Unruh Undergraduate Scholars

As many students start internships or begin their careers they find it very valuable to be able to conduct thorough and timely research, from investigating bills for Senators to looking into issues for political consulting firms. By assisting a faculty member on a substantive research project, students gain knowledge and skills that will assist them in future employment in politics and government.  

Each semester outstanding undergraduates are nominated by Political Science faculty members to participate in the Undergraduate Scholars program. Scholars enroll in POSC 490, Directed Research. At the end of the semester, the scholars share their work with other students and faculty by participating in a panel discussion. Scholars also receive a gift certificate to the USC bookstore as recognition of their participation.

If you are interested in being an Unruh Undergraduate Scholar, talk to a faculty member in the Political Science Department with whom you are interested in working. For further information contact the Unruh Institute or the Political Science Undergraduate Advisors.

 Unruh Summer Graduate Awards

The Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics Summer Graduate Awards program was created to encourage students to approach the study of political science from a practical or policy perspective. Each summer several awards are given to support original projects in the field of political science. Topics must reflect the mission and programs of the Institute. The awards are intended to facilitate the advancement of graduate students by defraying the cost of expenses, for example: payments for obtaining archival materials and travel to libraries or other sites for data gathering. Proposals for personal items such as computer equipment or miscellaneous office supplies will not be considered. Between 4 to 6 scholarships of $500 are awarded each summer. 

For guidelines and application process please review:

Grad_Scholar_Guidelines_2008.pdf