The Department of Political Science's new undergraduate research program is designed to help prepare our students for graduate programs in political science/international relations, law school, as well as jobs in relevant fields.
The University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) and the Political Science community offer multiple resources for undergraduate students to present and publish their research. Below is a database of the multiple opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in research opportunities.
- Opportunities to have your research funded
- Opportunities to present your research at conferences
- Opportunities to have your research published in respected journals
Funding
Office of Sponsored Programs and Research (SPR)
The Office of Sponsored Programs and Research at UNO offers multiple opportunities for funding support through identifying potential external funding opportunities. One way in which the SPR Office offers funding is through travel support. For more information about funding opportunities, please visit the SPR web site.
Undergraduate Committee on Research and Creative Activity (UCRCA)
The Undergraduate Committee on Research and Creative Activity offers funding for research and travel through grants and minigrants. For more information please visit the UCRCA web site.
Fund for Undergraduate Scholarly Experiences (FUSE)
The Fund for Undergraduate Scholarly Experiences grants support faculty-mentored undergraduate student research and creative activity. Grants of up to $2,500 per student are available to UNO undergraduates who will be enrolled through the fall semester. For more information about FUSE grants please or to find out about application deadlines, visit the FUSE web site.
Presenting
Midwest Political Science Association Conference (MPSA)
In the spring of each year, the MPSA holds one of the largest political science conferences in the discipline. In 2013, more than 5,700 presenters from the United States and 55 countries throughout the world presented more than 4,700 papers. Conference presentations are organized by topic in more than 70 sections based on different subfields or areas of study. Many of these are interdisciplinary and draw scholars from different fields, providing a variety of perspectives.
The 73rd Annual Conference will be held April 16 - April 19, 2015. For more information click here.
The Midwest Political Science Undergraduate Research Conference
This Midwest Political Science Undergraduate Research Conference brings students together from midwestern colleges and universities to present and discuss their research in a professional environment. The conference applauds the research efforts of students and the commitment of faculty to broaden traditional classroom learning and illustrate how research enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
The 24th Annual Midwest Political Science Undergraduate Research Conference will be held at the University of Minnesota in Morris in 2015 (dates to be announced soon). The deadline to submit papers is March 16, 2015.
Illinois State University Conference for Students of Political Science
All undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit papers to the 23rd Annual Conference for Students of Political Science sponsored by the Illinois State Department of Politics and Government on April 24, 2015. The Conference accepts papers on any topic related to government and/or politics. The conference offers students the opportunity to present their research in panel sessions and to engage other students in discussions on each other's work. If you are interested in participating in this exciting event, please complete the online proposal submission form or submit a cover letter, containing your contact information (including email address), your school, and the name of the faculty member with whom you are working, and a draft copy of your paper (or the actual paper) by March 1, 2015.
Research & Creative Activity Fair
The 7th Annual Research and Creative Activity Fair (RCAF) will be held on March 6, 2015. The Fair provides a venue for undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students to present their research and creative activity as oral presentations, performances, exhibits, and posters. Learn more about the RCAF here.
Publishing
Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics
The Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics is the only nationally published journal for undergraduate research in political science. The journal is published twice a year: in the fall and the spring. Submissions deadlines are October 31 for the fall issue and March 31 for the spring issue. Manuscripts are accepted on a rolling basis, so earlier submission is encouraged. For more information on the journal or submitting your work visit Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics.
International Social Science Review
The International Social Science Review is a peer-reviewed journal sponsored by the International Honor Society in Social Sciences, Pi Gamma Mu. The journal is published in the summer and the winter and contains about four peer-reviewed articles and fifteen book reviews. For more information on the International Social Science Review please visit Pi Gamma Mu.
Journal of Political Science Research
The Journal of Political Science Research publishes high-quality papers reporting original research in political science. Undergraduate and graduate students of any class or major are encouraged to submit research articles that contain original analysis. For information on how to submit work to the Journal of Political Science Research visit their website.