As a Public Affairs Senior, you will investigate an identifiable public or social problem about which you are capable of gathering information. The problem you choose should:
You will use empirical data (often a mix of published studies, archival data and existant databases) to answer the research question.
Recent Capstone Projects include:
You may choose to present your research at the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research. Through this annual conference, NCUR creates a unique environment for the celebration and promotion of undergraduate student achievement, provides models of exemplary research and scholarship and helps to improve the state of undergraduate education.
Undergraduate research is an inquiry or exploration of a topic within an academic discipline by a student that makes an original contribution to the field of study.
Getting involved in student research is a great way to further explore your academic passions and interests. Research opportunities are available for all academic disciplines. The Student Research Program can assist you with organizing, funding, presenting, and even publishing your own research.
Student Research Program opportunities include:
For more information about the latest SU student research opportunities, visit the Student Research Program site.
Professor Marie Wong teaches an annual service learning Community Design Workshop where students integrate planning methods and community building through a quarter-long project. Students analyze and develop strategies and recommendations in an urban development or design plan which is presented to the client.
The Seattle University Youth Initiative (SUYI) unites the University and the wider Seattle community to develop successful youth, thriving communities and an engaged neighborhood. The Initiative strives to strengthen education and support systems for 1,000 neighborhood youth and their families while enhancing the University by providing service, learning and research experience to students, faculty, and staff.
Launched in February 2011, the Youth Initiative has quickly become the largest community engagement project in the institution’s history and a signature element of the University.
The SUYI is staffed by the University’s Center for Community Engagement, the main entry point for students, faculty, and staff for all forms of community engagement, including direct service, community-based research, social entrepreneurship, and advocacy.
The goal of the PPIA Fellowship Program is to help students achieve a Master’s or joint degree, typically in public policy, public administration, international affairs or a related field. The organization does this through the intensive study provided by participation in a Junior Summer Institute (JSI), through partnerships with universities across the country, and through an alumni network that provides opportunities to connect with nearly 4000 individuals who share the same interest in public service.
Each year, PPIA seeks out high-potential undergraduate students from universities across the country to participate in an intensive seven-week Junior Summer Institute (JSI) before their senior year. During their program, fellows are equipped with the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in graduate school and ultimately, in influential roles serving the public good.
Once a student has successfully completed their JSI, they join an alumni network of nearly 4,000 leaders. In addition to the opportunities that this network provides for mentoring and career development, our alumni network has the opportunity to receive financial support for their graduate school education if they attend one of the programs in our Graduate School Consortium.
The deadline to apply for summer 2019 is November 1, 2018. For More Information visit the PPIA website.
The Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons is excited to announce the creation of a new Undergraduate Research Award.
To be eligible, students must be currently enrolled at Seattle University as an undergraduate student in any class level and have completed and submitted an original research project for an SU credit course.
The first place prize winner will receive $500 and the second and third place winners will receive $250.
Full details can be found at the Undergraduate Research Award site: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/ura.
Undergraduate research is a key "high-impact" educational practice and is a growing part of undergraduate education programs at colleges and universities nationwide. We look forward to this opportunity to recognize, encourage and celebrate undergraduate student scholarship at SU, and are equally delighted to join the efforts of other initiatives on campus like SUURJ in the Office of Fellowships and Student Research, which is also a sponsor for this award.