Dr. Michael Berkman

Professor

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Biography

Michael Berkman is a professor in the Department of Political Science and the director of the McCourtney Institute for Democracy at Penn State University. He earned his Ph.D. from Indiana University in 1989. Berkman co-hosts the Democracy Works podcast, which explores various facets of democracy. His research primarily focuses on American state politics and public policy, with his work published in leading political science journals such as the American Political Science Review and the American Journal of Political Science. He has authored several books, including 'Evolution, Creationism, and the Battle for Control of America’s Classrooms' with Eric Plutzer, published by Cambridge University Press, which received the 2012 Don K. Price Award. Berkman has also directed the minor in Business and the Liberal Arts honors program in Political Science and served as the Director of Undergraduate Studies. His areas of interest include American Politics, State Politics, Participation, Voting, and Public Opinion.

Research Interests

Requirements for Pennsylvania State University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:23
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7
GRE General
Prerequisites
Master's degree in related field for PhD Baccalaureate degree from accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Writing Sample
  • Official Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE scores are highly recommended but not strictly required for Applied Linguistics.