Professor Gierzynski's area of study is American politics with specific interests in mass media, elections, campaign finance, and political parties.

He has published five books: "The Political Effects of Entertainment media: How Fictional Worlds Affect Real World Political Perspectives" (Lexington Books, 2018); "Harry Potter and the Millennials: Research Methods and the Politics of the Muggle Generation" (The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2013); "Saving American Elections: A Diagnoisis and Prescription for a Healthier Democracy" (Cambria Press, 2011); "Money Rule: Financing Elections in America" (Westview Press 2000); and "Legislative Party Campaign Committees in the American States" (University Press of Kentucky 1992).