In 2020, APSA received a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to administer the Political Science DDRIG Program for the next three years. 

The Political Science Program at the NSF supports scientific research that advances knowledge and understanding of citizenship, government, and politics. Research proposals are expected to be theoretically motivated, conceptually precise, methodologically rigorous, and empirically oriented. Substantive areas include, but are not limited to, American government and politics, comparative government and politics, international relations, political behavior, political economy, and political institutions. DDRIG proposals are due to APSA in September annually. 

Application and Eligibility 

The APSA Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants are available to all US-based graduate students who are at the point of initiating or are already conducting dissertation research focused on advancing knowledge and understanding of citizenship, government, and politics. Learn more.

Format and Materials 

All proposals for APSA Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants must include these application materials and formats.

FAQs

These frequently asked questions will be helpful to PhD students who are considering applying for the APSA Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grant. See FAQs.

Application Submission Process 

For a PhD student in the Political Science Department in the Maxwell School, here are the steps to submit a DDRIG application to APSA. Caroline McMullin (cmcmulli@syr.edu) is Maxwell’s Research Administrator in the Office of Sponsored Programs; there are a few times along the way (detailed below) when you will work with her.