Deadline: 01-Jun-2026
The American Political Science Association (APSA) is accepting applications for its Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grant to support empirical dissertation research in political science. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the programme provides grants of $10,000 to $20,000 for doctoral students conducting research related to citizenship, government, and politics.
About the Grant
The programme supports:
- Political science research
- Citizenship and governance studies
- Government and public policy research
- International relations research
- Empirical dissertation projects
- Research improvement activities
The grant focuses on:
- Theoretically grounded research
- Empirically oriented dissertation work
- Projects with intellectual merit and broader impact
Funding Details
- Grant Amount: $10,000–$20,000
- Number of Awards: Approximately 20–25 grants annually
Funding supports:
- Dissertation improvement activities
- Research-related costs
- Activities not normally funded by universities
Research Areas Supported
Eligible dissertation topics may include:
- Citizenship
- Government
- Politics
- Political behavior
- International relations
- Public policy
- Political institutions
- Governance systems
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a doctoral degree programme
- Study at a university physically located in the United States
- Attend an accredited U.S. institution
- Have completed:
- Comprehensive examinations
- Dissertation prospectus defense
- Preliminary doctoral requirements
Applicants must also:
- Conduct empirical dissertation research
- Be sponsored by their dissertation adviser
- Receive institutional endorsement
Eligible Academic Fields
Research may come from:
- Political science
- Government studies
- International relations
- Related social science programmes
Eligibility depends on:
- Dissertation topic
- Research focus
- Adviser guidance
What the Grant Supports
Funding may support:
- Data collection
- Fieldwork
- Survey research
- Research travel
- Archival research
- Specialized research activities
- Methodological improvements
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Prepare a strong empirical research proposal
- Demonstrate intellectual merit and broader impact
- Explain dissertation improvement needs
- Obtain adviser sponsorship and university endorsement
- Present a clear research methodology and budget
FAQ
- What is the funding amount?
- Grants range from $10,000 to $20,000.
- Who administers the programme?
- The programme is administered by APSA and funded by the National Science Foundation.
- How many grants are awarded each year?
- Around 20–25 grants are awarded annually.
- Who can apply?
- Doctoral students at accredited U.S.-based universities.
- What type of research is supported?
- Empirical dissertation research related to citizenship, government, and politics.
- Must applicants complete doctoral milestones before applying?
- Yes, comprehensive exams and dissertation prospectus defense must be completed.
Conclusion
The APSA Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grant provides important funding support for doctoral students conducting high-quality empirical political science research that advances understanding of citizenship, governance, and political systems.
For more information, visit APSA.