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Scholarships
Awards and scholarships are given annually to Political Science majors. More information about these scholarships may be obtained from the Undergraduate Program Director, Barbara Ciesluk. The Office of Financial Aid Services in Whitmore can also answer questions about additional UMass scholarships and financial aid.
Political Science Department Scholarships
APPLICATION: Download the Political Science Scholarship Application [.docx version] | [.pdf version]
DEADLINE: The application deadline has passed. Applications are generally due in February.
Please note that the dollar amounts listed below and the number of awards given out per scholarship are subject to change depending on availability of funds each year.
Luther A. Allen Scholarship ($500)
The purpose of this scholarship is to support undergraduate students in good
academic standing with demonstrated interest in international relations and/or Francophile
studies, including French-speaking nations and/or provinces. [more]
GPA Requirement: None
Awards per year: 6
Class Year Requirement: None, but preference is given to juniors
David A. Booth Scholarship ($500)
This scholarship is granted to a minority student with demonstrated need. Preference is given to students from urban areas. One award is given out per year. [more]
GPA Requirement: None
Awards per year: 1
Class Year Requirement: None, but preference is given to transfer students.
Daniel and Mary Feder Scholarship ($1,300)
This scholarship was established by Political Science alumni Daniel ('84) and Mary ('85) Feder to support students who are intellectually curious about American Political Thought. [more]
GPA Requirement: 3.5 or higher in Political Science
Awards per year: 1
Class Year Requirement: None, but preference is given to juniors.
Edwin A. Gere, Jr. Scholarship ($500)
This scholarship was established in honor of Professor Emeritus Edwin Gere to support students with an interest in state and/or local politics. [more]
GPA Requirement: None
Awards per year: 1
Class Year Requirement: None
George Goodwin, Jr. Scholarship ($500)
This scholarship is given annually to an academically strong Political Science major who has expressed and demonstrated an interest in a career in public services. [more]
GPA Requirement: None, but major GPA is given significant consideration.
Awards per year: 3
Class Year Requirement: None
Paul and Lynn Hohenberger Scholarship ($1,300)
This scholarship was established by Paul ('87) and Lynn Hohenberger to support Political Science or Legal Studies majors with connections to Holyoke, MA. The recipient must demonstrate financial need and be eligible for university financial aid. Strong preference is given to students who reside in or were born in Holyoke, but students who have interned or volunteered in the city, currently work there, or have demonstrated an interest in the city in some other way are encouraged to apply and explain their connection to the city in their essay. [more]
GPA Requirement: None
Awards per year: 1
Class Year Requirement: None
Tracey Lee Maker Memorial Scholarship ($500)
This scholarship is awarded annually to a full-time Political Science major on the basis of, first, demonstrated financial need and, second, outstanding academic achievement. Recipients are normally selected during their Sophomore or Junior years, making scholarship funds available the following year. [more]
GPA Requirement: None
Awards per year: 1
Class Year Requirement: Sophomores or Juniors
Mileur Internship Fund ($500)
This scholarship was established to support students who pursue internships in Washington DC. Preference is given to students who intern with elected officials or political parties. [more]
GPA Requirement: None
Awards per year: 1-4
Class Year Requirement: None
Sheldon E. and Joan S. Smith Scholarship for Public Service ($1,300)
This scholarship, offered by Melissa '80 '85G and Grant '81 Peacor, is awarded to a student with a 3.0 GPA or higher and a demonstrated commitment to public service. [more]
GPA Requirement: 3.0 or higher within the major
Awards per year: 1
Class Year Requirement: Juniors or Seniors
Jack Street Memorial Scholarship ($5,000)
The Jack Street Memorial Scholarship supports an undergraduate, junior political science or legal studies major with a minimum 3.0 major GPA and an interest in Debate, Mock Trial, or Model UN. The recipient will typically be a member of the Debate, Mock Trial, and/or Model UN team and have financial need. [more]
GPA Requirement: 3.0 or higher within the major
Awards per year: 1
Class Year Requirement: Juniors
ALL ELLIGIBLE STUDENTS ARE AUTOMATICALLY CONSIDERED FOR THE FOLLOWING SCHOLARSHIPS. NO APPLICATION IS REQUIRED.
William F. Field Alumni Scholarships (~$750)
To qualify, students who are SBS majors must have Junior status with a 3.5 GPA or above, and 60 residential credits. No application is needed for this award. All eligible students are automatically considered for this scholarship by the department scholarship committee. [more]
GPA Requirement: 3.5 or above within the major
Awards per year: 1
Class Year Requirement: Juniors
David C. Knapp Scholarship ($500)
This scholarship recognizes Political Science majors with the most outstanding records of academic achievement. Recipients are normally selected during their Junior year, making the scholarship funds available during their Senior year.[more]
GPA Requirement: None, but recipients are typically at or above 3.5 in the major.
Awards per year: 9
Class Year Requirement: Juniors
James P. Pappas Presidential Scholarship (~$875)
This scholarship provides assistance to students enrolled at the Amherst campus majoring in Political Science who exhibit high academic achievement and some level of financial need. The recipient is typically a junior. Half the funds are given to the student during the fall of his or her senior year, and the other half in the spring of his or her senior year. One scholarship is given out per year. [more]
GPA Requirement: 3.5 or above within the major.
Awards per year: 1-2
Class Year Requirement: Juniors
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible to apply for the Department of Political Science scholarships?
Scholarships are limited to Political Science majors. The Hohenberger scholarship is also open to Legal Studies majors. Each scholarship description above lists specific career or academic interests and GPA requirements, when they exist. Preference is generally given to junior and senior students who have completed or almost completed requirements for the major.
2. Can I receive more than one scholarship?
We encourage you to apply for all scholarships for which you feel you are eligible. However, it is unlikely that a student will receive more than one scholarship from the department per year.
3. I do not have a 4.0, should I still apply?
YES! If you feel your academic record does not reflect your accomplishments, please explain why in your essay.
4. Your application asks for major GPA. Is overall GPA considered?
Yes. Both GPAs are reviewed, but major GPA carries more weight. Typically, an overall GPA will be used to decide a tie. Please list your major GPA on the application and use the major GPA to decide if you are eligible for any scholarship which has a GPA requirement. The scholarship committee will get your overall GPA from your transcript, so you do not need to list it anywhere on the application.
5. Do you need an OFFICIAL copy of my transcript?
No! Starting with the 2012 round of applications, we will accept an UNofficial transcript. Just log into Spire and print out your transcript!
6. When will I find out if I received a scholarship?
Recipients will be notified via email in late March.
7. Why should I apply?
These scholarships recognize your accomplishments! They are competitive awards that can help show potential employers, internship sites, grant funders, or graduate schools that you have worked hard at UMass and that you have a track record of success. They are opportunities for you to develop your writing skills, polish your resume, and learn how to put your best foot forward. Apply! Apply! Apply!
8. Are there other opportunities for scholarships?
YES! The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences gives out thousands of dollars worth of scholarships every year. Keep reading below!
Other UMass Scholarships
- College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Scholarships (includes scholarships to support study abroad, to conduct research with faculty members, to support internship programs, and more!)
- UMass Office of National Scholarship Advisement (nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships)
- Internship Scholarships
The UMass Furcolo Award is available to students who have done an internship in government, public service or education through UMass Career Services. Applications are accepted from January until early March. Information and an application can be obtained through Career Services. - Postgraduate Scholarships
Students should give early consideration to very competitive but outstanding postgraduate scholarships for study abroad. These include the Rhodes Scholarship and Marshall Scholarship for study in Great Britain, and Fulbright Scholarships for study in many countries. Contact the Office of National Scholarship Advisement (ONSA) in 610 Goodell.
