Michael John Burton is an Associate Professor of Political Science. He teaches Elections & Campaigns and Political Leadership, and serves as the Political Science Department's Internship Coordinator.

He received his A.B. (1986) and M.A. (1988) from Ohio University, and his Ph.D. (1995) from the State University of New York at Albany.

Dr. Burton spent several years as a political professional in Washington. He worked in the office of Vice President Al Gore (1993-98) as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff and Assistant Political Director, advising the Vice President and senior White House staff and assisting in the coordination of vice-presidential travel. Prior to the White House, Dr. Burton worked in the office of Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (1991-93) and the Congressional Research Service (1991).

With Daniel M. Shea, he has written Campaign Craft: The Strategies, Tactics, and Art of Political Campaign Management (Praeger Books, 2006), and Campaign Mode: Strategic Vision in Congressional Elections (Rowman & Littlefield,2003). Current research focuses on research methods, electoral strategy, and White House operations.