Applied learning takes you further
Want to hit the ground running after earning your degree? Develop the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to build your professional profile through our experiential learning opportunities. You will apply the theory learned in class to real world projects, allowing you to build your resume while earning credit towards your degree.
Experiential learning courses
POLI:3001 Hawkeye Poll
The nationally respected Hawkeye Poll engages students in all aspects of survey research, including survey sampling, question wording, data collection, data analysis, and report preparation and dissemination. View information from recent Hawkeye Poll surveys.
POLI:3127 Legislative Policy Seminar (IPRO)
Students prepare in-depth policy reports on issues important to the Iowa legislature and other state policymakers. Visit the IPRO webpage for more information.
POLI:3160 Solving Policy Problems Through Research
Policymakers often depend on concise policy briefs to provide them the information they need to make decisions. In this course, students learn the craft of writing these crucial documents.
POLI:3525 Iowa Policy and Opinion Lab (IPOL)
Students in IPOL collaborate to study policymaking and public opinion in Iowa. This includes examining policy choices in the legislative, executive, and judicial branches and collecting data on public opinion among Iowans. The data will then be used to answer a variety of research questions. Visit the IPOL website for more information and recent policy reports.
POLI:3530 Diplomacy Lab
Students work in teams under the supervision of faculty members on projects for the U.S. Department of State.
Research labs
Civil Wars Research Lab
Students engage in international relations research about the dynamics of conflict and cooperation in civil wars.
Disasters, Migration, and Violence (DMV) Lab
Collaborative research group studying when and why natural disasters lead to environmental migration and conflict around the world.
International Politics Research Team
This team collects data on international issues, including peace negotiations and grand strategy.
Students Advancing Latino Unity & Democracy (SALUD)
Students focus on solutions and remedies for policies that impact community health for Latinos living in Iowa. For the latest, follow SALUD on Instagram.
Political Matters
Join the Political Matters Living-Learning Community to connect and live with fellow students interested in governance, civic engagement, pre-law, and politics.
Peer mentors
First-year political science and international relations majors can meet with a peer mentor about topics related to academic or student life. Peer mentors in our program have experience with a variety of organizations on campus and work directly with the department chair and professional advisors. Connect with a mentor by email or visit them during drop-in hours in the Political Science Student Lounge (331 Schaeffer Hall).
Brooke Paasch
Spring drop-in hours: Tuesday/Thursday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Brooke is a Junior majoring in political science, international relations, ethics and public policy with a minor in German and a certificate in human rights. She plans to attend law school upon graduation. Outside of school, she’s in student government, Undergraduate Political Science Association, Iowa City Homeless Project, Spanish Club, undergraduate research, and a manager at Burge Marketplace. In her free time, she enjoys hammocking on the Pentacrest and reading. Brooke is looking forward to getting to know more students in the department and guiding new students on campus.
Isaiah Pielak
Spring drop-in hours: Wednesday, 2-4 p.m.
Isaiah is a fourth-year student studying political science, psychology, and ethics and public policy on the pre-law track. On campus, they have been extensively involved in research and currently serve on the executive councils of the Model United Nations and Ethics Bowl teams. In their free time, they enjoy running, writing, and watching movies at FilmScene.
Amira Qidwai
Spring drop-in hours: Wednesday, 12:30-1:30 p.m. & Friday, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Amira is a senior on the pre-law track studying international relations, Arabic, and geographic information science. She is currently the President of the Middle East and North African Students Association and has served as an executive officer in several student organizations including Model United Nations, undergraduate student government, and Hawk the Vote. She has also been involved in multiple political science research opportunities including the Cooperation in Civil War Research Lab and the Disasters, Migration, and Violence Lab. Outside of class, Amira enjoys doing ceramics and learning new languages.
Elizabeth Witcombe
Spring drop-in hours: Monday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Wednesday, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Elizabeth is a third-year student majoring in international relations with a minor in Spanish on the pre-law track. On campus, she is involved in undergraduate research with Professor Menninga, is a member of the Pre-Law Association of Women, and participates in Dance Marathon as the Faculty and Staff Chair. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outside, trying new coffee shops, and cheering on the Hawkeyes!
"The research skills I gained made me a prime candidate for my internship with Green Iowa AmeriCorps where I planned a conference, allocated grant money, and raised money for environmental education efforts."
University resources
Undergraduate research
Gain hands-on experience by participating in the research and creative discovery of faculty and staff.
Internships
Build on-the-job experience while connecting and networking with professionals in your field.
Study abroad
Enhance your degree, stand out to employers, shape your own perspective, and transform into a global citizen.
Community-engaged courses
Apply your academic skills and knowledge to help community partners solve real-world problems.