He earned his Ph.D. in Political Science at Columbia University in 2000. Prior to joining the faculty at CSUF, Spitzer was an Assistant Professor at Chapman University (2002-2004) and at Seton Hall University (2000-2002). His research addresses the dynamics of racial politics and social welfare policymaking in the United States, with an emphasis on the role of presidential leadership. Scott is currently working to create a summer study abroad program in Israel for CSU Fullerton, working in conjunction with the UC Irvine Olive Tree Initiative (OTI), for which he serves as a member of their Advisory Board.