GVPT Undergraduate Research Assistant Program
This is a highly competitive program that pairs students with GVPT faculty members and allows students to develop their own unique research project. The small cohort of students is taught how to develop a research design and analyze their results. Students present their projects to their cohort and faculty members at the end of the semester.
Students participating in the RA program can earn 3 upper-level GVPT credits under our experiential learning policy. Please see our experiential learning policy in full here.
If you have any questions about the program or application process, please contact GVPTAdvising@umd.edu.
Eligibility Requirements:
In order to participate in the GVPT Undergraduate Research Assistant Program, students must have the following:
- Declared GVPT major
- Strong interest in researching issues related to political science
- A desire to gain and improve research skills
- Successful completion of GVPT201
- Minimum 60 cumulative credits
- Minimum 3.3 Cumulative GPA
- A completed RA contract, signed by your sponsoring faculty before the end of the schedule adjustment period (not due at the time of application).
Comprehensive information about the RA program eligibility requirements, time commitment, and benefits can be found in the application packet.
The application for the Spring 2025 GVPT Undergraduate Research Assistant Program is now open. Please find the application packet here.
Applications must be received by 5PM on Monday, November 4th. Applicants should be prepared to schedule an interview shortly after the due date if they're selected to move forward in the application process.
Independent Study
GVPT majors are strongly encouraged to participate in independent research with GVPT faculty members. The independent study option provides students opportunities to work one-on-one with a faculty member doing research on a topic of the student’s choosing. Students should expect to devote approximately 12 hours per week for 15 weeks to the independent study. GVPT Advisors are available to assist students in identifying appropriate research topics and in selecting the GVPT faculty mentor. Independent Study is generally available for students who have 56 cumulative credits earned and a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
