20 Top Scholarships for Political Science Majors

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Whether you’re a conservative or liberal, scholarships for political science majors can help you  pursue your interest in government affairs. Political science majors are available from the bachelor’s to doctoral level to examine key legislative, elective, and judicial processes.

According to CNN, political science is among America’s 10 most popular majors producing newly minted professionals for success. Political science primarily unlocks jobs in the public and nonprofit sector, especially with local, state, and federal agencies. Graduates of political science programs excel as:

  • lobbyists
  • diplomats
  • elected officials
  • policy analysts
  • city planners
  • campaign managers
  • correspondents, and more

A political science degree can also prepare you for attending law school.

Resource: 20 Best Deals on Small Colleges for Politically Active Students

Capitalize on the following political science scholarships to specialize your liberal arts education in politics.

Top Scholarships for Political Science Majors

1. APSA Minority Fellowship Program

Deadline: October 30th

The American Political Science Association supports a Minority Fellowship Program. It  awards $4,000 in two payments to outstanding graduate students. They must be entering their first or second year of a doctoral political science program. College seniors or master’s students must be U.S. citizens of underrepresented ethnic backgrounds, including:

  • African Americans
  • Asian Americans
  • Pacific Islanders
  • Latinos/as
  • Native Americans

They must have an interest in collegiate teaching.

Contact

APSA Minority Fellowship Program
1527 New Hampshire Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 483-2512
apsa@apsanet.org
Scholarship Link

2. Bruce B. Melchert Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 15th

The Bruce B. Melchert Scholarship Fund is named after a Life Loyal Teke who served as Executive Vice President for 12 years. It awards $1,000 annually to Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity members who are earning bachelor’s degrees in political science or government. Eligibility criteria includes:

  • attending an accredited four-year U.S. college
  • having completed at least 30 college credits
  • carrying a cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • seeking political service professions.
Contact

Bruce B. Melchert Scholarship Fund
7439 Woodland Drive Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46278
(317) 872-6533
tkeogc@tke.org
Scholarship Link

3. Catherine Baker Knoll Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

The Pennsylvania Democratic Party joins with the Pennsylvania Democratic Committee Women’s Caucus annually to present the $1,000 Catherine Baker Knoll Scholarship. It honors the Keystone State’s first female elected official. To qualify, political science majors must:

  • be women
  • pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees full-time
  • attend accredited in-state colleges
  • show active involvement in community organizing
  • be committed to public service careers

Preference is given to Pennsylvania residents who are registered Democrats.

Contact

Catherine Baker Knoll Scholarship
229 State Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 920-8470
plucas@padems.com
Scholarship Link

4. Charles and Kathleen Manatt Fellowship

Deadline: March 15th

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems grants three annual scholarships for political science. These include the $5,000 Charles and Kathleen Manatt Fellowship. Accepted fellows must be pursuing master’s or PhD programs in political science. They must be and conducting research that examines:

  • democracy
  • election administration
  • civic participation

Applications are accepted from graduate students in the Midwestern states of:

  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Dakotas
  • Wisconsin.
Contact

Charles and Kathleen Manatt Fellowship
2011 Crystal Drive 10th Floor
Arlington, VA 22202
(202) 350-6845
afeatherston@ifes.org
Scholarship Link

5. Constitutional Officers Association of Georgia Scholarships

Deadline: April 1st

Every spring, the Constitutional Officers Association of Georgia encourages tomorrow’s leading public servants by presenting four scholarships for:

  • $500
  • $600
  • $1,000
  • $1,500

Eligible Georgia residents must be graduating with a high school diploma or GED to enroll full-time in an accredited college. They must declare a major in one of these areas:

  • government
  • political science
  • finance
  • law enforcement
  • pre-law

Scholarship packets must include a letter of acceptance and 1,000-word personal essay.

Contact

Constitutional Officers Association of Georgia Scholarships
P.O. Box 1644
Decatur, GA 30031
(404) 377-1364
coagoffice@bellsouth.net
Scholarship Link

6. Enid Hall Griswold Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: February 10th

The Daughters of the American Revolution is a nonprofit women’s organization devoted to promoting patriotism. It has over 3,000 chapters. It grant numerous scholarships like the $5,000 Enid Hall Griswold Memorial Scholarship. Each year, two exemplary college students are chosen.  They must be studying:

  • political science
  • economics
  • government
  • international relations
  • history

Attending an accredited four-year university in the United States with junior or senior status is required.

Contact

Enid Hall Griswold Memorial Scholarship
1776 D Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 628-1776
EnidHallMemorialScholarship@NSDAR.org
Scholarship Link

7. Harry S. Truman Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: February 7th

Perhaps the most competitive scholarships for political science are the Harry S. Truman Foundation Scholarships. They’re for full-time undergraduate seniors who are interested in attending an accredited U.S. graduate school. Eligible scholars must plan to work in government after earning a master’s or doctoral degree in:

  • public administration
  • political science
  • public health
  • international affairs
  • public policy

In exchange for $30,000, recipients must sign three-year service agreements.

Contact

Harry S. Truman Foundation Scholarships
712 Jackson Place NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 395-4831
tyglesias@truman.gov
Scholarship Link

8. Henry A. Zuberano Scholarship Award

Deadline: February 15th

Valued at $1,000, the Henry A. Zuberano Scholarship Award is bestowed annually by the Hawaii Community Foundation. It assists full-time college students who are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in:

  • political science
  • public administration
  • international business
  • international relations

Qualified undergraduates must:

  • reside in Hawaii
  • attend an accredited college in U.S. territories
  • have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher
  • demonstrate leadership capacity for government affairs.
Contact

Henry A. Zuberano Scholarship Award
117 Keawe Street Suite 109
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 935-1206
dchadwick@hcf-hawaii.org
Scholarship Link

9. Howard Penniman Scholarships for Graduate Study

Deadline: May 1st

The Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society sponsors the Howard Penniman Scholarships for Graduate Study. It distribute $5,000 to five inducted chapter members. They must have been admitted into their first year of a master’s or doctoral program for political science. Three copies of the application are required with:

  • official transcripts
  • a goals statement
  • resume of related activities
  • two faculty recommendations
  • their Chapter Advisor’s nomination.
Contact

Howard Penniman Scholarships for Graduate Study
1527 New Hampshire Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 349-9285
office@pisigmaalpha.org
Scholarship Link

10. Jerry Clark Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: May 30th

The Jerry Clark Memorial ScholarshipIn honors his 20-year leadership of the Political Action Department. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) confers the $5,000 scholarship to college sophomores with declared majors in political science. Suitable applicants will:

  • attend four-year accredited colleges full-time
  • be related to AFSCME members
  • have a minimum 2.5 GPA
  • demonstrate sincere interest in political activism for working families
  • have unmet financial need.
Contact

Jerry Clark Memorial Scholarship
1625 L Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 429-1000
cgoldman@council26.org
Scholarship Link

11. Kansas Federation of Republican Women Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

Administered by the Greater Salina Community Foundation , the Kansas Federation of Republican Women Scholarship grants at least $1,000 annually. Eligible are juniors, seniors, and graduate students. They must be pursuing majors in one of these areas:

  • political science
  • public affairs
  • history
  • law
  • public administration

To qualify, candidates must:

  • have a primary residence in Kansas
  • attend an accredited U.S. college
  • be registered Republicans
  • actively participate in the political process
  • achieve a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
Contact

Kansas Federation of Republican Women Scholarship
119 West Iron 8th Floor
Salina, KS 67402
(785) 823-1800
jessicamartin@gscf.org
Scholarship Link

12. Matt Fong Asian Americans in Public Finance Scholarship

Deadline: February 19th

The Matt Fong Asian Americans in Public Finance Scholarship is In memory of the former California treasurer. The Asian Pacific Fund awards the $2,500 scholarship to two undergraduates pursuing bachelor’s degrees in:

  • accounting
  • political science
  • public affairs
  • business
  • or related fields

Interested candidates must:

  • be at least 50 percent Asian
  • attain sophomore standing or higher
  • enroll full-time at California colleges
  • carry a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • demonstrate a history of community service.
Contact

Matt Fong Asian Americans in Public Finance Scholarship
465 California Street Suite 809
San Francisco, CA 94104
(415) 395-9985
info@asianpacificfund.org
Scholarship Link

13. McManus Washington Internship Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st

Another scholarships for political science funded by Pig Sigma Alpha is the McManus Washington Internship Scholarship.  It presents a $2,000 scholarship and $2,500 housing stipend. Eligible members who are majoring in political science at accredited U.S. institutions are invited for a summer internship at The Washington Center. Selection is based primarily on academic merit and involvement in the Honor Society’s activities. However, an extra $1,000 can be available for significant financial need.

Contact

McManus Washington Internship Scholarship
1527 New Hampshire Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 349-9285
office@pisigmaalpha.org
Scholarship Link

14. National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: January 15th

The National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000. They celebrate patriotic U.S. citizens who are completing 12th grade and pursuing higher education in:

  • political science
  • public administration
  • government
  • or similar fields for public service careers

Applicants must submit a typed, one-page essay stating how they’ve been inspired by the leadership of George Washington in his renowned crossing the Delaware. Applications should also include:

  • a transcript
  • resume
  • letter of recommendation.
Contact

National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarships
P.O. Box 503
Levittown, PA 19058
(215) 949-8841
scholarship@gwcf.org
Scholarship Link

15. Ossie Davis Scholars Program

Deadline: January 31st

The United Negro College Fund  administers the Ossie Davis Scholars Program. It bestows renewable, need-based awards of $6,800 to African American freshmen who are majoring in:

  • political science
  • communications
  • visual/performing arts
  • social sciences
  • humanities

Qualified finalists must:

  • be U.S. citizens or nationals
  • attend historically black colleges or universities
  • present a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • exhibit desire to proactively use artistic activism for resolving societal concerns.
Contact

Ossie Davis Scholars Program
1805 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
(800) 331-2244
girmu.habte@uncf.org
Scholarship Link

16. President Ronald Reagan Scholarship

Deadline: August 15th

Named for the a40th U.S. President, the President Ronald Reagan Scholarship is awarded by the California Federation of Republican Women. It’s for $2,000 yearly to female undergraduates who are studying:

  • political science
  • government
  • communications
  • or pre-law

Interested U.S. citizens must:

  • legally reside in California for 12+ months
  • be registered Republican Party members
  • have completed at least two years of college
  • attach three letters of recommendation.
Contact

President Ronald Reagan Scholarship
770 L Street Suite 950
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 442-4084
scholarship@cfrw.org
Scholarship Link

17. Samuel Huntington Public Service Award

Deadline: January 17th

The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award is endowed by the Chief Executive Officer of the New England Electric System. The award is offered by National Grid with a $15,000 stipend. Graduating political science majors who are finishing their senior year could use the funding to engage in one-year public service activities. These can be either domestic or abroad. Accepted applications must include:

  • a project proposal
  • detailed budget
  • official transcript
  • resume
  • three letters of recommendation.
Contact

Samuel Huntington Public Service Award
40 Sylvan Road
Waltham, MA 02451
(800) 465-1212
amy.stacy@nationalgrid.com
Scholarship Link

18. Spence Reese Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: March 31st

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Diego offers the Spence Reese Foundation Scholarship. It presents $4,000 annually for four years to male students who are pursuing higher learning in:

  • medicine
  • law
  • engineering
  • political science

Qualified applicants must be graduating from high schools in the San Diego Metro and entering four-year colleges anywhere in the United States. Online applications need to include:

  • transcripts
  • SAT/ACT scores
  • reference letters.
Contact

Spence Reese Foundation Scholarship
4635 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92117
(858) 866-0591
kgandolfi@sdyouth.org
Scholarship Link

19. Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship

Deadline: January 15th

Through the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship awards up to $37,500. It’s one of America’s most lucrative scholarships for political science. Each year, undergraduate and graduate fellows are selected to follow in the esteemed diplomat’s footsteps for careers in the Department of State Foreign Service. Mandatory qualifications include:

  • being a U.S. citizen,
  • attaining at least junior standing
  • maintaining an overall GPA above 3.2
  • fulfilling summer internship obligations.
Contact

Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship
5 Vaughn Drive, Suite 300
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 452-7007
smith@woodrow.org
Scholarship Link

20. Women in Defense HORIZONS Scholarships

Deadline: July 15th

The Women in Defense HORIZONS Scholarships award $16,000 each year. They for female upperclassmen and graduate students who are majoring in:

  • political science
  • government relations
  • law
  • international relations
  • security studies
  • or related fields for careers in national defense

Eligible WID members must:

  • attend an accredited university at least part-time
  • hold 60+ college credits
  • exhibit financial need
  • have U.S. citizenship
  • maintain a 3.25 GPA or higher.
Contact

Women in Defense HORIZONS Scholarships
2111 Wilson Blvd. Suite 400
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 522-1820
wid@ndia.org
Scholarship Link

Political science degrees provide a practical college education that will pave abundant career paths shaping our government. Your major can significantly pay off because political scientists earn an average annual salary of $103,210. Career goals in politics come at a cost though. Affording tuition for an advanced degree or even law school is necessary for most budding political scientists.

Fortunately, scholarships and grants can help lower the financial strife of following your C-SPAN fascination. Consider these 20 great scholarships for political science majors to develop your diplomatic skills for public service.

GCD Staff

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This has been our coverage of top scholarships for political science majors that will lessen your college bill.

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