Scholarships
University of Minnesota Undergraduate Scholarship Search
Are there any scholarships or awards available to Political Science students?
A number of scholarships and awards are given to undergraduate students each year. The Charles Backstrom, Asher Christensen, Judge Earl and Mrs. Cecill Larson, William Schaper, and Michelle Roberts and Jonathan Smaby Scholarships are restricted to political science majors only. The A. I. Johnson Scholarship, the John E. Turner Award, and the William Jennings Bryan Prize are available to all undergraduates.
The application deadline for 2009-2010 was February 16, 2009. Applications for the 2010-2011 school year will be available in November.
Download the A. I. Johnson Scholarship (PDF)
Thewas created to honor Alfred I. Johnson who was a Regent of the University and Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. The selected students commit to completing 400 hours in an off-campus public service internship. This scholarship provides students with a demonstrated interest in public affairs a stipend for their internships. In 2008-2009, three students will receive scholarships ranging from $6,000 to $10,000. Applicants must show evidence of a strong interest in public affairs, with an intention to pursue a career or avocational activities in public affairs, including any kind of community volunteer activity, organizing to affect public policy, service on government advisory committees, and service in elective offices. Recipients of this scholarship are asked to write thank you notes to the Johnson family.
Download the Poli Sci Undergraduate Scholarship Application (PDF)
The Professor Charles Backstrom Undergraduate Scholarship in Political Science is named for Emeritus Professor Charles Backstrom who taught American government courses, particularly state and local politics. It is with respect and affection that one of Charles Backstrom's former students, Leonard Robins, decided to create this scholarship which will assist students with tuition, fees, and the purchase of books and materials. Recipients of this scholarship are asked to write thank you notes to Professor Backstrom and Mr. Robins.
The Asher M. Christensen Scholarship Fund is named for Professor Asher Christensen (1904-1961), who graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota in 1924. He continued his education at the graduate level at the University of Minnesota, the University of Chicago and the Universidad de Madrid in Spain. He taught American government courses and Latin American politics and governments. This scholarship fund was created by the family and friends of Professor Christensen to be awarded to students conducting political science research abroad or who are preparing to teach in the field of American government.
The Judge Earl and Mrs. Cecill Larson Scholarships are awarded to honors students and other outstanding students to support their research interests. Honors students who are preparing to write their theses and other students who wish to conduct a research project are encouraged to apply. The purpose of the scholarship is to permit students to devote more time to their academic pursuits and to support their research interests. Award amounts vary based on research costs. Scholarship recipients are asked to write thank you notes to Mrs. Cecill Larson.
The William Schaper Memorial Fund is named for Professor William Schaper who was an instructor at the University of Minnesota in 1900. He taught courses in American and comparative government, constitutional law, elements of jurisprudence, theory of the state and even an introductory course in political science for engineers. The recipients are expected to complete a research or special project for credit. The project can be of the student's own design based on his/her research interests. Other projects will also be considered such as an internships, fieldwork, or a project that promotes citizenship in the community.
The Jonathan Smaby and Michelle Roberts Scholarship is available thanks to the generosity of Jonathan who graduated in 1985 from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in political science and his wife, Michelle. Jonathan and Michelle received their law degrees from the University of Michigan and practice law in Dallas, Texas. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial support for gifted undergraduates so they may dedicate themselves to their studies and attain the best possible liberal arts education. Selected recipients will be asked to write a thank you letter to the donors and provide some details about their research interests, future academic and personal goals. Recipients must enroll for 15 credits each semester to retain their scholarship eligiblility.
Awards
The John E. Turner Award is given to the CLA Honors student with the best undergraduate Honors project completed in the previous academic year. The award honors Regents' Professor Emeritus John E. Turner (a former Political Science professor) for his commitment to students and excellence. While this is not a monetary prize, the recognition can be quite valuable, particularly for students who intend to pursue (or who have already embarked upon) graduate or professional studies. One student is nominated by each department and academic program, and projects are generally assessed on the basis of their originality, creativity, and importance. Nomination deadlines are in late March.
The William Jennings Bryan Prize is a cash award given to the student who writes the best undergraduate paper in Political Science in an academic year. Professors nominate outstanding papers which are submitted by students in their classes, subject to the student's approval. The Undergraduate Work Committee evaluates the papers nominated for the prize and awards the prize each spring semester. The William Jennings Bryan Prize winner receives a check for $500.
Other Scholarship Resources
Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid
Scholarships and grants are the most desirable type of aid because the funds do not need to be repaid. In addition to state and federal grants, many scholarship programs have been established through the generosity of individuals, friends, and alumni of the University, as well as academic, professional, fraternal and business organizations and foundations to give recognition and support to University students.
College of Liberal Arts Honors Office
The Honors Office can assist current and prospective students in their search for scholarship opportunities at the University of Minnesota as well as provide guidance to students who are candidates for national scholarship competitions.
Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship was established in 1987 to provide college graduates with the opportunity to gain a Washington perspective on key issues of peace and security. Twice yearly, the Fellowship's Board of Directors selects a group of outstanding individuals to spend six to nine months in Washington . Supported by a monthly stipend, the Fellows serve as full-time project assistants at the participating organization of their choice. To date, 102 fellowships have been awarded.
The Junior Fellows Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Each year the Endowment offers 8-10 one-year fellowships to uniquely qualified graduating seniors and individuals who have graduated during the past academic year. They are selected from a pool of nominees from close to 300 colleges. Carnegie Junior Fellows work as research assistants to the Endowment's senior associates.
Deutscher Akademischer Austrausch Dienst (German Academic Exchange Service)
We're here to help you on your journey to study or research in Germany . The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a publicly-funded independent organization of higher education institutions in Germany .
Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program
The fellowship program is funded by the United States Department of State and administered by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. The Department of State seeks a Foreign Service that represents America in world affairs with citizens who reflect the diversity and excellence of our society. The program seeks to recruit talented students in academic programs relevant to international affairs, political and economic analysis, administration, management, and science policy. The goal is to attract outstanding students from all ethnic, racial and social backgrounds, who have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service career in the U.S. Department of State. The Program develops a source of trained men and women from academic disciplines representing the skill needs of the Department, who are dedicated to representing America 's interests abroad.
University Scholarship Recipients
Check out a list of all the past scholarship recipients.