Dr. Steven Fish

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Steven Fish. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

M. Steven Fish is a comparative political scientist specializing in democracy, authoritarianism, and the role of religion in politics. His recent book, 'Comeback: Routing Trumpism, Reclaiming Nation, Restoring Democracy's Edge' (2024), addresses contemporary political challenges. His previous works include 'Are Muslims Distinctive? Look Evidence' (2011), which received recognition as one of Choice’s Outstanding Academic Titles in 2012, and 'Democracy Derailed: Russia's Failure to Open Politics' (2005), awarded by the American Political Science Association. He has coauthored 'Handbook of National Legislatures: Global Survey' (2009) and contributed to works examining postcommunism and theory of democracy. Fish frequently comments on international affairs, appearing on major networks and writing for outlets such as the New York Times and Washington Post. He has taught at UC Berkeley, University of Pennsylvania, and various institutions in Russia, Poland, China, and Indonesia. In addition, Fish has served as a Senior Fulbright Fellow and Visiting Professor in Indonesia and St. Petersburg, Russia. He has received the Distinguished Social Sciences Teaching Award from the College of Letters and Science at Berkeley.

Research Interests

Courses

Introduction to Comparative Politics Advanced Comparative Politics: Great Books Democracy's Global Crisis Foundations of Political Thought and Action Russian Politics Major Themes in Comparative Analysis: Research Design

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.