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Michael Berkman is a Professor of Political Science and Director of the McCourtney Institute for Democracy at Pennsylvania State University's College of the Liberal Arts. He co-hosts the Democracy Works podcast and oversees the Department of Political Science's honors program and the minor in Business and the Liberal Arts. His research focuses on American state politics, public policy, and the intersection of science education with societal values.
Dr. Berkman earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from Indiana University in 1989. His work has been published in top journals such as the American Political Science Review and American Journal of Political Science. His book Evolution, Creationism, and the Battle for Control of America’s Classrooms (co-authored with Eric Plutzer) won the 2012 Don K. Price Award for its analysis of science education policy.
His research interests include state policy responsiveness, public opinion dynamics, and the challenges of teaching evolution in public schools. Recent work explores federalism, welfare policy racialization, and polarization in American politics. Berkman’s contributions to policy measurement methodologies, including innovative approaches to qualitative data analysis, further distinguish his scholarship.
He has directed initiatives such as the McCourtney Institute’s democracy-focused programs and advised on educational policy reforms. His awards reflect recognition of bridging academic rigor with societal impact in science education advocacy.
