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Latest From Valpo

Valparaiso University sign with emblem and flame, set against a blue sky with some clouds, highlighting the university’s excellence that draws national attention.
Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention
A diverse group in colorful cultural outfits stands together, smiling and linking arms on stage.
A Beacon’s Reflection | MyLinh (Millie) Mac ’16, M.A., M.A.
Three students in yellow shirts talk around a table with a laptop in a brightly lit room, sharing insights about what to expect during the first semester of grad school.
What to Expect in Your First Semester of Grad School
A person in a silver holographic ghost costume and cowboy hat at a Valparaiso University Halloween event.
Valparaiso University Offers Costumed Fun for the Whole Family this Halloween
Three people smiling in front of an American Red Cross Greater Chicago sign on a sunny day, highlighting a memorable moment from a CAPS Fellow Story.
Connecting Service to Purpose: Inside the 2026 Valpo CAPS Fellows Experience
Sign reading “Go BaBy go!” with smiley balloons and checkered bunting at a Valparaiso University Collaboration Challenge.
Valparaiso University Receives Collaboration Challenge Grant to Enhance Healthcare for Local Children
Man with headset and brown jacket sits at table with laptop, resting chin on hand, looking at camera—perhaps deep in thought as Paul Oren prepares for his next Beacon podcast episode.
Follow the Beacon | Paul Oren ’02, ’10 M.S.
Three people smiling, with the center person holding a Valparaiso University patent for water filtration.
Valparaiso University Professor Patents Methods of Distributing and Removing Microplastics in Water
A person in academic regalia stands in a church as people around them clap and stained glass shines behind, celebrating the Inauguration of President Rev. Brian Konkol at Valparaiso University.
Inauguration of Valparaiso University’s 20th President, Rev. Brian Konkol Draws Standing Room Only Crowd from Campus and Beyond

Research

Undergraduate Research in Social Sciences

Apply your skills and learn about the research process with the School of Social Sciences. In addition to hands-on projects as part of coursework, you can build your resume and deepen your knowledge in your major through original undergraduate research at Valpo. 

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Research Opportunities

Research
Internships
Washington, D.C. Semester
Inside-Out Course
Study Abroad Opportunities

Questions? We have answers.

Use this AI-powered search to easily and quickly find any information that’s available on this website.

Research Opportunities

Community Research and Service Center

Join the over 400 students who have participated in research as part of the Community Research and Service Center (CRSC) at Valpo. You’ll learn basic research methods, gain experience, and work alongside one of the many partner organizations the CRSC works with around Northwest Indiana. 

Assist with the design of studies, prepare questionnaires, conduct surveys, analyze data and potentially share your findings with audiences on campus and beyond. Sharpen your skills, and get ready to present your findings to the wider world.

Prior research projects have included studies on youth bereavement, studies into the quality of life for the City of Valparaiso, and assessments of after-school programs at local K-12 school systems.

Research and Creative Work

Explore the topics that ignite your passion with the research and creative work resources at Valparaiso University. Grants for undergraduate students are available to support projects, funded by University Guild’s Student Research Endowment Fund. You can then share your findings at annual events on campus, including Valpo’s Symposium On Research and Create Expression (SORCE), which brings together students working on research and creative projects across campus.

Research and Creative Work

Quantitative Analysis Skills

Build the analytical foundation for a rigorous social science education. Develop statistical analysis and research methods skills in courses like Econometrics (ECON 325), Research Methods (POLS 210), and Quantitative Survey Analysis (SOC 319), learning to gather data, construct models, and draw meaningful conclusions about the social and economic world.

Capstone Research Projects

All students with majors in the School of Social Sciences complete a capstone project during their final year, allowing them to choose an area of their field to explore more deeply. You’ll build your research and writing skills while pursuing a topic that interests you, giving you hands-on experience that you can directly apply in your career.

Contact the Department

Valparaiso University’s School of Social Sciences welcomes inquiries from prospective students, fellow researchers, and community members. 

James Old, Ph.D.
Director, School of Social Sciences
Associate Professor of Political Science and International Relations

school Of Social Sciences

Arts and Sciences Building, Room 352
1400 Chapel Drive
Valparaiso, IN 46383

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