Research
Political science majors take advantage of the opportunity to explore fundamental questions and contribute to a scholarly conversation.
As undergraduates in the College of Arts & Letters, students have the funding and support to make their research projects happen. Students conduct original research, assist faculty members with their research, plan and execute year-long senior thesis projects, and present their research at conferences.
Research apprenticeships
Students have the opportunity to experience political science in action by assisting faculty members with their research. The Research Apprenticeship course will help you make the transition from classroom writing assignments to original research of your own. Students meet regularly with the professor and work four hours per week.
Past projects have researched the impact of women voters, coastal resilience as it relates to climate change, the Voting Rights Act, and political education in authoritarian regimes.
For further questions, please contact Director of Undergraduate Studies Angela McCarthy, Ph.D.
Independent research
No matter what you are interested in studying, you may have many opportunities to conduct original research as an undergraduate in the College of Arts & Letters — and the funding and support to make it happen.
You can apply for funding for your project from a variety of Notre Dame centers, institutes, and programs, including the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program in the College’s Franco Family Institute for Liberal Arts and the Public Good. Every year, Arts & Letters students receive more than $250,000 in Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program alone.
And it’s never too early to begin exploring your ideas. The University’s Flatley Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement has the resources to help you get started on your research — from choosing a topic to connecting with a faculty advisor to securing funding.
Senior thesis
Work one-on-one with a faculty advisor on an original research or creative endeavor that showcases your intellectual growth and serves as the culmination of your undergraduate career.
This is your opportunity to explore fundamental questions and contribute to a scholarly conversation in your chosen field of study. Beyond academia, the thesis is a tangible achievement that enhances job interviews and graduate school application discussions by showcasing deep research and analytical skills and the ability to independently manage a large project.
Seniors who have a 3.55 cumulative grade point average and want to conduct original research are encouraged to write a senior thesis.