asu research opportunities for high school students

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Access ASU Summer Programs are available for students in grades 9th - 12th in various topics, including engineering, leadership, math, and the arts. Programs are offered on all four ASU campuses, and formats range from day camps to residential programs where students can live on campus.  

ASU offers a comprehensive list of summer programs for students of all ages and interests. Click here to learn more about the various summer programs at ASU.

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Undergraduate research

Research is experiential education and a complement to your classroom experience at ASU. As an undergraduate, you can work with faculty, graduate students and other undergraduates to transform your knowledge into actual practice — whether it is developing alternative energy from sunlight, next-generation nanoelectronics or creating your own entrepreneurial experience to launch a business.

Search research and internship opportunities

There are longstanding research and internships programs established in many academic units. Some of these are captured in the tabs below. However, for more specific individual research or internship experiences please work directly through  Handshake .

Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies: internships

The Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies is pleased to offer hands-on experience in publishing and marketing for undergraduate students at ASU. Interns will work directly with ACMRS staff and scholars on projects that will have a direct influence on the Center.

ASU Art Museum: experiences and internships

We encourage students to take advantage of the direct and powerful learning experiences available with access to artists and artworks provided by the ASU Art Museum.

Barrett, The Honors College

Research provides students the opportunity to work alongside faculty members on a project. Students learn and develop skills such as, but not limited to: critical thinking, data collection, and analysis of information from different sources

College of Health Solutions: internships

The College of Health Solutions  Department of Speech and Hearing Science  internship opportunities.

College of Integrative Science and Arts Interdisciplinary Studies: internships

Having experience in your chosen field is incredibly important. Not only will you solidify your career aspirations, but you will be able to apply theories and concepts you have been learning, in a professional work setting.

Department of English: internships

English majors engaged in an internship have opportunities to see the value of an English degree beyond the more typical fields of teaching and tutoring.

Department of Psychology: Undergraduate Research Opportunities

In the Department of Psychology at ASU Tempe, you'll have the potential to work with renowned faculty on research projects in more than 40 high-tech laboratories geared toward solving society’s biggest challenges

Economics: research and Internships

Students interested in pursuing a PhD or research-oriented career may benefit from completing a research assistantship after graduation and before applying for a graduate program. Below are recommended research assistantships, internships and other post-graduation employment with federal agencies, universities and think tanks.

Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation: Research opportunities

The Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University is committed to providing an inclusive, health care and health outcomes-focused research experience directed at serving individuals, families and communities, and affording undergraduate students of all majors the opportunity and resources to explore their research interests and ideas with guidance from experienced Edson College faculty researchers.

Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative

Enhance your engineering and technical undergraduate curriculum by providing hands-on lab experience, independent and thesis-based research.

Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts: internships

Internships can be a great way to build experience in your chosen field.

International Students: Fulton Engineering internships

We provide an extensive support system for our international student including special courses,  extracurricular activities and CPT/OPT internships.

Internships for New College students

College internships provide valuable real-world experience. Through internships, you'll apply what you learn in the classroom and gain new skills in your field of study.

Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering Summer Research Internships (SURI)

The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University offers paid summer research internships for qualified U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and volunteer positions for international students.

Marketing: internships

The marketing internship program (MKT 484) gives students the opportunity to receive upper division credit for paid or unpaid marketing internships.

New College Undergraduate Inquiry and Research Experiences

Engage in meaningful research partnerships with faculty and other undergraduates. Gain experience that may make you more competitive when you apply for jobs.

Politics and Global Studies internships: internships

Internships are a great way to gain real world experience and connections while also continuing your degree! We have partnerships with a variety of corporations and government agencies, nationally and internationally.

Pre-health: research and internships

Learn about Arizona State University, local, national and international opportunities including events, internships, research, volunteerism, summer opportunities, study abroad, and paid and unpaid clinical experiences.

Pre-Law: internships and forms

Prelaw advising supports all current students and alumni interested in pursuing a career in law and the application to law school. 

Research at New College

The New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences supports reflexive, innovative, forward-thinking research, discovery, and creative activities.

School of Art: internships

School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership: internships

Our internships provide indispensable opportunities to explore careers in public service, government, and the private sector; build your resume with professional experience; network with potential employers; perhaps travel to Washington, D.C. or abroad; and prepare for post-graduate degrees.

School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence: internships

Our internship courses are designed to provide undergraduate students an internship experience in relevant industry and related sectors.

School of Earth and Space Exploration: Undergraduate research opportunities

Not only is research a great way to enrich your education and enhance your resume – beneficial both in a job search and in applications to graduate school – but it's fun and rewarding!

School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies: Undergraduate Research Experience

SHPRS’ Undergraduate Research Experience places undergraduate students into research assistant opportunities working with individual faculty members on their research projects through enrollment in HST/ PHI/ REL 494.

School of Human Evolution and Social change: internships

The school’s summer internship and practicum program provides a flexible way for students to draw on the international expertise of our world-renowned faculty. Working with faculty mentors, students develop individualized plans for their summer. 

School of Human Evolution and Social Change: Undergraduate research opportunities

The Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program offers undergraduates opportunities, to work with individual faculty members and their research teams on our school’s many outstanding research projects.

School of International Letters and Cultures: internships

Domestic and international student internships offer valuable opportunities for students to gain experience in their field of study, help build a career path, and create a network of contacts.

School of Life Sciences Undergraduate Research

The SOLUR program promotes opportunities for undergraduates in the School of Life Sciences to participate in exciting biological research. Work side-by-side with faculty and other mentors and learn scientific investigation through hands-on experiences.

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences: Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

REUs are excellent opportunities to gain valuable hands-on research experience while completing an undergraduate degree. REUs are available throughout the academic year, including summers, and at institutions across the country - including ASU. 

School of Molecular Sciences: Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Undergraduates in the School of Molecular Sciences can enhance their preparation for careers in science by getting involved in cutting edge research.

School of Social Transformation: Undergraduate research

Research experiences help students gain even more from their undergraduate education. Undergraduate students work side­-by-­side with faculty mentors, as well as graduate students, on unique research projects ranging from prisoner’s rights to refugee support all while earning academic credit.

School of Sustainability: Undergraduate student research

 It’s never too soon to get involved in research on campus – even as a first-year student in the sustainability degree program. In fact, the earlier you start, the further you can go.

School of the Future of Innovation in Society: Undergraduate research and internship opportunities

Undergraduate Research Fellows program is designed to give undergraduate students a chance to engage in research projects on science & society topics, working closely with SFIS faculty mentors.

T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics: Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Gain valuable experience while also receiving course credit by working with our faculty on a variety of research projects. Many research opportunities are available in the Sanford School for undergraduate students, even if you are not one of our majors.

The Design School: internships

Internships can be a great way to build experience in your chosen field. Internships you’d like to have registered for credit must be registered and processed through  Handshake . 

The SURE program: Sustainability Undergraduate Research Experience

The SURE program offers a tiered approach to research opportunities for undergraduate students in the School of Sustainability.

Undergraduate Research Scholarships

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University has several scholarships available for students who are interested in participating in research experiences with faculty.

W. P. Carey School of Business: Internship and externship program

The internship course (FIN 484) is available to juniors and seniors majoring in finance, accounting and/or economics.

Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication: Immersive Experiences

Learning goes beyond the classroom at the Cronkite School with our signature professional immersion programs that offer real experience and guidance from professional faculty.

Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions: Internships

As a Public Service student, participating in an internship is the best way for you to gain practical experience within your chosen field. Each school has its own requirements and resources for its students to complete an internship, so be sure to check the website for the all the information you need.

Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions: Undergraduate research program

Watts College students are highly encouraged to participate in research projects while in school. This program provides opportunities for undergraduate students to work with faculty, graduate students and other undergraduates on exciting and meaningful research projects.

Handshake app links you with researchers

Interested in finding research opportunities at ASU? Fantastic! Discover undergraduate research opportunities based upon your skills, interests and passions using ASU Handshake. Handshake is ASU’s online hub for finding research opportunities, internships, jobs and more.

Sign-up! Sign-in! Explore today.

Engage with world-renowned research and labs

Flexible opportunities and funding for hands-on research experience.

Through flexible research opportunities in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences can help you gain critical research experience no matter your individual circumstance.

Innovative and inclusive programs.

Arizona State University and The College prioritize access and inclusion, measuring our success not by whom we exclude, but whom we include and how they succeed – research is no exception.

graduate and doctoral degree programs

group-based research experiences for online undergraduate students

I do flora for my master’s program related to the telegraph wildfire that burned in 2021. I will be collecting plant specimens and preserving them. Some will go to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, and the rest will go to the ASU Arboretum.

Brit Burgard Plant biology and conservation graduate student Benson Award recipient

Opportunities and funding that meet you where you’re at.

Traditional or nontraditional, on-campus or online, graduate or undergraduate — no matter your situation, The College offers opportunities for hands-on research experience, preparing you for the next step in your career.

Funding for graduate and undergraduate research

Many scholarships and awards support research projects. Check out ASU’s scholarship portal to browse all scholarship opportunities. You can also view: 

• Department-specific funding .
• The College undergraduate research scholarships .
• The College graduate fellowships and awards .  

On-campus undergraduate research

The Office of the University Provost has compiled a list of internal and external research and internship opportunities for you to explore.

You are also encouraged to get in touch with your specific academic unit to explore research opportunities that apply to your degree program. 

Online undergraduate research

The Online Undergraduate Research Scholars (OURS) program provides group-based research opportunities and mentorship for ASU Online students at The College.  

OURS scholarships that support online student research are also available.

  I have just finished applying to graduate schools and will (fingers crossed) start graduate school in fall of 2023. My intended research direction is to investigate the use of computer systems to verify mathematical theorems from the basic axioms of logic and set theory. I am further interested in the potential use of software to not only verify proofs, but also to actively assist in discovering proofs. 

Sage Binder Mathematics undergraduate student Summer research project participant

Access to award-winning faculty and research.

Students at The College interact with experts in their fields. Here you can acquire new knowledge, develop analytical and problem-solving abilities and gain valuable experience for graduate school applications and resumes. 

Check out faculty research.

One specific topic that I was really interested in learning more about and seeing how it unfolded was the Bisbee Deportation of 1917. … Once I started finding little mentions of the mining companies or labor strikes in the materials we were going through, I was hooked.

Rachel Welshans History undergraduate student OURS program participant

Additional resources

Graduate programs.

The College houses over 140 graduate degree programs . Find the program that works for your needs and goals.

Faculty research

Faculty at The College are leading innovative research in the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences.

Centers and institutes

The College is home to over 50 research centers and institutes , many of which offer research opportunities and funding.

Student research opportunities

New opportunities for undergraduate research at sfis.

SFIS launched an Undergraduate Research Fellows program in Fall 2017, designed to give undergraduate students a chance to engage in research projects on science & society topics, working closely with SFIS faculty mentors.

Engaging in research projects as an undergraduate is a great way to broaden your ASU experience. You’ll get the chance to develop critical skills in how to gather reliable data, how to analyze this information, and how to present your findings to others in a clear and compelling way. These skills can prove very useful in the workplace. Research experience can also help you decide whether you’re interested in graduate school – and, if you are, it can significantly increase your chances of getting accepted.

This website is updated each Fall and Spring semester with new projects that can be applied for. Once the application deadline has passed, there are no research opportunities available until the next Fall or Spring semester.

Students participating in the SFIS undergraduate research program can apply to receive a stipend ($1200 per semester) or to receive research credit (2 credits per semester). You will be expected to meet the following expectations:

• Spend 5-7 hours per week as a Research Fellow, including attending a weekly meeting with your faculty mentor
• Attend 2 of the 4 Masterclasses on research and professional development (online Masterclass options will be available)
• Present your research at an end-of-semester symposium (this is a hybrid event with Zoom options for ASU Online students)

Applications for the Spring 2024 research program will be open on January 8th , with a closing date of January 17 th at 11:59pm . Fall research projects will ideally start the week of January 29 th . If you would like to apply for a research position, please complete the online application .

For questions, please contact Elisha Thompson ( [email protected] ).

Full project descriptions

1. how reversing climate change helps communities, faculty advisors.

Dr Lauren Withycombe-Keeler , Assistant Professor, School for the Future of Innovation in Society

Research project overview

ASU is launching the Southwest Regional Direct Air Capture Hub which will design a system to pull 1 megaton of CO2 from the atmosphere each year. That system is proposed to be built in the four corners region of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. In this research project you will join the team responsible for working with communities where the direct air capture hub is proposed. You will help conduct interviews, surveys, and do background research on the community impacts of direct air capture. There are many people who believe technologies like direct air capture can help reverse the worst impacts of climate change, but what are the impacts of direct air capture? Be a part of the team answering this critical question.

Any pre-requisites needed? No.

Research available for stipend? ($1,200/semester): Yes

Research available for course credit? (2 credits/semester) : Yes

Research opportunity available to ASU Online students?  Yes

2. Innovation Models

Chris Deaton , Faculty and Product Manager Senior, IT

The Responsible Innovation Lab is seeking 1-3 applicants to research the deltas and congruencies between the ideas behind Principled Innovation and Responsible Innovation. The deliverable will be a poster outlining the findings and will include recommendations for future study as well as best practices around their use and objectives.

Qualified applicants will have a basic understanding of one or more of these ideas, enjoy collaboration, some literature review experience, and a thirst for co-creating efficient and productive processes.

The Responsible Innovation Lab is a joint partnership between Enterprise Technology and the School for the Future of Innovation in Society. http://links.asu.edu/responsibleinnovation

Principle Innovation is the 9th Design Principle at ASU.  https://pi.education.asu.edu

Any pre-requisites needed?  Qualified applicants will have a basic understanding of one or more of these ideas, enjoy collaboration, some literature review experience, and a thirst for co-creating efficient and productive processes.

Research available for stipend? ($1,200/semester):  Yes

Research opportunity available to ASU Online students? Yes

3. Regulating Innovative Digital Health Technologies

Dr Beza Merid , Associate Professor, School for the Future of Innovation in Society

This project explores how innovative digital health technologies are regulated by government agencies. Students participating in this work will be asked to help gather documentation of how issues like market authorization, patentability of technologies, the safeguarding of private health information, and the operation of software as a medical device guide regulation. Students will learn about the relationship between innovation and policymaking, what constitutes “safe use” of innovative digital health technologies, and where the regulation of innovative digital health technologies can fall short. Outputs for this project will include literature reviews and annotated bibliographies, contribution to a growing catalogue of benefits and risks associated with the use of these technologies, and the opportunity to collaborate on public-facing writing exploring these issues.

Any pre-requisites needed?  Ideal candidates will have some prior research experience, particularly as it relates to gathering and organizing primary documents to prepare them for analysis.

Research available for stipend? ($1,200/semester):  No

4. Communicating Conservation Science through Dance: Can dance help people to learn, care, and act?

Dr Lekelia Jenkins , Associate Professor, School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Institute for Social Science Research Affiliated Faculty

Historically, dance was an important form of storytelling about nature. Embodying the plight of wildlife through dance can lead to a greater sense of connection to nature and a willingness to take action to protect it. The goal of this project is to conduct pilot research to answer the question: How does creating and participating in dance as a form of storytelling impact participants’ understanding of, empathy towards, and behaviors towards sea turtle conservation?  We intend to test the potential of dance through a controlled, experimental study to compare dance-based programs with other forms of engagement (i.e. science lecture and science theater). The student researcher will update a literature review on science art: update an Endnote database, annotated bibliography, and written summary. The student researcher will also take the lead in recruiting research subjects: developing and distributing recruitment materials. Importantly, the student will also assist with the in-person intervention workshops, helping with registration, consenting, and logistics.

Any pre-requisites needed?  There are no prerequisites. Although preference will be given to applicants with a genuine interest in the research topic, previous experience conducting literature review, and solid writing skills.

5. Researching the use of technology in homeless shelters: How the built environment supports or denies equitable access to essential services in Phoenix’s largest homeless shelter

Heather Ross , Clinical Associate Professor, Edson College; Associate Professor, School for the Future of Innovation in Society

Natalie Florence , Architecture Faculty Associate

This project focuses on an important issue related to the use of technology within and the architecture of Phoenix’s largest homeless shelter, the Human Service Campus (HSC). This project aims to improve our understanding of the use of technology and the impact of the built environment on people experiencing homelessness through applied research on site with a multi-disciplinary team of students and faculty.

The goals include:

• Studying how technology affects people experiencing homelessness, who are often overlooked.
• Studying how technology affects and is used by HSC staff and administration.
• Studying the relationship between the built environment and the use of and access to technology.
• Teaching students to collect data with multidisciplinary methods.
• Giving students hands-on experience in an applied research project in a homeless shelter setting.

Any pre-requisites needed?  We are searching for two undergraduates from the Herberger Design School, and two undergraduates from the College of Global Futures.

Research opportunity available to ASU Online students? No

6. Dementia in Homelessness

This is an ongoing program of research in partnership with Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS). We are implementing dementia screening for older adults seeking emergency shelter for homelessness, and evaluating the prevalence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment in the population. Our research team is working directly on-site with CASS staff and clients at the emergency homeless shelter to conduct brief screenings for dementia and mild cognitive impairment. We are further collaborating with CASS staff to collect and analyze aggregated data to inform a sustainable plan for a permanent screening procedure for CASS clients.

In addition to the dementia screening program, we are conducting qualitative research to understand the lived experience of older adults experiencing homelessness, and exploring the factors that impact homelessness for older adults.

Any pre-requisites needed?  Students must either have or be willing to get a level 1 fingerprint clearance card issued by the State of Arizona. Students must be available to spend time at the CASS emergency shelter facility in Downtown Phoenix or the CASS Haven site one or more weekdays per week. Training for IRB and dementia screening procedures will be provided.

Research available for stipend? ($1,200/semester):  No

Research opportunity available to ASU Online students? YES – but ASU online students will need to be able to participate in-person at CASS in Phoenix.

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Undergraduate Research

Conducting undergraduate research gives you hands-on experience solving real-world problems.

Research tackled by undergraduates in the Fulton Schools is focused on solving global, local or industry needs.

By participating in undergraduate research, you will graduate with hands-on experience that shows employers or future graduate advisors that you are ready for the next step. Not to mention you gain confidence and make a difference!

We have one primary undergraduate research initiative: the Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative, or FURI. Outside of FURI there are NSF-supported Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) experiences, as well as many, many others.

Check out those options, then visit the Research and Innovation page to find out about even more programs and clubs where you can conduct research as an undergraduate student!

Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative (FURI)

The Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative is a Fulton Schools program aimed at enhancing the student engineering experience and technical education by providing hands-on lab experience, independent and thesis-based research and travel to national conferences.

Undergraduate students in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering are highly encouraged to pursue a research project during their studies.

More undergraduate research opportunities

Experiential learning grant.

You may apply for an Experiential Learning Grant (ELG) to partially fund travel expenses as part of your research experience, such as attending a conference to present your findings.

Learn more about the ELG

NSF REU program

Some faculty apply for grants which include a specific role for an undergraduate researcher, which is part of National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Visit the NSF REU student page to learn more and get a link to search for any openings at ASU.

Go to the NSF REU student page

Barrett Honors students

If you are a student in Barrett, the Honors College, you may check out Barrett’s research opportunities, too.

See the Barrett research opportunities

Become a Grand Challenges Scholar

The Grand Challenges Scholars Program provides undergraduate students with curricular and co-curricular requirements while being mentored by faculty and staff.

Grand Challenges Scholars work to achieve five competencies: Talent, Multidisciplinary, Viable Business/Entrepreneurship, Multicultural, and Social Consciousness.

GCSP students are eligible for a research stipend, the experiential learning grant, and participation in the Summer Institute.

UResearch: ASU’s undergraduate research hub

ASU highly encourages undergraduate students to actively participate in the year-round research activities offered at different schools. As an ASU student, you can access research and internship opportunities outside the Fulton Schools.

Learn more about ongoing projects, latest news, and how to get started by visiting the UResearch webpage .

ASU personalized admissions letters put young students on path to college

Growth in program removing barriers for more high school students around the state.

Angelina Baca, a first-year history major at ASU, received a letter in the fall of her senior year at Betty Fairfax High School in Phoenix. She had planned to attend community college but the letter changed her mind. Photo by Charlie Leight/ASU News

National College Admissions Day is May 1, and thanks to a program created by Arizona State University, more high school students in Arizona are on the path to a college degree.

The Personalized Admissions Project , launched by ASU in 2021, is removing barriers to college by simplifying the process: High school seniors who meet the admission standards get personalized letters telling them they’re accepted before they even apply, and the application fee is waived.

Currently, 27 public school districts participate, representing half the high school students in Arizona. Starting last year, the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University also participated, so some students get acceptance letters from all three state institutions.

The letters, which include information on how to get financial aid, are huge motivators for students who might not have thought about attending a four-year university, according to Thea Andrade, superintendent of the Phoenix Union High School District, the first to partner with ASU on the project.

“There are two myths to college-going: One, ‘I can’t get in,’ and two, ‘I can’t afford it.’

“If we can debunk those two myths, that’s the difference of whether a kid can go to college or not,” she said.

Angelina Baca, a first-year history major at ASU, received a letter in the fall of her senior year at Betty Fairfax High School in Phoenix.

“At that time, I was expecting to go to community college and I wasn’t geared toward university,” she said.

“I was looking for the most affordable option and I wasn’t aware of the financial aid that ASU gives to in-state students.

“The letter was a push in the right direction for me. There are so many opportunities I didn’t know about.”

The project is critical because Arizona has a shortage of workers with college degrees. The state’s high school graduation rate and college-going rate are lower than the national average by 10 and 14 percentage points, respectively — but 65% of all jobs in Arizona require some sort of postsecondary education and training beyond high school.

Baca wants to be a history teacher, and receiving the acceptance letter changed her trajectory.

“I realized that maybe a four-year university was the right step for me, especially as a first-generation student,” she said.

“I have a passion for teaching that I didn’t realize I had until I applied.”

Letters are a game changer

The personalized admission program is a project of the ASU Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence , a partnership between Arizona State University and Helios Education Foundation.

The project goes beyond simply supplying information.

In 2018, ASU and the Phoenix Union High School District collaborated on a simple flyer that was sent to all ninth-grade students, informing them of the requirements to get into college — a 3.0 grade point average plus the required courses such as math, English, lab science and a foreign language.

A few years later, Joseph O’Reilly, director of the Decision Center for Educational Excellence, was meeting with Andrade when she asked him, “We have kids that you would accept, but they’ll never apply, so why don't you just accept them?”

So the ASU Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence worked with the Arizona Department of Education to evaluate data for each student. The data stays in the district, not at ASU.

In fall 2021, the first personalized acceptance letters were sent to 1,400 students in the Phoenix Union district. Two versions of the letter were sent. One version was an admittance letter for students who met the requirements, and of those, 53% enrolled at ASU. Another version was for students who were close to meeting the requirements, and 43% of those were enrolled.

Both versions have the letterhead of ASU and the school district, are addressed to the students and their families, and are in both English and Spanish.

“It was a game changer,” Andrade said.

“You see the seniors holding up their letters. Even if a senior gets that letter and says, ‘It’s not the right time,’ we’ve planted a seed that ‘You’re in.’”

The second year, 2022–23, the project expanded to 12 districts with more than 7,200 letters sent. About a third were admitted to ASU.

In the current academic year, 26 districts plus the ASU Prep charter system are participating. Nearly 11,000 letters were sent, meaning that about 13% of all high school seniors in Arizona received personalized admission letters. And the seniors roughly represent the demographics of Arizona: about 43% white, 43% Latino, 5% Asian, 4% Black and 2% Native American. About 41% are in lower-income families.

O’Reilly said that the top students will aim for a college degree, but the Personalized Admissions Project targets students who qualify but don’t consider applying.

“That that was really our motivation,” he said.

“And the districts’ motivation is getting kids thinking about going to the university, no matter what their background is.”

Luke Tate, managing director of the ASU Office of Applied Innovation, said the project is a matter of equity in Arizona.

“We’ve built this fabulously dynamic and diverse economy in this state and left our kids behind,” he said.

“We haven’t made it possible for our kids to fully participate in that success.”

In talking to high schoolers, he finds that those whose parents didn’t go to college often have no idea where to start.

“ASU might as well be on another planet for them,” he said.

So it’s important to reach younger high school students with personalized letters as well.

“Just to make sure we’re doing everything we can (for) young people, particularly those on the margins of not going to college, we begin with letters in 10th and 11th grade,” he said.

“They say, ‘Because of your success in these courses, you’re on a pathway to ASU’ or ‘You’re almost on a pathway to ASU, make sure you take these courses.’”

Diego Guerrero, a counselor at Douglas High School, said he appreciates that younger students receive the letters.

“Normally we might see students at the end of their junior year, but with the letters, sophomores are coming to ask if they’re taking the right classes,” he said.

“When they receive letters like this, it really does help with self-esteem and gets them engaged in the college-going process.”

'I was so excited'

Alexis Alba is the middle of seven children in a family that lives in Lake Havasu. He received an acceptance letter his senior year.

“The community at ASU Lake Havasu is close-knit and gives off small-town vibes and I already knew several people there. I was leaning toward ASU Lake Havasu but that letter made me think, ‘What could I do? How can I get the most academic experience?’ And that’s why I pushed myself to come here,” said Alba, who is majoring in psychology and sociology on the Tempe campus.

“Applying to college is always stressful, especially in a household where your parents didn’t go to college and you don’t have someone to help you,” he said.

“The letter opened the door for me and really motivated me.”

Alba said the application fee waiver “was a godsend to me.”

Ariana Romayor received an acceptance letter when she was a senior at Trevor Brown High School. Although she was earning college credits in high school through the ACE program, she worried about the cost of college.

“I was so excited and I felt the urge to tell everybody,” she said.

“The letter identified the next steps with FAFSA, what to expect and what to do next and that helped a lot,” said Romayer, who is a first-generation, first-year student majoring in automotive engineering at the Polytechnic campus and wants to design cars for Tesla or Lucent

“People need to know that getting that letter can impact you whether you go to ASU or not. It will motivate you to figure out what you need to do in life.”

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Options for Medical Students Without Residency Matches

Medical students without residency matches have options such as research or an additional degree.

Options Without Residency Matches

Getty Images

One option for students who don't get matched to a residency program is repeating an additional year of medical school to strengthen their knowledge and experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Medical residencies provide crucial training and hands-on experience.
• A small percentage of applicants don't receive a match.
• Med students who don't get matched can explore several options.

Mention “Match Day” to a medical school student and you’re sure to stir up a little anxiety. It's the date when they find out whether they are assigned to a residency program. While getting matched is exciting news, not getting matched to a residency program is not the end of the road, experts say.

Match Week occurs the third week of March, when applicants take part in the National Resident Matching Program. Match Week ends on Match Day, when students find out if and where they have an offer to do residency. In 2024, a record high year for applicants, U.S. M.D. seniors matched to first-year residency training positions at a rate of 93.5%, and at a rate of 92.3% for D.O., or doctor of osteopathic medicine , the program reports.

“Residency serves as extra training for specializing and becoming truly comfortable with treating patients,” says Niki Grotewold, an admissions expert at Inspira Advantage, an admissions consulting firm focusing on graduate programs in health care.

It’s also a crucial part of medical training, giving hands-on experience required for board certification and becoming an attending physician, he says. While it is discouraging to not get matched, “continuing to exhibit grit and pursuing career goals is key," he says.

Students who don’t get matched to a training position still have several pathways,   says NRMP president and CEO Donna L. Lamb. These include pursuing and interviewing with unfilled programs, “remaining in medical school to pursue research or other enrichment opportunities in their preferred specialty, or returning to school to pursue another degree,” she says.

Here’s a closer look at options for medical students who don't get matched with a residency.

Interview With Unfilled Programs

Medical students can try to obtain a position through NRMP’s Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program, or SOAP. That process takes place over several days and allows unmatched students to compete for unfilled residency positions.

SOAP “requires immediate action, as it passes within the first week after the initial match process," says Dr. Jordan Frey, founder of The Prudent Plastic Surgeon, which aims to help doctors and other medical professionals improve their financial well-being.

Experts say some students may want to consider programs in rural regions , or matching with a different medical specialty choice. The most competitive specialties include dermatology, plastic surgery and neurosurgery, while the least competitive specialties are family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics, Grotewold says.

Pursue Research or Other Enrichment Opportunities 

Grotewold says students also have the option of matriculating into postgraduate training programs . “Examples include preliminary medicine or surgery positions, transitional-year programs or research fellowships .”

For example, a transitional year allows students to repeat an additional year of medical school to strengthen their knowledge and experience. Whether students pursue a transitional year or fellowship, experts say they can gain a more competitive edge in a particular specialty.

Grotewold says students can also engage in research or additional clinical experience. Students can remain in contact with professors or mentors at their medical school and see if they can participate in a research project in a field of medicine they’re particularly interested in. Experience in a clinical setting can include working as a scribe for a doctor or in electronic health-record training.

Pursue Another Degree or Career Path

Another option is to pursue another degree on top of your medical degree, like an MBA or Master of Public Health , to increase your chances of getting matched next time. You could opt to choose an alternative career path within the health care field, such as public health, health care administration, medical education, the pharmaceutical industry, research or consulting, Grotewold says.

There are many nonclinical medicine options to consider, Frey says, including consulting, medical writing and editing, medical sales, medical device development “or various medical careers like a poison information specialist that do not require residency.”

Frey says students who are undecided between a clinical and nonclinical career may want to continue to pursue a clinical career.

“The reason I say this is because it is very easy to leave clinical medicine for nonclinical medicine. But it can be very difficult to leave a nonclinical career and then match into a clinical training position,” Frey says.

Apply Again Next Year

While you may not have matched this time around, there’s always next year. Experts say students can spend a year building their resumes to reapply to residency programs next cycle.

“Take a year to regroup, strengthen your application, shore up on research, improve test scores and reapply the following year,” Frey says. “This is what many unmatched applicants choose to do.”

Grotewold says the system for matching "is not perfect and sometimes a perfectly good student can be left behind," but it’s important for students to move forward by strengthening their resume and reapplying rather than sacrificing their dream of becoming a doctor .

"Many unmatched students go on to residency and have very successful medical careers by continuing to be determined, strategizing and not giving up,” Grotewold says.

NRMP recommends unmatched students begin with consultation with a mentor or adviser to discuss what pathway might be best and to get help strengthening their applications, Lamb says.

“Whichever pathway they choose, applicants are always welcome to participate in a future NRMP Match to try and secure training.”

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Research Ambassadors Showcase 2024

Event description

• Academic events
• Open to the public

The Project Humanities Undergraduate Research Ambassadors Program provides an opportunity for students to complete a research-based applied project that considers a social justice issue under the direction of a faculty mentor. This event is the cumulation of a semester dedicated to the research and findings of each ambassador's chosen topic.

This year, ambassadors focused on a variety of topics including:

• Investigating the resources available for the unhoused community in Tempe
• Mapping the role of immigrants in the restaurant industry
•  Analyzing media coverage of immigrants and immigration policy in the U.S.
• Uncovering the role of social justice in space governance

***This event will be available via Zoom and Facebook Live. Registrants will receive a Zoom link 24 hours before the event. ***

Event contact, tuesday, may 21, 2024, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm (mst).

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25 Best Universities In Moscow For International Students 2024

Moscow is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Russia . This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 59 universities and colleges in Moscow, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 59 universities in Moscow , RUDN University and Moscow State University are the top-performing schools in Moscow. This list covers both public and private institutions in Moscow.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Moscow. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Moscow.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Moscow?

Applying to the universities in Moscow involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Moscow to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Moscow?

Tuition fees at Moscow’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 0 RUB to 730,000 RUB , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 0 RUB to 870,000 RUB. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Moscow !

As we cover the best universities in Moscow for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Moscow for International Students

1 rudn university.

RUDN University is one of the best universities in the capital city of Russia and is known as The People’s Friendship University of Russia. This higher education institution is mostly known for the high number of international students attracted to this university’s high ranking. The university is ranked among the world’s top 500 universities, which speaks volumes about the level of study this university provides.

2 Moscow State University

Moscow State University is one of the largest public universities in Moscow, Russia. This university is the cornerstone of formal higher education, and it provides education to close to 40,000 students. Some of the most attended programs are in the fields of economics, politics, and finance, where students gain real-world experience that may help them in their careers.

3 National Research Nuclear University MEPhI

The National Research Nuclear University MEPhI is one of the world’s most prestigious universities in its field and the perfect place for candidates that would like to specialize in nuclear technology. It focuses on fostering innovation, creativity, and internationalization. The university is known for its wide and highly specialized degree offer and its outstanding research performance. It has multiple institutes that develop studies in areas like nanoengineering, cyber-physical systems, and plasma technologies. These projects are completed in state-of-the-art facilities that include a research nuclear reactor and an accelerator.

4 National Research University Higher School of Economics

The National Research University Higher School of Economics, or otherwise known as HSE University, is one of the best universities of higher education in the capital city of Russia. This institution has one of the largest campuses in the country that houses approximately 50,000 students and can provide them with all the necessary equipment for them to have the best possible experience.

5 National University of Science and Technology MISIS

The National University of Science and Technology MISIS started as a mining academy and then became a steel institute. Over time, it expanded its course offer and modernized its facilities, but it’s still widely known for its programs in metallurgy and mining. Nowadays, the university has six campuses, 8 academic colleges, and multiple research institutes. They also have cutting-edge specialized laboratories in fields such as nanomaterials, cryoelectronic systems, biophysics, casting technologies, and much more!

6 I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University

I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University or usually referred to as Sechenov University was founded in 1758, making it the oldest medical school in Russia. It was initially the medical faculty of the Imperial Moscow University and eventually became independent in 1930. At present, the university has more than 18,000 total enrollment and offers undergraduate to Ph.D. programs in Medicine, Sciences, and Professional Education.

7 Plekhanov Russian University of Economics

The Plekhanov Russian University of Economics is a public university with over a century’s history of world-class economics and management education. Programs at the university are strongly focused on practical learning and provide opportunities for students to gain professional and international experience with its numerous partner employers around the world. The university also conducts several initiatives and projects that aim to address different educational, industrial, and social issues. 

8 Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration

The Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration is a very young institution of higher education located in the capital city of Russia. This university has grown in popularity in the region, and it now has over 46,000 students studying in various fields. Despite its youth, this university is ranked among the top 801 universities in the world by the prestigious QS World University Rankings.

9 Bauman University

Bauman University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Russia. It specializes in education and research in applied sciences and engineering. The university boasts excellent programs for all levels of higher education and is home to some of the most advanced scientific laboratories and facilities in the country.

10 Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation

Ranked among the best universities in Russia and the world, the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation is a specialized institution that aims at contributing to the country’s economic development and financial transformation. This is a prestigious university known for being the educational home of many important Russian figures including prominent politicians, millionaires, and CEOs of important companies. It focuses on providing hands-on learning and encouraging critical thinking by using methods like case studies, discussions, and financial projects. It also has partnerships with governmental bodies and major businesses in order to offer workshops, academic collaborations, and internship opportunities.

11 N.R.U. Moscow Power Engineering Institute

N.R.U. Moscow Power Engineering Institute is a public technical university in Moscow with a prominent reputation for producing outstanding scientists and engineers for more than 90. It is also one of the most sought-after universities for aspiring engineers from around the world. The university also has numerous cooperation agreements with foreign universities and companies for its students and faculty to participate in different international programs and activities. 

12 Moscow State Pedagogical University

Moscow State Pedagogical University is a Russian higher education institute that offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. It was established as the Women’s Courses of Higher Education in 1872 and underwent a transformative journey to what it is now. The university is well-recognized with International Partners across the globe, such as the University College of Teacher Education Vienna in Austria, the University of Pardubice in the Czech Republic, and the CY Cergy Paris University in France. Accessibility is a forefront advocacy with dedicated institutes for it, such as the Center for Student Disability Services and Psychological Assistance Center.

13 Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia

The Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia is the largest institution that offers education, training, and research in chemical technology in the country. The university was established in 1898 and is dedicated to raising future engineers and specialists who can formulate solutions to the most pressing scientific, industrial, and societal problems. It is also the alma mater of several notable individuals with significant contributions to different branches of science and chemistry.  

14 Russian National Research Medical University

Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (RSMU) is a private university specializing in medicine located in Moscow, Russia. It was founded in 1906 as the Higher Medical Course for Women. Among the programs available at the university are general medicine, pediatrics, biochemistry, dentistry, pharmacy, social work, psychology, neuroscience, and radiology.

15 Moscow State Institute of International Relations

The Moscow State Institute of International Relations is one of the most prestigious and elite universities in Russia and the world, making it the perfect place for studying anything related to diplomacy, economics, international affairs, or languages. This institution strives for internationalization, which is why it has partnerships with multiple universities worldwide with which it offers dozens of double and triple degrees. It has different research institutes that develop studies in diplomacy, governance, energy policy, and global matters. Additionally, it constantly collaborates with international organizations and local governmental bodies.

16 Moscow Aviation Institute

Moscow Aviation Institute is an aviation school that offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Postgraduate level programs. Both the Russian and English languages are used as mediums of instruction. Aside from these university programs, Pre-university and Professional training programs are also offered. Nine dormitory options filled with quality service facilities are present for student residents. Three Metro stations are also near the campus, providing sufficient access for students with no personal vehicles.

17 Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas

The Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas is a specialized institution of higher education. This institution mostly focuses on developments in the field of oil and gas extraction and the safety of this direction. The main attraction for students is the affordable tuition prices for top-of-the-crop programs that are taught by experts in the relevant fields.

18 Russian State Social University

The Russian State Social University is a distinguished university in the country of Russia because it provides all levels of study to both domestic and international students with the opportunity to gain various financial aid through university or state-funded scholarships. This university is located in Moscow and was founded in 1991, but it is making its way slowly toward the ranking of the best universities in Russia.

19 Moscow Polytechnic University

Established in 1865, Moscow Polytechnic University, or Moscow Poly, is one of Russia’s educational institutions that provide technology-related programs. Currently, they deliver education to more than 16,000 local and international students. As they provide top-quality education and research in various fields, they also have various activities on campus to foster diversity.

20 Synergy University

Synergy University was established in 1988 and is one of the top business schools in Russia. The university’s programs are focused on providing strong fundamental knowledge of different principles, theories, and concepts and combining it with experiential learning to develop its students’ skill sets, thereby preparing them for the professional world. Synergy University has a student population of over 65,000 and has international campuses and branches in Dubai, London, United Arab Emirates, and New York.

21 National Research University of Electronic Technology

The National Research University of Electronic Technology is a public university that offers undergraduate and graduate-level education. In total, there are 40 Bachelor’s programs and 42 Master’s programs. It was founded in 1965 and was only officially renamed to its current title in 2011. Annual enrolment is estimated to be 4500 students, and over 600 academic staff are present to handle them. Not only do other universities partner with the National Research University of Electronic Technology, but over 131 corporations also cooperate with it.

22 Russian State University of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism

Russian State University of Physical Culture, Sport, and Tourism is a leading sports university in Russia. It was established in 1918 and is known for producing over 200 outstanding athletes that have made their marks in prestigious international competitions such as the Olympics. The academic and research programs at the university are conducted by highly qualified and reputable coaches, experts, and scientists to further enhance athlete training and prepare future sports champions and professionals. 

23 Moscow City Teachers’ Training University

Moscow City Teachers’ Training University is a public university in Moscow, Russia. The Ministry of Education established it in 1995 as a pedagogical university, with only 1300 students in its first year. The university currently has over 18,000 students and offers degree programs in the humanities, natural sciences, sports technology, law, business, and language studies.

24 New Economic School

The New Economic School (NES) is a private institution located in Moscow that focuses on teaching and research in the field of economics. It takes pride in having a faculty made up of established professionals from the field, most of them holding a Ph.D. NES aims to train students who will be able to make valuable contributions to the growth of Russian society and business.

25 State University of Management

The State University of Management has been a frontrunner in providing management education in Russia for over 100 years. The university offers practice-oriented management education and training in different specializations such as business informatics, hotel management, and advertising. The State University of Management also conducts intensive research and innovative projects aimed at improving its academic programs and responding to the needs of the country’s economy. 

We know that choosing your dream school in Moscow not an easy task. After all, you need to consider other factors like the cost of your education, school background, and population, as it can be overwhelming on your part.

So, to help you out further in weighing your school options for studying in Moscow , make sure to visit our list of the best public and private universities in Moscow! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!

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What federal education data shows about students with disabilities in the U.S.

Public K-12 schools in the United States educate about 7.3 million students with disabilities – a number that has grown over the last few decades. Disabled students ages 3 to 21 are served under the federal  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) , which guarantees them the right to free public education and appropriate special education services.

For Disability Pride Month , here are some key facts about public school students with disabilities, based on the latest data from the  National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) .

July is both Disability Pride Month and the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To mark these occasions, Pew Research Center used federal education data from  the National Center for Education Statistics  to learn more about students who receive special education services in U.S. public schools.

In this analysis, students with disabilities include those ages 3 to 21 who are served under the federal  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) . Through IDEA, children with disabilities are guaranteed a “free appropriate public education,” including special education and related services.

The 7.3 million disabled students in the U.S. made up 15% of national public school enrollment during the 2021-22 school year. The population of students in prekindergarten through 12th grade who are served under IDEA has grown in both number and share over the last few decades. During the 2010-11 school year, for instance, there were 6.4 million students with disabilities in U.S. public schools, accounting for 13% of enrollment.

The number of students receiving special education services temporarily dropped during the coronavirus pandemic – the first decline in a decade. Between the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years, the number of students receiving special education services decreased by 1%, from 7.3 million to 7.2 million. This was the first year-over-year drop in special education enrollment since 2011-12.

The decline in students receiving special education services was part of a 3% decline in the overall number of students enrolled in public schools between 2019-20 and 2020-21. While special education enrollment bounced back to pre-pandemic levels in the 2021-22 school year, overall public school enrollment remained flat.

These enrollment trends may reflect some of the learning difficulties and health concerns students with disabilities and their families faced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic , which limited or paused special education services in many school districts.

Many school districts struggle to hire special education professionals. During the 2020-21 school year, 40% of public schools that had a special education teaching vacancy reported that they either found it very difficult to fill the position or were not able to do so.

Foreign languages (43%) and physical sciences (37%) were the only subjects with similarly large shares of hard-to-fill teaching vacancies at public schools that were looking to hire in those fields.

While the COVID-19 pandemic called attention to a nationwide teacher shortage , special education positions have long been among the most difficult for school districts to fill .

The most common type of disability for students in prekindergarten through 12th grade involves “specific learning disabilities,” such as dyslexia.  In 2021-22, about a third of students (32%) receiving services under IDEA had a specific learning disability. Some 19% had a speech or language impairment, while 15% had a chronic or acute health problem that adversely affected their educational performance. Chronic or acute health problems include ailments such as heart conditions, asthma, sickle cell anemia, epilepsy, leukemia and diabetes.

Students with autism made up 12% of the nation’s schoolchildren with disabilities in 2021-22, compared with 1.5% in 2000-01.  During those two decades, the share of disabled students with a specific learning disability, such as dyslexia, declined from 45% to 32%.

The percentage of students receiving special education services varies widely across states. New York serves the largest share of disabled students in the country at 20.5% of its overall public school enrollment. Pennsylvania (20.2%), Maine (20.1%) and Massachusetts (19.3%) serve the next-largest shares. The states serving the lowest shares of disabled students include Texas and Idaho (both 11.7%) and Hawaii (11.3%).

Between the 2000-01 and 2021-22 school years, all but 12 states experienced growth in their disabled student populations. The biggest increase occurred in Utah, where the disabled student population rose by 65%. Rhode Island saw the largest decline of 22%.

These differences by state are likely the result of inconsistencies in how states determine which students are eligible for special education services and challenges in identifying disabled children.

The racial and ethnic makeup of the nation’s special education students is similar to public school students overall, but there are differences by sex.  About two-thirds of disabled students (65%) are male, while 34% are female, according to data from the 2021-22 school year. Overall student enrollment is about evenly split between boys and girls.

Research has shown that decisions about whether to recommend a student for special education may be influenced by their school’s socioeconomic makeup, as well as by the school’s test scores and other academic markers.

Note: This is an update of a post originally published April 23, 2020.

Katherine Schaeffer is a research analyst at Pew Research Center

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Graduate programs, phd in politics and international affairs.

The doctoral degree in politics and international affairs is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students to teach at the university and college levels and to conduct high-level research in the academic and nonacademic sectors. It combines a broad focus on international relations, comparative politics, American politics, and political theory with a critical understanding of institutions, rights, citizenship/identity, governance, global policy, and justice. Students work closely with faculty to frame their dissertation research and to advance their knowledge of their chosen fields of specialization. The program’s interdisciplinary approach to a variety of global issues provides a rich and open-ended opportunity to research current and past problems, movements, and transformations in politics.

We welcome your interest in our doctoral program. The department's deadline for fall admission is January 5. The School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies only admits for the fall semester. Students must apply online through the Office of Graduate Admissions. For a listing of the admission requirements, students should consult the Graduate Catalog . 

*Effective starting with the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, GRE test scores are no longer required for applications to our doctoral program in Politics and International Affairs*

*International students should review the Office of Admissions International Students website for additional information and requirements.

*International students are also encouraged to contact the Office of International Services for information on visas, international travel, etc. 

PLEASE NOTE: International students whose native language is not English and who want to be considered for a teaching assistantship must show proficiency in spoken English even if their TOEFL has been waived for admission to a graduate program. More information on the TOEFL requirement can be found under Admission Requirements in the graduate catalog.

Program Requirements

For the Doctoral Degree in Politics and International Affairs degree requirements, students should consult the Graduate Catalog. Students should adhere to the requirements within the Graduate Catalog under which they were admitted.

• Degree Requirements Beginning 2023-2024 Catalog

*Students can elect another catalog following the one they were admitted under. More information on this policy, and other policies, can be found in the Graduate Catalog.

*Students must request approval from the graduate director for any course not pre-approved and listed under the degree in the Graduate Catalog.

Additional information on program requirements:

Student can also select POS 6933/6747 Advanced Topics in Quantitative Political Analysis or another graduate course approved by the graduate director for the methods requirement. The Capstone Seminar will be conducted with doctorial students in Sociology and History and focus on dissertation proposal. 

Research Fields

The Doctorate in Politics and International Affairs specializes in the following four fields of research:

International Relations In the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies, the International Relations (IR) faculty focuses on four areas of study: international relations theory, global political economy, international security, and human rights. We stress the importance of cutting-edge scholarship in our teaching of the graduate seminars as well as bridging the many emergent gaps in theory and practice in the various subfields that comprise International Relations, including American foreign policy, international ethics, global governance, and international law and organizations. One of our central aims is to advance innovative applications of the central theoretical perspectives (and their variant strands) in International Relations, namely, realism, liberalism, critical theory, constructivism, Marxism, international political theory, and gender. These applications involve in-depth theoretical and empirical analysis of key global issues, such as Asian security, moral accountability, the enforcement of human rights, immigration, and political and economic inequality. The International Relations faculty have published numerous books and peer-reviewed articles on these issue areas. These include monographs on the political tensions on the Korean Peninsula or North Korea’s nuclear arms buildup, the political cosmopolitan character and shifting dynamics of the International Criminal Court (ICC), hegemony and inequality in the global political economy, and China’s rapidly increasing support of intervention in African states. Together our published research emphasizes the production of critical theoretic knowledge, or the advanced methodological analysis of the contradictions and tensions informing the substantive debates in International Relations. This not only requires the particular mastery of concepts, methods, and claims but also an open-ended and historical understanding of the changing social forces shaping the behavior of states and the relations among global and local actors. It is this scholarly approach that we adopt to train our graduate students specializing in international relations, particularly as they advance their dissertation research and empirical knowledge of the global and regional contexts of problems and issues. One of the outcomes we strive for, then, is to encourage our doctoral students to develop rigorous theoretical and contextual analysis from which they can devise solutions and prescriptions to global issues.

Comparative Politics Comparative Politics in the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies is committed to theory-driven, empirical research from an interdisciplinary perspective that is situated in a political, historical, cultural, and economic context.  The Comparative Politics faculty employ a variety of methodological approaches from both the social sciences and humanities, which utilize qualitative and quantitative research methods to study the patterns of similarities and differences. In particular, we conduct comparative and case study research to inquire into these patterns and to develop our theoretical propositions. One of our aims is to produce knowledge about the changing social, political, and legal conditions affecting the lives, development, cultural practices, and customs of underrepresented peoples. In meeting this aim, our research focuses on several themes of comparative politics, including social movements, democracy/democratization, citizenship, decolonization, genocide, hegemony, race and identity, development, legal systems and customary law, social justice, and indigenismo or the political ideology focusing on the changing relations of state and local peoples. Much of our published research draws creatively on social, critical, and political theory to advance knowledge of the laws, changing social relations, and attitudes in several countries, which includes Brazil, Ecuador, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Iran. Our research strengths lie in the areas of race and citizenship, social movements theory, human security and law (or legal custom) in Eastern Africa, indigenous rights in various Latin American countries, and security relations in the Middle East. With these thematic foci, we encourage graduate students to create and develop their own research by selecting a region of the world as their emphasis and adopting theoretically informed research and comparative methods that allow them to analyze the changing social and political conditions in the countries of this region.

American Politics The study of American Politics in the doctorate program in politics and international affairs provides a comprehensive overview as well as an in-depth analysis of American politics. Our faculty focus on various aspects of American politics, including theoretical foundations, federalism, institutions (Congress, the executive branch, the bureaucracy, the judiciary), political behavior (political parties, the media, interest groups, social movements, and elections), and public policy (foreign and domestic), and employ a range of methodological approaches such as historical development, legal doctrine, institutional rules, and quantitative analyses of the behavior of political actors and the mass public, to advance the student's research skills.  Our core class, Seminar in American Politics, for instance, surveys the key foundations, institutions, and behavior in American politics, introducing students to both qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches for analyzing and testing the changing trends and outcomes in American politics. Special topics courses provide opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge on new research on a range of themes, including political development, the social bases of politics, and the global impact of American politics. The faculty in American politics have made important contributions in the areas of race and ethnicity, the judiciary, the presidency, Florida government, civil liberties, health care, environmental justice, economic inequality, and animal rights. Our strengths lie in economic inequality, animal rights, the Presidency, Judicial Behavior, Race and Ethnicity, and State and Local Government. In these specific areas, we have published several cutting-edge books and articles in leading peer-reviewed journals, which examine the emergence and implementation of nonhuman animals' regime of rights, the changing directions of the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank and its impact on world politics, and alternative strategies for natural disasters in the United States. Our scholarship is thus distinctive for the ways in which it addresses American government and politics in a global context. This is how we seek to train our doctoral students on the rapidly changing, nuanced linkages between local, state, federal and global institutional politics.  

Political Theory Political Theory introduces students to the core normative issues in the study of political science. These normative issues provide the bedrock assumptions on which much of the study of political science depends. For example, while nearly everyone agrees that democracy is the best form of government, why do we place such faith in it? In addition, the long tradition of political thought offers multiple versions of democracy, each with its own strengths and limitations. How are we to identify the best version for our needs? Similarly, while we might extol non-violence in politics, is it always the best path for political movements? How are we to justify its alternatives? Clarifying our moral commitments, sharpening our conceptual tools, and outlining pathways for transforming theoretical knowledge into action requires philosophical, historical, and conceptual capabilities. The political theory faculty at the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies trains students to develop these capabilities. To that end, political theory classes not only familiarize students with many of the canonical texts that were read by generations of prominent political thinkers (from Aristotle to Martin Luther King Jr), they also teach students to read these texts critically and with an eye towards contemporary political developments. As such, training in political theory is a critical supplement to graduate work at School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies. The faculty’s expertise in feminist theory, postcolonial theory, the role of emotions in politics, environmental political thought, and Indian political thought complements the terminal degrees offered in American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations.

Financial Assistance 

Most of our successful applicants qualify for funding offered by the department or the Office of Graduate Studies. Funded doctoral students will receive a graduate assistantship that includes:

• a stipend for the academic year (9 months)
• a tuition waiver (not including school fees)
• the option of health insurance mostly paid by the department (the student only pays a small amount towards insurance).

All applicants for the doctoral degree are considered for a graduate assistantship - they do not need to complete a separate form.

The graduate assistantship is guaranteed for four years but is based on maintaining satisfactory annual academic progress. It requires each student to work 20 hours per week, in which case the student would be first assisting professors of the department with their teaching and class preparations and later, after having passed the doctoral comprehensive exams and completed teacher training seminars, teach a class at the University of South Florida. 

Please visit the graduate assistantships page for further information. The department also provides funding for conference travel or the presentation of research at conferences upon approval.

Information on eligibility for graduate assistantships can be found on the Graduate Assistantships Resource Center website. 

We also strive to fund our students in the fifth year, though this funding is not guaranteed. Depending on additional funds that become available, students may have the opportunity to extend their graduate assistantship to one, possibly two academic semesters. Students in the fifth year are also encouraged to seek external funding. For more information on this, please consult our Graduate Resources Page .

Outstanding candidates may also be nominated by the school’s director and/or graduate committee for prestigious and highly competitive university fellowships, including the Presidential Doctoral Fellowship , the Dorothy Auzenne Fellowship , and the University Graduate Fellowship. There is also the opportunity for minority students to be awarded a McKnight Fellowship, which provides annual tuition up to $5,000 for each of three academic years, plus an annual stipend of $12,000. The program also offers travel grants and other forms of financial support. For additional information on this fellowship opportunity, please visit the McKnight Fellowship's informational page.

• Politics and International Affairs Doctoral Handbook 2022 - 2023
• School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies Graduate Resources
• Independent Study / Directed Research Contract
• Office of Graduate Studies Forms
• Dissertation Proposal Approval Form
• Admission to Doctoral Candidacy Form
• Graduate Student Supervisory Committee Appointment Form
• Dissertation Checklist
• Electronic Thesis & Dissertation Certificate of Approval Form
• Comprehensive Exam Reading Lists
• Research Conference Travel Award Request
• Dissertation Defense Announcment

Spring 2024 Course Offerings

Recent Placements

For further information or questions about the PhD in Politics and International Affairs, please fill out this form . 

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BGSU junior immerses himself in healthcare and research in pursuit of medical school dream

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Grant Hayden works as an EMT and in a BGSU research lab studying environmental toxins

#1 University in Ohio for Student Experience

Innovative engineering degrees, #1 public university in the midwest students would choose again for the fourth consecutive year.

By Laren Kowalczyk ‘07

Grant Hayden thought he knew what he wanted to do when he enrolled at Bowling Green State University in 2020.

Over time, his interests shifted, and a new dream emerged: becoming a doctor and researcher.

Since that pivotal moment, Hayden has been immersed in healthcare and research, preparing for the next step in his journey, which includes applying for acceptance into an MD-Ph.D. program.

“Medicine is probably the most competitive thing you can do in academia,” Hayden said. “So, I'm doing everything I can right now to give myself a fighting chance at medical school.”

Hayden’s initial interest in the medical field began after he enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard and trained for 16 weeks to become a combat medic. He chose the assignment without realizing then how it would change his future.

“I sort of just picked it, and then I loved it,” Hayden said. “That decision 100% pivoted me toward medicine.”

Following basic training and deployment for Ohio’s COVID-19 mission in 2021, Hayden reenrolled at BGSU in Spring 2022 and changed his major to biology . He said the transition back to the University was seamless with help from the Nontraditional and Military Student Services Center.

BGSU is ranked the No. 1 university in the Midwest for its comprehensive services and support of veterans and active military students. The annual Best for Vets rankings have recognized the University as a top academic choice consecutively since 2013.

Immersed in research

To support his new career aspirations, Hayden began working as an EMT in Sandusky County and as a research assistant for associate biology professor Dr. James Metcalf, delving into the world of environmental toxins.

As a comprehensive public university, BGSU prioritizes providing students with experiential learning opportunities that are beneficial to their future careers, including offering research opportunities to undergraduates.

Metcalf said that in addition to learning the technical aspects of research, students apply concepts learned in class to real-world settings, sharpen critical thinking skills, learn to adapt and bolster communication and presentation skills.

“Investing time into scientific research is crucial to Grant achieving his goal of attending medical school,” Metcalf said. “He’s learning things through the research and doing things in the lab that will provide him with an advantage when he starts medical school training.”

Hayden’s current research project involves isolating melainabacteria, a subset of cyanobacteria found in the human digestive system that may be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

“It’s really exciting to be a part of this research,” Hayden said. “That’s why I want to pursue an MD and Ph.D. I want to be involved in patient care and be on the cutting edge of medical research.”

Staying connected to medicine

Hayden said the faculty-to-student ratio at BGSU and support for undergraduate research through the Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (CURS) have been integral to his growth as a researcher.

Metcalf agrees, having witnessed Hayden’s passion and dedication for research intensify since joining the lab.

“Grant is highly engaged, motivated and intelligent,” he said. “He wants to succeed in these experiments, and I’ve seen his interest grow over his time in the lab. This research opportunity will be very useful for Grant’s future educational endeavors and career.”

Outside the BGSU research lab, Hayden’s work as an EMT provides a crucial connection to patient care and the human side of medicine.

“Working as an EMT keeps me anchored in medicine and focused on the big picture of human health,” he said. 

Hayden is on track to graduate from BGSU in Spring 2025 and begin his master’s degree in biology in Fall 2025, further bolstering his credentials for medical school. He said he’s grateful for the many ways the University is preparing him for the next step in his educational journey.

“I’m really happy with my choice to come to BGSU,” he said. “It’s been fantastic, and my experiences here have been significant in my growth as a researcher and future physician.”

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Media Contact | Michael Bratton | [email protected] | 419-372-6349

Updated: 04/23/2024 02:34PM