Bachelor's students in Public Affairs and Political Science have opportunities to engage in research to practice skills learned in coursework.

Undergraduate Considerations

The Truman School’s Honors Capstone in Political Science (POL_SC 4996) allows Political Science students a unique opportunity in their senior year to go beyond the classroom and extend their knowledge to work on new and unique projects. There is virtually no limit to the type of projects you may work on. Recent projects include:

  • analyses of the Electoral College and the uneven weighting of citizens’ votes
  • press freedom in Brazil
  • the status of “sanctuary” cities and counties in the United States
  • the impact of satirical news programs on the voting behavior of young citizens
  • factors influencing voter turnout on Native American reservations
  • the influence of nationalism, history, and public opinion on the relationship between China and Japan.

Students approved to enroll in POL_SC 4996 will engage in original research over the course of two semesters under the supervision of a faculty mentor, culminating in a 40-50 page honors thesis. In order to graduate with departmental honors, students must earn a grade of B or higher on the honors thesis as well as a cumulative MU GPA of 3.25.

If interested, please read through the details of the capstone requirements and complete the application here. If you have questions about the application, please reach out to Professor Bill Horner at HornerWT@missouri.edu.

Mizzou's Office of Undergraduate Research also offers opportunities for research, scholarship, and creative activity.

Internship Opportunities

The College of Arts & Science Internship Office provides advice and support to A&S students seeking internships. Students can search "College of Arts and Science - Internship Office" in MU Connect to schedule an appointment.

The Kinder Scholars DC Summer Program is offered through The Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy. Participants supplement their coursework with practical experience by interning at an organization in D.C. whose mission relates to their academic studies in the theory and history of American constitutional democracy.

Earning credit

Students can earn credit for an approved internship by enrolling in POL_SC 4940. If interested, please read through eligibility requirements and complete the application here. Please note that applications for enrollment in POL_SC 4940 must be submitted and approved before the internship begins.

If you have questions about the application or the eligibility of an internship, please reach out to a Truman School advisor:

  • Rebecca Fallon (last names A-G)  FallonRM@missouri.edu
  • Sarah Kammeyer (last names H-O)  KammeyerS@missouri.edu
  • Kati Abbott (last names P-Z)  AbbottKM@missouri.edu