Political Science students have the chance to explore opportunities related to the department, including opportunities to apply for funding and awards and to study abroad through Notre Dame Global. Additional opportunities like the Washington Program, the Kellogg Institute for International Studies, the Institute for Scholarship in the Liberal Arts, the Notre Dame International Security Center, and other interdisciplinary minors provide our students the opportunity to gain real-world experience and broaden their knowledge. These programs offer unique insights into policy-making, global issues, and security challenges, helping students develop valuable skills for careers in government, international relations, and beyond.
Washington Program
The College of Arts & Letters and the Rooney Democracy Institute offer a semester-long Washington Program for sophomores and juniors from any major at the University of Notre Dame. Students live in downtown D.C., take classes on politics and policy, and intern part-time with government offices, members of Congress, media companies, or cultural institutions. This program provides professional experience, networking opportunities, and a taste of city life.
In all of the [Political Science] classes that I have taken, there has been a friendly and cooperative atmosphere between everyone in the class, with students being willing to form study groups and discuss class concepts. My political science classes have also allowed me to refine my researching, critical thinking, and writing skills, all of which I have learned are critical for success in any workplace. My favorite political science experience has been the ability to study abroad in Washington DC for a semester while holding an internship, allowing me to really understand what a career in this field could look like. – Tommy Rafacz, '26
Franco Family Institute for Liberal Arts and the Public Good
Franco Institute’s Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) enables students to transcend the conventional boundaries of classroom learning and engage in hands-on research and creative projects. UROP gives students the opportunity to design all aspects of their projects, from identifying a research topic or creative goal to developing a persuasive narrative, reasonable timetable, and appropriate budget. UROP offers nine different grant opportunities to support a wide array of needs associated with undergraduate projects
Kellogg Institute for International Studies
The Kellogg Institute for International Studies is committed to the pursuit of scholarly excellence and to value-driven research that helps to advance human welfare around the world. As one of the most critical issues facing humanity, democracy is at the core of the Institute’s research agenda. In pursuit of gaining a broader understanding of democracy's effects in nation-states around the globe, the Kellogg Institute advances research projects and discussion forums to explore this central theme.
The O'Brien Notre Dame International Security Center (ONDISC) Fellowship
Political science majors have the opportunity to apply for the ONDISC Undergraduate Fellows Program. This competitive program offers specialized courses and valuable research support and funding for internships.
Interdisciplinary minors
A minor can enrich political science majors’ unique interests by providing interdisciplinary insights and skills.
