Dr. Scott Althaus

Professor

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Biography

Scott Althaus is the Merriam Professor of Political Science and Communication at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and the Director of the Cline Center for Advanced Social Research. He joined the faculty in 1996 and holds joint appointments in multiple departments. Althaus serves on the editorial boards of prominent journals such as Political Communication and Public Opinion Quarterly, with his research featured in leading publications including the American Political Science Review and Communication Research. He is known for his expertise in political communication, public opinion, and the impact of strategic communication activities. His work includes the application of text analytics and machine learning algorithms to analyze news coverage, and he has investigated how individuals process information in the context of democratic accountability. Althaus is actively involved in research that explores the relationship between news media and politics, focusing on popular support for war and the dynamics of political discontent. He has received numerous accolades, including the Hazel Gaudet-Erskine Book Award and the David Easton Prize, recognizing his contributions to the field of political communication and public policy.

Research Interests

Experience

Director

1996-01-01 — Present

Cline Center for Advanced Social Research • Champaign, IL

Leads the Cline Center in applying text analytics and machine learning to examine news stories and promote societal well-being.

Awards

#

Hazel Gaudet-Erskine Book Award

2023-01-01
#

Campus Excellence Public Engagement Faculty & Staff Team Award

2023-01-01
#2006

Political Communication Article of the Year Award

2006-01-01
#2004

David Easton Prize

2004-01-01
#2004

Goldsmith Book Prize

2004-01-01

Requirements for University of Illinois

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:19
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:103
GRE General
Prerequisites
Mathematical background Linear Algebra Calculus
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE is optional for admission to all graduate programs in Statistics. Full status admission requires higher language scores than limited status.