Dr. Thad Dunning

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

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

Biography

Thad Dunning is a Robson Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley, where he is also the founding faculty director of the Center for Politics and Development. His work encompasses comparative politics, political economy, and research methods, with a focus on regions including Latin America, Africa, and India. Dunning has authored several award-winning books, including 'Crude Democracy: Natural Resource Wealth and Political Regimes,' which has earned recognition from the American Political Science Association. His research interests primarily lie in understanding the dynamics of governance and democracy and how these concepts interact with development. He is a recognized authority in the fields of comparative politics and development, contributing significantly to the academic discourse on these topics.

Research Interests

Comparative Politics Development Governance Democracy

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.