Student Research Opportunities and Internships for Credit
When students conduct original research while working closely with a member of the faculty, they are able to address critical international challenges, develop potential policy solutions and participate at the cutting edge of key policy debates, while also developing their analytical and communication skills. The skills and relationships developed through this experience make students well-positioned for graduate study and exciting career opportunities.
There are numerous ways Elliott School undergraduate students can engage in research beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. Explore your options below.
See the 2024 Student Research Showcase Winners
Elliott School Research and Internship Course Options
While studying abroad in Peru, I began a research project examining how Quechua farmers in the Cusco region respond to the degradation of native forests. With support from the Elliott School’s Undergraduate Scholars Research Program, I returned to Cusco for several weeks to further investigate the relationship between the indigenous communities and the NGO working to restore the forests... This yearlong research led to a deeper understanding of how NGOs can create sustainable development programs that foster local investment and empower communities.
Eric Teller
Class of 2018
Some of Our Opportunities
- Applied Research (Capstone) Courses
- Are you looking for a hands-on classroom experience that helps prepare you for a career? The Elliott School’s IAFF 4192 courses give students the opportunity to tackle real-world policy challenges, conduct data-driven research, and engage directly with government agencies, think tanks, and international organizations. From simulating the high-stakes decision making present on the National Security Council to conducting applied research for the U.S. State Department, these courses provide invaluable skills in research, policy analysis, and professional communication.IAFF 4192: Conflict and Stabilization Applied Research
Do you want to jump start your career by carrying out research that is targeted for the U.S. State Department? This special seminar course involves conducting applied research in teams that is focused on the State Department’s Bureau of Conflict & Stabilization Operations. Each team will be assigned to address a topic that members of this bureau have previously identified as important for their work. Teams will locate and analyze data from various sources in order to compile the findings and recommendations. The course will be taught by the bureau's former Chief Data Officer and Director of the Office of Advanced Analytics.
IAFF 4192: National Security Council Simulation
When an international crisis strikes, it’s best to be prepared. This course illuminates how the national security interagency apparatus really works, especially when the United States and its allies are under stress and (sometimes literally) under fire. This course involves a semester-length simulation of the national security decision-making process, with students role-playing members of the US National Security Council. The hands-on exercise will bombard you with various inputs—intelligence reports, presidential demands, news accounts, etc.—in an ever-shifting Middle East crisis. Like every crisis in that region, this one has global implications, involving competing military, economic, and political dimensions and multiple international powers. Students exercise their interpersonal and bureaucratic skills to build consensus on a way forward. Readings, lectures, and a scenario-specific supplementary bibliography provide detailed insight into US national security agencies and the real-world dynamics at play. The practical tools you learn to employ in this course can be applied to any crisis in the real world, and will help prepare you for important elements of the US Foreign Service oral examination.
IAFF 4192: Peacebuilding Applied Research
This course engages students in applied peace research and practice. Through collaborative projects, course instruction, and seminar-style lectures from guest speakers from around the peacebuilding ecosystem, students will learn alongside peace practitioners, community leaders, and international organizations to address real-world conflict challenges. The course emphasizes the development of research and practical skills tailored to the needs of the peacebuilding field, including mixed methods, participatory action research, program strategy and execution and impact evaluation. Students will gain experience in designing and conducting research and programming that informs policy and practice, with the goal of contributing to sustainable peace outcomes.
IAFF 4192: Applied Research on Africa
Examine how public opinion data can be used to study key policy issues in Africa. Conduct original research with Afrobarometer data that develops data analysis skills, writing and teamwork. Students will experience an introduction to survey research by reviewing research methods that compare quantitative and qualitative research. They will also learn questionnaire design and development and sampling designs. Students will review policy briefs and academic articles that use public opinion data which will in turn shape their own approach to analysis and writing. As part of the final project, students will work in teams to conduct data analysis and craft compelling narratives in the form of a policy brief. - Dean's Scholars Program
The Elliott School’s Dean’s Scholars Program offers select undergraduates the chance to conduct original research between their junior and senior years. Students take part in research design and writing seminar courses, work closely with faculty mentors, and have opportunities to present and publish their findings.
- Independent Study
Independent Study courses are an opportunity for students in the Elliott School to receive credit for individualized academic projects supervised by a GW faculty advisor. The faculty advisor may be any GW professor who has taught at GW at least two times in the past three years, and they must have knowledge of the issue or topic the student will explore in the independent study. Independent Study coursework must not duplicate courses that are traditionally offered at the University. This research opportunity offers a range of credit options, which are determined by the length of the research paper:
- 1 credit = 10 page minimum
- 2 credits = 20 page minimum
- 3 credits = 30 page minimum
Eligibility
- Junior or senior standing (60 or more earned credit hours)
- Cumulative GPA must be 3.0 or higher at time of application
Course Requirements
IAFF 3198: Independent Study and Research — To complete the independent study, students must fulfill the following academic requirements:
- Research Paper: Students must complete a research paper relevant to contemporary international affairs. The paper is to be developed over the course of the semester in conjunction with the faculty advisor. The faculty advisor has final approval on all aspects of the paper except the length, which is described above.
- Readings: Decisions regarding what books and articles must be read are to be negotiated by the student and the faculty advisor. Faculty advisors may assign readings or they may approve readings that students suggest if they feel the content is appropriate and relevant. In addition, faculty advisors have the authority to set deadlines and assign any related work.
- Faculty/Student Meetings: The faculty advisor and the student will meet regularly throughout the semester.
Responsibilities for the faculty advisor:
- Sign the student's Independent Study application
- Meet with the student regularly during the semester
- Assign appropriate readings, review/revise the final product periodically
- Submit a grade at the end of the semester*
* The Elliott School will send a form to the faculty advisor about two weeks prior to the end of the semester to request a grade.
Deadline: Applications for the Independent Study are due no later than the Friday of the second week of classes in the semester.
- Internship Course
Students are able to apply for an internship course for credit or for zero credits. The internship course for credit has two options: 1) Students can enroll in the Research Paper course and work closely with a faculty advisor to write a final research paper relevant to their internship and contemporary international affairs; or 2) Students can enroll in the Professional Development Seminar that will emphasize professional competencies, leadership, and skills development. Details about all options can be found in the Guidelines linked below.
- IAFF 3195 - Research Paper - For Credit (PDF) (In order to be eligible for our internship research paper course for credit, students must first review the IAFF 3195 information slides.)
- IAFF 3195 - Zero Credit Option (PDF)
- IAFF 3196 - Internship Professional Development Seminar - For Credit (PDF)
International Internships
Governments and organizations outside the US sometimes require prospective undergraduate student interns to complete internship agreements that the George Washington University cannot support. Instead, and in consultation with our Office of General Council, the University has created an internship agreement form that you can submit to those governments or organizations to complete. Please srsquire
gwu [dot] edu (contact Sarah Squire), the director of undergraduate academic advising, if you are pursuing an internship opportunity with a government or organization outside the US that requires you and GW to sign an internship agreement form. - Research Seminar
Research Seminar courses provide an opportunity for students to write a substantial research paper on an issue related to the general subject of the seminar. Students will earn 3 credit hours by completing a Research Seminar course (IAFF 4191 or 4191W).
Eligibility
Students must meet all of the following requirements in order to register for a Research Seminar:
- Junior or senior standing (60 or more earned credit hours)
- Cumulative GPA must be 3.4 or higher at time of application
Course Requirements
IAFF 4191: Research Seminar — To complete the Research Seminar, students must attend a course that meets weekly. The seminars can be viewed on GWEB or on the GW Schedule of Classes by searching for IAFF 4191 or IAFF 4191W. Research Seminars topics vary and are subject to availability (Some topics are not offered each semester).
How to Register for the IAFF 4191: Research Seminar
Students who have earned at least 60 credits and have a 3.4 GPA can register for the research seminar, IAFF 4191, on GWEB during the registration period.
- Senior Thesis
The Senior Thesis is an opportunity for students to participate in a semester-long independent research project under the guidance of a GW faculty advisor. The faculty advisor may be any GW professor who has taught at GW at least two times in the past three years, and they must have knowledge of the issue or topic the student will explore in the senior thesis. During the semester, students will write a substantial research paper on an issue related to international affairs. Students will earn three credit hours for completing the Senior Thesis course (IAFF 4199).
Eligibility
Students must meet all of the following requirements prior to applying for registration.
- Senior standing (90 or more earned credit hours)
- Cumulative GPA must be 3.4 or higher at the time of application
- Final Year of study at GW
Course Requirements
IAFF 4199: Senior Thesis — Students must conduct original research and write 30 or more pages about an international affairs topic of their choice. Students are responsible for finding a GW faculty advisor who is willing to meet on a regular basis throughout the semester to supervise the research and writing process.
How to Apply/Register for IAFF 4199 Senior Thesis
Please note that students cannot register for the Senior Thesis via GWeb.
Seniors applying for the thesis option (fall or spring) are required to
- Review the IAFF 4199 information slides.
- Identify a GW faculty advisor to work with. Students should discuss their project with their prospective faculty advisor and define their research question well ahead of the deadline - preferably in the previous semester.
- Follow the registration process listed below.
Once received, applications will be reviewed for eligibility.
Deadline: Applications for the Senior Thesis are due no later than the Friday of the second week of classes in the semester.
- How to Register for Independent Study, Internship Courses, or Senior Thesis
To register for:
- IAFF 3195: Internship for Zero Credit
- IAFF 3195: Internship for Credit
- IAFF 3198: Independent Study
- IAFF 4199: Senior Thesis
Please use the following link and complete the Qualtrics Survey:
Summer 2025Fall 2025Deadlines to Register:
Summer 2025: May 30th, 2025Fall 2025: September 5th, 2025To register for IAFF 3196 Internship Professional Development Seminar, students do not need to complete the Qualtrics Survey. Please follow the directions in the Internship Courses section and contact the listed instructor in the Schedule of Classes.
Earning Elliott School Special Honors
Students who complete a senior thesis, a research seminar during their senior year, or the Dean's Scholars Seminar in the Dean's Scholars Program with a minimum grade of A–, earn a cumulative GPA of 3.7, and complete 60 credits in residence at GW are awarded Elliott School Special Honors. Special Honors is noted on a line of the final transcript that indicates graduation with Special Honors from the Elliott School.
*Please note ESIA Special Honors is designated to students participating in the Research Seminar in their final year of study. Juniors who take the Research Seminar can take another Research Seminar during their Senior Year if they wish to qualify for ESIA Special Honors and concurrently satisfy additional requirements within their specific plan of study. Students are encouraged to consult with their Academic Advisor if planning on taking the Research Seminar as a Junior.
Research Assistant Awards
To encourage students to participate in faculty-led research projects, the Elliott School offers the Research Assistant award. The Application form and deadline are available on the Funding Opportunities page.
Elliott School faculty may seek outstanding students to assist them with an original research project. Selected students will receive an undergraduate research award of up to $1,500 to help with faculty-led research. The size of the award will depend on the amount of research work the undergraduate is likely to perform. Although an Elliott School faculty member must lead the research project, the student recipients of these awards are not required to be Elliott School students.
Research Awards
To encourage students to pursue their own original research, the Elliott School offers the Undergraduate Research Award. The Application form and deadline are available on the Funding Opportunities page.
These awards are for student-initiated projects designed to help with student research expenses (e.g., data collection, the purchase of research materials, and project-related travel). To be eligible to apply, the student must be an Elliott School undergraduate who is enrolled in a Senior Thesis, Research Seminar, or Independent Study course.
Information about these awards and when students can apply are sent via email from the Elliott School and are included in the advising newsletter. In addition to the above awards, students may find research funding opportunities at their center, institute, or program.
Please contact the Undergraduate Program Coordinator at %20esiaugresearchgwu [dot] edu (esiaugresearch[at]gwu[dot]edu) with any questions about funding for research projects in the Elliott School.
Other Funding Opportunities
GW Available Research Funding & Application
There is also funding available via a general GW Undergraduate Research Award for students across GW. *Note: The project may begin during the summer and must be concluded during the spring semester of the following year.