Research
Washington, D.C., offers unrivaled resources for political science research, with dozens of institutions, think tanks and archives providing opportunities to assemble unique data sets. Our master's and doctoral programs train students to become outstanding researchers, and our undergraduate curriculum empowers students to learn the foundations of scholarly research while honing their individual interests.
Department faculty are prolific authors in their fields, with a diverse range of specialties across all the major disciplines within political science. Our scholars also collaborate on the interdisciplinary research being conducted at GW’s centers and institutes, and others pair up with colleagues from other universities on projects like the Monkey Cage blog.
Core Focus Areas
"After working as a research assistant for about a year, Professor Lupu asked if I needed help finding something to do over the summer. ... That internship eventually turned into the full-time job I have at the Klein/Johnson Group, a bipartisan public policy and lobbying firm."
Jeremy Marsh
BA ‘19
Student Research
Undergraduate
Undergraduate research and scholarly writing are fundamental to the political science discipline’s theoretical and empirical work. Undergraduate students across the department learn to be well-rounded researchers through writing-intensive coursework and opportunities that include participation in the Politics and Values Program, internships and conferences hosted by the Pi Sigma Alpha Honors Society. Students are encouraged to reach out to professors and graduate teaching assistants for research support and guidance on how to leverage their projects into fellowship and job applications.
Graduate
Our graduate students are actively engaged in all professional aspects of the political science field, frequently winning prestigious awards and grants from GW as well as external sources like the American Political Science Association and the International Studies Association. Graduate student research has appeared in journals including The International Journal of Middle East Studies, Law & Society Review, Foreign Affairs and American Politics Research. Alumni of the graduate program have secured jobs with research organizations including the Global Governance Institute, the Congressional Research Service and more.
Facilities and Institutes
Political Science Department faculty work with a variety of esteemed research centers and institutes, both within the George Washington University and throughout Washington, D.C.
GW Research Institutes
- Center for Washington Area Studies
- Institute of Public Policy
- Institute for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies
- Institute for International Economic Policy
- Institute for International Science and Technology Policy
- Institute for Middle East Studies
- Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication
- Institute for Security and Conflict Studies
- Sigur Center for Asian Studies
In the Spotlight
Election Outlook: Alumnus Highlights ‘Good News’
A contentious presidential contest has voters anxious about going to the polls and trusting the results. But election law expert Joshua Douglas, BA ’02, says the voting horizon is not all “doom and gloom.” Douglas offers a reassuring message for anxious voters.
Students Step Up During COVID Crisis
In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, many found ways to help out in a time of need. Political science major Leisha Mahajan formed a group called FightCV, which has already made and delivered more than 1,000 masks for health care workers at Johns Hopkins and Howard County General hospitals.
A Century of Suffrage
As the 19th Amendment celebrates its 100th anniversary, political science’s Corrine McConnaughy examines the legacy of the women’s voting rights revolution.
Alumna’s Global Mission: Better Schools for Girls
From her efforts in Ghana to reforming American schools, Sally A. Nuamah, BA ’11, is a fierce advocate for helping girls obtain equal education around the world.
Undergraduate Researcher Aims to Map Gentrification in D.C.
Senior Gavin Derleth, who is double-majoring in political science and geography, plans to quantify and analyze the impact of gentrification on neighborhoods and members of the local community.
