Mission
DIGGS (Diversity & Inclusion in Government Graduate Studies) is a faculty-led initiative based at the University of Texas at Austin. We are excited to host the second annual, in-person, workshop in social science methods May 31 – June 3.
This workshop aims to introduce students from underrepresented groups to the practice of graduate-level social science research. The workshop includes sessions on what life is like in a Ph.D. program in political science, what to consider when applying to programs, and general tips on deciding whether a Ph.D. program is for you.
Through a four day program oriented towards students with an interest in studying government and political science at the graduate level, we will investigate exciting faculty research while exploring the ins-and-outs of social science: an introduction in statistics, research design techniques, and theoretical tools.
Who is eligible?
This workshop is for junior and seniors in college, or recent graduates, currently living in Texas who are considering applying to Ph.D. programs in political science or government. We especially encourage Black, LatinX, Native Americans, students other underrepresented minorities (URM) to apply. Ph.D. programs offer training in academic research, though not everyone who completes a Ph.D. program goes into academia as a professor. The tools provided by Ph.D. programs are often desirable in other career paths. Entrance into Ph.D. programs is typically determined by test scores (GRE), performance in relevant coursework, interest and fit, and letters of recommendation. Most Ph.D. programs in political science offer tuition waivers and a small to moderate living stipend. An MA degree or equivalent is not required for entrance into a Ph.D. program, though it can sometimes provide relevant training and background.
Space is limited. Participants will be chosen on the basis of fit and interest. The application deadline for 2022 is April 1, 2022. Participants will receive room and board for the duration of the workshop and travel to Austin will be reimbursed.
The 2022 workshop
Our 2022 workshop is scheduled for May 31 to June 3, 2022. More details on schedule of sessions coming soon.
Why social science?
How do societies create effective and resilient institutions, such as governments?
How can we aggregate information possessed by individuals to make the best decisions?
Why do so many female workers still earn less than male workers?
What are the sources of social inequality, and how does it relate to political institutions and social structures?
Giles, J. Social science lines up its biggest challenges. Nature 470, 18–19 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/470018a
Many of the biggest questions facing us today, from predicting civil violence to understanding social inequality, are critical to the field of social science. How do we go about asking the right questions, and what methods should we use to answer them?
DIGGS 