Predoctoral Summer Institute for First-Generation and Diverse Scholars
2022 POIR Predoctoral Summer Institute for First-Generation and Diverse Scholars Dates are July 7th and 8th. Space is limited, so be sure to apply early and before May 13 for priority consideration.
The POIR Program hosts USC POIR Predoctoral Summer Institute for First-Generation and Diverse Scholars. This institute is targeted towards first-generation and minority undergraduate, M.A., or law students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in political science or allied social science fields (e.g., sociology, economics, or public policy).
The USC POIR predoctoral summer institute is for students primarily in the southern California area, especially those from nearby universities. It is an opportunity for undergraduate/M.A. students to come to USC to (1) learn more about political science and social science Ph.D. programs and to learn what getting a Ph.D. in political science is like; and (2) for institute participants to receive direct feedback and advice on how to craft a successful and competitive application for admission to a Ph.D. program in social science, political science, and international relations.
What is included?
An introduction to Ph.D. programs in political science, international relations, and social science, including an overview and demystification of graduate school and details regarding funding/fellowships for Ph.D. students.
Direct feedback and advice on how to craft a successful and competitive application for admission to a Ph.D. program in political science or similar social science fields. Examples of application materials from students who have recently been accepted into the top Ph.D. programs in political science will be provided to participants in order to assist participants with their own future Ph.D. applications to USC or elsewhere.
USC faculty and Ph.D. students in the political science and international relations (POIR) Ph.D. program will work directly with institute participants on their application materials including research statements, CVs/resumes, and writing samples in breakout sessions.
A chance to meet faculty and Ph.D. students at USC to discuss their research interests and provide an overview of the discipline as it relates to institute participants’ own interests
Information about research assistant opportunities at USC and elsewhere. Participants in this institute will learn about opportunities to have their Ph.D. graduate school application fees waived if they apply to the USC POIR Ph.D. program.
Why are we doing this?
Find out more information about the inaugural institute and our mission for the program in this interview with former POIR Director, Christian Grose.
The short application form is linked here. Those selected will be notified by May 30, 2022
The short application form to participate in the 2022 Institute will be available in late spring 2022. Those selected to participate will be notified in late May.
Please encourage your students to apply for the USC POIR Predoctoral Summer Institute. Interested students contact for questions and information.
- Kendrick Roberson (Predoctoral Summer Institute Student Program Director) at kbrobers@usc.edu
- Nancy Hernandez (Predoctoral Summer Institute Student Assistant Director) at nancymhe@usc.edu
- Tolu Babalola (Predoctoral Summer Institute Student Assistant Director) at babalola@usc.edu
- Danielle DeRosa Ballard (PhD Graduate Studies Administrative Director) at dderosa@usc.edu