Dr. Jennifer Bussell

Associate Professor

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Biography

Jennifer Bussell is an Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science and the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on comparative politics with an emphasis on political economy, democratic representation, and governance outcomes, primarily in South Asia and Africa. Her latest book, 'Clients Constituents: Political Responsiveness in Patronage Democracies,' examines the provision of constituency service by high-level elected officials in India and elsewhere, utilizing elite citizen surveys and qualitative methods. Another significant work, 'Corruption Reform in India: Public Services in the Digital Age,' investigates how corrupt practices influence government adoption of information technology, based on fieldwork conducted in sixteen Indian states as well as parts of South Africa and Brazil. Additionally, she studies the politics of natural disasters in developing countries and the incentives for governments to invest in preparedness.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of California, Berkeley

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE Subject
Overall Score
Required:500
Overall
Required:500
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent Preparation comparable to undergraduate major at Berkeley in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics 2 full years lower-division work (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus) 8 one-semester upper-division courses (Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra)
Application Checklist
  • Graduate Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • C.V./Resume
  • Course and Textbook List
Specialization Notes

The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.