83rd Annual Midwest Political Science Association Conference
Thursday, April 23 through Sunday, April 26, 2026
Hybrid Format: In Person at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, IL or Online
All Panels/Paper Sessions, Roundtables, Lightning Talks and Working Groups will Feature a Hybrid Format (for In-Person or Virtual Participation). Undergraduate Poster Sessions will be In Person Only.
Conference Program Co-Chairs:
Bethany Lacina, University of Rochester
Cecilia Hyunjung Mo, University of California-Berkeley
Learn more about the conference. Sign up here to receive email communications about the conference.
The Midwest Political Science Association is proud to welcome undergraduate students to the 2026 MPSA Conference!
Undergraduate Programming at the 2026 MPSA Conference
If you are an undergraduate student attending the conference, there are a variety of events just for you! To make the most of your conference experience, be sure to check out the sessions and events below, and mark your calendar for those that interest you.
Undergraduate Poster Sessions
The 2026 MPSA Conference features nearly 400 presentations of undergraduate research across all core subfields of political science!
Undergraduate poster sessions will take place on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 in the 4th Floor Exhibit Hall. More information on preparing for your poster presentation can be found here.
Professional Development Sessions for Undergraduates
These Saturday roundtable panels provide an opportunity to hear from and ask questions of accomplished scholars and professionals about taking the next steps in your career journey as a political science student. Whether you are thinking of applying to graduate school or law school, or simply would like to hear new perspectives on how best to pursue a fulfilling career as a political science major, these panels will be valuable for you.
Strategies for Graduate School Success
Saturday, April 25, 9:50 am – 11:20 am
Graduate school can be an overwhelming experience for many students, as they transition from college or the workforce into professional academic life. This roundtable aims to provide incoming and current graduate students, as well as faculty advisers of graduate students, with valuable insights and strategies for navigating the challenges of graduate study, from managing coursework and research to maintaining personal health and wellbeing. Panelists will share tips for staying organized, building supportive relationships with advisors and peers, handling imposter syndrome, and balancing academic demands with personal life.
This panel features several editors and/or contributors to the volume Strategies for Navigating Graduate School and Beyond. Attendees at this panel will be entered into a raffle to receive of free copy of the book!
Applying to Graduate School
Saturday, April 25, 11:40 am – 1:10 pm
This roundtable is intended to provide essential guidance for undergraduate students considering a PhD in political science or related fields, covering the entire graduate school application process from selecting programs and crafting personal statements to securing strong letters of recommendation and preparing for interviews. Experienced faculty and graduate study directors will share insights on building a competitive application, navigating funding opportunities, and aligning research interests with departmental strengths to help attendees make informed decisions about pursuing advanced studies.
What to Do with My Political Science Degree: Career Paths for Undergraduate Political Science Majors
Saturday, April 25, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
This roundtable is intended to provide guidance to the political science majors who are unsure about what comes next after graduation. Panelists will articulate the diverse paths available to undergraduates including graduate study but also positions in government, nonprofit organizations, public policy, international relations, and the private sector. Panelists will share their career journeys, offer advice on how to leverage a political science degree in the job market, and discuss strategies for building a strong professional network while in college.
First-Time Attendee Networking Event and Tour
Attending MPSA for the first time in person? We’re excited to welcome you! Join us for the First-Time Attendee Networking Event and Tour on Thursday, April 23, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. at the Palmer House Hilton.
Kick off your conference experience with a warm welcome to the Windy City from Choose Chicago, then hear from MPSA staff as they share helpful tips, resources, and insider guidance to help you make the most of your time at the conference. You’ll also enjoy a brief tour of the historic Palmer House Hilton, led by one of the hotel’s Blue Coats.
Wrap up the event by connecting with fellow first-time attendees – an excellent opportunity to start building your MPSA network!
There is no fee to attend the event. While pre-registration was highly encouraged, all are welcome to attend.
Exhibit Hall
This year’s MPSA Exhibit Hall features organizations and events that may be of interest to undergraduate students. While you are in the 4th Floor Exhibit Hall for your poster presentation, be sure to stop by and visit with:
The Institute for Humane Studies (Booth 108)
ICPSR Summer Program in Quantitative Methods (Booth 206)
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen – School of Humanities and Social Science (Booth 203)
Wiley Headshot Lounge
If you are in need of a professional headshot as you prepare to hit the job market, now is your chance!
The Wiley Headshot Lounge will be open in the 4th Floor Exhibit Hall on Friday, April 24, 9:30 am – 6:00 pm.
Headshot sessions are $20 and payment is required upon booking. Click here to reserve your time slot!
Meet the Author Event
Cambridge University Press (Booth 100)
Friday, April 24 at 3:00 pm
Empirical Research and Writing: A Political Science Student’s Practical Guide (2nd Edition)
by Leanne C. Powner
ISBN 9781009651943
Engaging step-by-step guidance for social science undergraduates on research design and methods, with new material on ethics and quantitative methods. Refreshments will be provided.
Other Sessions and Events
As an undergraduate student attending the 2026 MPSA Conference, we encourage you to peruse the online program and attend any paper panels, roundtables, lightning talks, or other events that are of interest to you. In particular, we would like to highlight two featured events that are staples of the annual conference:
MPSA Town Hall 2026
Friday, April 24, 3:20 pm – 4:50 pm
Come and hear from a panel of distinguished political scientists as they speak about the state of contemporary U.S. politics and what it means for political science in the near future.
MPSA President’s Reception
Saturday, April 25, 7:45 pm – 9:00 pm
Join us at the end of the final full conference day to network and enjoy food and refreshments with fellow conference attendees!
While you are at the conference, be sure to use our conference hashtag #MPSA2026 and tag us in any photos you post!
We are thrilled that you will be joining us for the 2026 MPSA Conference. If you have any questions between now and the event, contact mpsainfo@mpsanet.org.