Undergraduate Research

GVPT Undergraduate Research Assistant Program

This is a highly competitive program that pairs GVPT 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 meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Declared Government & Politics or International Relations major
  • Strong interest in researching issues related to political science/international relations
  • A desire to gain and improve research skills
  • Successful completion of GVPT201
  • Minimum 60 cumulative credits completed
  • 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 2026 GVPT Undergraduate Research Assistant Program is now closed. The application for the Fall 2026 GVPT Undergraduate Research Assistant Program will be posted in Spring 2026.

GVPT Independent Study

GVPT students are able to participate in independent research with GVPT faculty members through independent studies. The independent study option provides students opportunities to work one-on-one with a faculty member doing research on a selected topic. Students should expect to devote approximately 12 hours per week for 15 weeks to the independent study. Credit for independent studies is generally available for students who have 56 cumulative credits earned and a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Independent study credit is considered experiential learning under GVPT departmental policy.

Students interested in pursuing an independent study experience should contact the faculty member with whom they hope to work. Students are encouraged to first take coursework with their faculty member of interest. Once students have identified a faculty member that is able to work with them, they should contact GVPT Advising to obtain an independent study contract. 

Other Research Opportunities and Resources: