faculty may enroll students they believe would be interested in learning more about doctoral study. Enroll yourself or a student by completing the DSRP online form.

University Resources

In making diversity a core value, the University of Minnesota recognizes that its campuses flourish only when all students, staff, faculty, and external supporters have a community in which they can grow and thrive. The University’s access and diversity goals, values, and practices are fully interconnected, and the Office for Equity and Diversity (OED) comprises offices that work together—and in collaboration with faculty, staff, students, and administrators—to educate and serve all members of the University community.

UMN Diversity Support

UMN Student-Led Support

UMN Student Organizations - Diversity