Aage R. Clausen

Aage R. Clausen (12 September 1932 — January 14, 2011) was an American political scientist. He was a professor of political science at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, from 1971 to 1997. Research that he completed with others at the Survey Research Center in Michigan led to a fundamental change in the understanding of voting behavior. 

Life, education, and career

Clausen was born on September 12, 1932, in Dannebrog, Nebraska, to Danish immigrants. He went to Grand View Junior College, Des Moines, Iowa, graduating with an Associate of Arts degree in 1952. He then obtained a bachelor's degree from Macalaster College, Saint Paul, Minnesota (1957); a Master of Arts degree from the University of Michigan; and a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 1964.

After finishing his education, Clausen began teaching at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, in 1967. In 1971, he became a professor at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio—a position he held until his retirement in 1997. After retiring in 1997, he taught math at the Buckeye Middle School, Columbus, Ohio.

In 1973, he authored How Congressmen Decide: A Policy Focus—a classic in the field of political science. He also published many scholarly articles in research journals.

Beginning in 2005, Clausen helped fund a scholarship program at Grand View University, Des Moines, Iowa.

Honors

• Social Science History Association, Former President
• Clausen Scholarship named in his honor, Grand View University, Des Moines, Iowa

Personal life

Clausen was married to his wife Geraldine Clausen. They had at least one son, Jon Clausen.

Death

Clausen died on January 14, 2011, in Columbus, Ohio. He is buried in Nysted, Nebraska.