Emory University, nestled in the vibrant city of Atlanta, stands as a beacon for aspiring political scientists, offering a rich tapestry of research opportunities that transform students from passive learners into active contributors to the field. Far from being a mere repository of knowledge, Emory’s Political Science Department is a dynamic ecosystem where intellectual curiosity is nurtured, methodological rigor is honed, and groundbreaking research is not just encouraged but deeply integrated into the academic experience. For those passionate about understanding power, governance, international relations, and the intricate dance of political systems, Emory provides an unparalleled platform to engage with the discipline at its most impactful level.
At its core, Emory’s approach to political science research is built on two foundational pillars: faculty mentorship and experiential learning. The department boasts a distinguished faculty whose expertise spans the breadth of political science subfields – American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and methodology. These scholars are not just researchers in their own right, publishing in top-tier journals and shaping policy debates, but are also dedicated educators committed to guiding the next generation of political scientists. Their open-door policy, collaborative spirit, and willingness to involve students in ongoing projects create an environment where research is a shared journey, not a solitary pursuit.
A Robust Framework for Undergraduate Research
Emory understands that the spark of research often ignites early. For undergraduate students, the university has cultivated a multi-faceted approach to research engagement, ensuring that opportunities are accessible and tailored to different levels of experience and commitment.
1. The Undergraduate Honors Program: This is arguably the pinnacle of undergraduate research at Emory. Highly motivated students with strong academic records are invited to pursue an honors thesis in their senior year. This intensive, year-long endeavor involves designing an original research question, conducting extensive literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data (be it quantitative, qualitative, or theoretical), and ultimately writing a substantial thesis under the close supervision of a faculty advisor. The honors thesis is more than just a paper; it’s a capstone experience that mirrors the early stages of graduate-level research, providing invaluable training in independent scholarship, critical thinking, and academic writing. Many honors theses have gone on to be presented at national conferences or even published in undergraduate research journals.
2. Independent Study and Directed Research: Beyond the formal honors program, undergraduates can pursue independent study courses with faculty members. These opportunities allow students to delve deeply into a specific topic of interest, often working on a mini-research project or a comprehensive literature review that extends beyond the scope of a regular course. Similarly, "Directed Research" courses offer a structured framework for students to assist faculty with their ongoing research, providing hands-on experience with data collection, coding, analysis, and bibliography management. These roles are invaluable for understanding the nuts and bolts of academic research.
3. The Scholarly Inquiry and Research at Emory (SIRE) Program: SIRE is a university-wide initiative that provides funding and support for undergraduate research across all disciplines. Political science students can apply for SIRE grants to fund their independent projects, cover conference travel, or even receive stipends for summer research. The program also offers workshops on research methodologies, ethical considerations, and presentation skills, empowering students to navigate the research process effectively. The SIRE database also serves as a portal for faculty to advertise paid and unpaid research assistant positions, connecting eager students with ongoing research needs.
4. Research Assistant (RA) Positions: Many political science faculty actively seek undergraduate RAs to assist with their projects. These roles offer practical experience in various stages of research, from transcribing interviews and coding survey data to conducting literature searches and fact-checking. Working as an RA provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at academic research, fosters close working relationships with faculty, and often leads to deeper intellectual engagement with the subject matter.
5. Presenting Research: Emory encourages students to disseminate their findings. The annual Emory Undergraduate Research Symposium provides a platform for students to present their research in poster sessions or oral presentations, gaining valuable experience in communicating complex ideas to a diverse audience. Many students also receive support to present their work at regional and national political science conferences, further amplifying their scholarly voice.
Cultivating Doctoral-Level Scholarship: Graduate Research Opportunities
For graduate students in Emory’s Political Science Ph.D. program, research is not just an opportunity; it is the central pillar of their academic journey. The program is meticulously designed to transform students into independent, cutting-edge scholars capable of producing original contributions to the field.
1. Dissertation Research: The Ph.D. dissertation is the ultimate research undertaking, representing years of dedicated study and original inquiry. Students work closely with their dissertation committees, comprised of faculty experts, to identify a significant research question, develop a theoretical framework, design a rigorous methodological approach, collect and analyze data, and produce a book-length manuscript that advances knowledge in their chosen subfield. Emory provides extensive support for this process, including regular workshops on dissertation writing, research design, and data analysis.
2. Faculty Collaboration and Co-authorship: Graduate students at Emory frequently collaborate with faculty on research projects, often leading to co-authored publications in peer-reviewed journals. This direct involvement in the publication process is an invaluable experience, teaching students the intricacies of academic discourse, peer review, and scholarly dissemination. It also provides early career scholars with crucial publication credits, strengthening their profiles for the academic job market.
3. Conference Participation and Funding: The department strongly encourages and financially supports graduate student participation in national and international conferences such as the American Political Science Association (APSA) Annual Meeting, the International Studies Association (ISA) Convention, and various regional conferences. Presenting research at these prestigious venues allows students to receive feedback from leading scholars, network with peers and potential employers, and stay abreast of the latest developments in their fields.
4. Research Workshops and Seminars: Emory’s Political Science Department hosts a vibrant array of research workshops and seminars throughout the academic year. These include specialized methodology workshops (e.g., advanced quantitative methods, qualitative data analysis), research design seminars, and brown bag series where faculty and graduate students present their works-in-progress for constructive critique. These forums foster a robust intellectual community and provide continuous opportunities for methodological and theoretical refinement.
5. Internal and External Funding Opportunities: The Laney Graduate School at Emory offers various fellowships and grants to support graduate student research, including dissertation completion fellowships, travel grants, and research enhancement grants. The department also actively helps students identify and apply for external funding opportunities from organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF), Fulbright, and various foundations, which can provide significant resources for fieldwork, data acquisition, and living expenses during their research phases.
Key Research Hubs and Interdisciplinary Connections
Emory’s commitment to research extends beyond the confines of the Political Science Department, leveraging a network of interdisciplinary centers and institutes that offer unique avenues for specialized research and collaboration.
1. The Center for the Study of Democratic Politics (CSDP): This is a cornerstone for political science research at Emory. CSDP fosters cutting-edge research on the origins, nature, and consequences of democratic governance around the world. It hosts a regular speaker series featuring prominent scholars, provides research grants to faculty and graduate students, and serves as a nexus for intellectual exchange within the department and beyond. Its focus areas often include elections, political parties, public opinion, political institutions, and political behavior, offering rich opportunities for empirical and theoretical work.
2. The Halle Institute for Global Research: As Emory’s hub for international research, the Halle Institute provides resources and opportunities for faculty and students to engage in global scholarship. This includes funding for international fieldwork, support for visiting scholars, and facilitating interdisciplinary projects with an international focus. For political science students, Halle opens doors to comparative politics and international relations research in diverse global contexts.
3. The Carter Center: Located adjacent to the Emory campus, The Carter Center is a unique asset for political science students. Founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the center is dedicated to advancing peace and health worldwide. It offers unparalleled opportunities for internships and research assistantships, allowing students to engage directly with real-world policy issues, observe electoral monitoring, human rights advocacy, and conflict resolution efforts. This proximity provides a living laboratory for applying political science theories to pressing global challenges.
4. Quantitative Theory and Methods (QTM): While not exclusively a political science hub, the QTM program at Emory is an invaluable resource for students seeking to develop advanced methodological skills. Political science students frequently minor in QTM, gaining expertise in statistical analysis, causal inference, and computational methods. This strong methodological foundation is crucial for conducting rigorous empirical research and is highly valued in both academic and non-academic careers.
5. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Emory’s collegiate structure and vibrant research ecosystem encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. Political science students often find themselves working with scholars from sociology, economics, law, public health, and even environmental studies. This cross-pollination of ideas and methods enriches research projects and allows for a more holistic understanding of complex political phenomena. For instance, a student interested in health policy might collaborate with faculty from the Rollins School of Public Health, or one interested in human rights might work with scholars from the School of Law.
The Atlanta Advantage
Beyond the campus, Atlanta itself serves as an extended research laboratory. As a major metropolitan center, it offers access to diverse populations for survey research, archives for historical political analysis, and a vibrant political landscape for studying urban governance, civil rights, and social movements. The city is also home to numerous non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, and governmental agencies, providing internship and research opportunities that bridge academic inquiry with practical policy engagement.
Impact and Future Pathways
The research opportunities at Emory are designed to prepare students for a diverse array of future pathways. Graduates of the Political Science program are well-equipped for:
- Academic Careers: Many Ph.D. graduates go on to faculty positions at universities and colleges, continuing their research and contributing to the next generation of scholars.
- Policy and Government: The rigorous analytical and research skills developed at Emory are highly sought after in government agencies (e.g., State Department, think tanks, intelligence community) and policy organizations.
- Law and Advocacy: The critical thinking, argumentation, and research skills are excellent preparation for law school and careers in legal advocacy or non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
- Data Science and Consulting: The strong emphasis on quantitative methods and data analysis equips graduates for roles in data-driven industries.
In conclusion, Emory University offers an exceptionally rich and comprehensive environment for political science research. From the foundational support of dedicated faculty mentorship to specialized research centers, robust funding opportunities, and a vibrant intellectual community, students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels are empowered to embark on meaningful scholarly journeys. By fostering intellectual curiosity, promoting methodological rigor, and encouraging collaborative exploration, Emory ensures that its political science graduates are not just consumers of knowledge, but active creators of it, ready to contribute original insights to the pressing political questions of our time.
