The American Political Science Association (APSA)

As a professional political science association for scholars and students in the US, the American Political Science Association (APSA) was established in 1903. As a nonpartisan organization located in Washington DC, the association is the publisher of three academic journals.

The Association’s Purpose

The association’s purpose is to encourage and promote the study and education of political science that includes public administration, public law, political institutions, international relationships and politics. It has strict guidelines on not supporting any political candidates or parties. Additionally, it does not take positions nor commit the membership on any questions concerning public policy outside of its stated interest in promoting the education and studies involving political science.

The American Political Science Association does however encourage all of its members to remain vigilant in researching and becoming active in staying concerned about social issues, policies and contemporary politics. This includes issues that are controversial and/or policies that might be directly related to partisan discourse at all levels of the government.

APSA remains active in adopting any appropriate resolutions in their effort to support the continuation of academic freedom, along with the membership’s freedom of expression. Their extensive efforts are to promote a profession in political science at all available levels from administration to relations. In addition, they work to support the continuously evolving practices and research in the political science arena.

Mentoring

One of the programs offered by APSA includes mentoring. The association will routinely invite qualified graduate students and members of the faculty to collaborate in its mentoring program. The program is designed as an opportunity to develop a partnership between faculty and students to review available resources that are designed to enrich the mentoring experience.

Awards

APSA offers a variety of awards for professional excellence on an annual basis to its membership. Some of these include:

• Career Award
• Book Award
• Article and Paper Award
• Dissertation Award
• Teaching Award

The mission of the association is to provide all the tools necessary for political scientists to teach, practice and research in every available field concerning political science. They provide the necessary support for the discipline of political science to grow and evolve.

The American Political Science Association offers numerous conferences where members can enhance their knowledge and the methodologies, techniques and approaches involving political science. Using learning models and innovative teaching modalities, the conferences help broaden the awareness and the discipline of political science, at a professional level.

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