Dr. Steve Swerdlow

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Steve Swerdlow is an Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Southern California. As a human rights lawyer, Swerdlow has extensive expertise in the Soviet region, particularly through his role as the Senior Central Asia researcher for Human Rights Watch, where he led the organization's work on Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and founded the field office in Kyrgyzstan. His experience also includes consulting for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Research Interests

Human Rights International Relations Central Asia

Experience

Associate Professor of Practice

— Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Teaching and conducting research in Political Science and International Relations, focusing on human rights.

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.