Become a Burns Fellow
Drawing on the expertise of the Fellows of Notre Dame’s Institute for Educational Initiatives in economics, political science, psychology, sociology, STEM education, the Kellogg Institute for International Studies, and other affiliated centers, we train doctoral students in research design, implementation, analysis, and inference.
A Coordinated Program of Study
Working within the framework of the Ph.D. course requirements of their respective departments, students will participate in a small number of interdisciplinary courses to increase their knowledge and skills in educational social science. They will also join a bi-monthly seminar hosted by prominent educational researchers.
Burns Fellowship Benefits
Students admitted to ND PIER will be awarded the Rev. James A. Burns Fellowship. In addition to the stipend – including full tuition remission and health insurance – typically awarded Ph.D. students, students will receive:
- A top-off award of $5,000-$10,000 for up to five years
- Professional development funding for research and travel (about $2,500/year)
Because some students have other fellowships or funding arrangements, the PIER Faculty Committee may also award PIER Fellowships, which provide only the professional development funding for research and travel.
How to Apply
Students apply to the Burns Fellowship as part of their application to one of Notre Dame’s Ph.D. programs (Economics, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology). On the “Uploads” page of the application, students should submit a 300-word statement of interest describing their fit with the fellowship, and elaborating on their interests in educational practices, programs, and policies.
After departments screen candidates, the ND PIER Program Committee will review applications and admit students across affiliated departments and faculty.