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Political Science Student Resources

There are many ways you can deepen your understanding of political science or broaden your knowledge in areas associated with political science while at Â鶹´«Ã½.

Student and professor at a political science picnic
 

The Department of Political Science at Â鶹´«Ã½ has detailed forms, procedures and resources that can help keep you on track toward your degree, support you as you present research at conferences and more.

Forms and Procedures

National Fellowships and Scholarships

There are several competitive national scholarships and fellowships that may be of interest to Â鶹´«Ã½ political science students.

The initial competition phase for some of these scholarships is managed at SLU by the Honors Program and internal deadlines may apply.

Boren Awards

The , which include a variety of scholarships and fellowship opportunities, are awarded to students so they can study a foreign language in a different country. This scholarship does not cover studies in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or most Western European countries. This is because students are encouraged to study a less commonly taught language in places such as Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

APSA Ralph Bunche Summer Institute

The enhances students' writing, research and analytical skills in political science. The program informs promising students about political science career opportunities and encourages application to Ph.D. programs in political science.

Charles B. Rangel Fellowship

The has two programs, one for undergraduate students and one for graduate students. Both programs attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers as diplomats in the U.S. Department of State. The undergraduate program is a summer fellowship where students learn about international affairs. The graduate program is a two-year scholarship that provides funding toward master's degrees for students interested in Foreign Service careers.

Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs

The develops the next generation of aspiring change-makers. Today's complex urban environments present constantly evolving challenges and opportunities, increasing the need for leadership with the ability to forge connections and solve problems across all sectors. The nine-month program puts you in a variety of public affairs situations requiring graduate-level thinking. 

Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program

The is a fully-funded overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students. CLS provides study opportunities to a diverse range of students from across the United States at every level of language learning, to broaden the base of Americans studying and mastering critical languages, and building relationships between the people of the U.S. and other countries, 

Donald M. Payne Fellowship

The seeks to attract outstanding young people who are interested in pursuing careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). If you want to work on the front lines of some of the most pressing global challenges of our times - poverty, hunger, injustice, disease, environmental degradation, climate change, conflict and violent extremism - the Foreign Service of the USAID provides an opportunity to advance U.S. foreign policy interests. It reflects the American people's compassion and support of human dignity. The Payne Fellowship provides up to $90,000 in benefits over two years for graduate school, internships and professional development activities, providing a unique pathway to the USAID Foreign Service.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program

The includes multiple grants for students looking to study abroad. Students may apply as seniors or as graduate students. The Fulbright Program offers travel grants, research grants and a Fulbright-Clinton Fellowship, among others.

Gilman International Scholarship Program

The offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies or credit-bearing, career-oriented internships abroad. Such international exchange better prepares U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world.

George Mitchell Scholarship

The is granted to 12 students every year from the ages of 18 to 30 for one year of graduate study in Ireland or Northern Ireland. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses and travel fees. The scholarship is given to students based on scholarship, leadership and a sustained commitment to community and public service.

Marshall Scholarships

are one- and two-year scholarships given to students seeking graduate study in the United Kingdom. Students can select one of many U.K. institutions for their graduate work. The scholarship covers university fees, cost of living expenses, book fees, a thesis grant, research and daily travel fees, as well as fares to and from the United States.

Princeton Emerging Scholars Program

The aims to increase the participation of students from underrepresented groups in Ph.D. programs in political science. The ESPS program allows students who have already earned a bachelor's degree to explore their research interests and prepare for graduate school through intensive research, coursework and mentoring.

Rhodes Scholarship

The is awarded to graduate students. Recipients of the highly regarded scholarship can attend the University of Oxford and study any program the school offers for two years. Students receive a stipend to pay for housing and living expenses while they are in England.

Scoville Peace Fellowship

The is a highly competitive program that provides recent college and graduate school alumni with the funding and opportunity to work with one of more than two dozen participating institutions in Washington, D.C., including leading think tanks and advocacy groups focusing on international security issues.

Truman Scholarship

The encourages students to follow a career in public service. A better future relies on attracting the commitment and sound judgment of bright, outstanding young leaders to public service. Students should apply for this scholarship during their junior years.

Morris K. Udall Scholarship

The looks to promote leadership, education, collaboration and conflict resolution in the areas of environment, public lands and natural resources to strengthen Native nations, assist federal agencies and others in resolving environmental conflicts, and to encourage the continued use and appreciation of our nation's rich resources.

Political Science Student Awards

Every year, SLU’s Department of Political Science recognizes outstanding undergraduate and graduate students through the following awards:

James D. Collins Award

The College of Arts and Sciences annually presents the James D. Collins Awards for Excellence in Student Academic Achievement to recognize scholarship and creative achievements among undergraduate students. Faculty in the Department of Political Science select the most outstanding graduating senior based on academic achievement, co-curricular activities and an essay submitted to the department.

Recent award winners:  Grace Wallis (2023 - Political Science), Justice Hill (2022 - Political Science), Caleb Logan (2020 - Political Science), Thomas Horgan (2019 - Political Science), Angela Gomez (2019 - International Studies), Rachel Harper (2018 - International Studies), Sean Ferguson (2018 - Political Science), Kylie Jensen (2017), Alexander Hanel (2016), Britt Bergquist (2015), Eric Behna (2014)

Timothy Lomperis Award

The Timothy Lomperis Award is given annually to a graduating political science or international studies major in honor of a former political science faculty member. Like the award's namesake, the recipient demonstrates academic excellence, a consistent effort to exceed stated expectations, concern for the education of the whole person, engagement with issues of contemporary relevance, and a commitment to treat others with respect and cordiality. Faculty members select the winner based on the award criteria and an essay submitted to the department.

Recent award winners:  Abigail Maloney (2023), Dylan McConnell Curry (2023 - Honorable Mention), Elizabeth Potterf (2022), Jonathan Krone (2022 - Honorable Mention), Ramisa Hassan (2020), Carla Rattunde (2019), Stephen Komorek (2018), Anna Liu (2017),  Paul Brunkhorst (2016),  Jordan Rundell (2015)

Steven Puro Award

The Steven Puro Award is given annually to the most outstanding student in our Master of Arts program, as selected by the political science faculty. The name of the award honors a former political science faculty member. 

Recent award winners:  Hunter Jordan (2023), Anthony White (2022), Sean Ferguson (2020), Harrison Kratochvil (2019), Peter Leach (2018), Kirstin Palovick (2017),  Katie Alvarez (2016),  Eric Behna (2015), Elizabeth Alberty and Meaghan Gass (2014)

James F. Gilsinan Award

In honor of James F. Gilsinan, Professor Emeritus, this award is given annually to an academically outstanding Public and Social Policy Studies Ph.D. student.

Recent award winners:  Sarah Frye (2023), Dan Ferris (2022)

Outstanding Student in the M.P.A. Program

This award was given annually to the most outstanding student in the Master of  Public Administration program, as selected by that program’s faculty.

Recent award winners: Trevor Bachus (2019), Caleb Bobo (2018), Mark Benton (2017), Annie Rosenkranz (2016), Rebecca Wodzak (2015), Alexandra Durdello (2014)

Conferences for Political Science Students

Butler University Undergraduate Research Conference (URC)

This conference is open to undergraduates and accepts papers from many disciplines, including political science.

Annual Illinois State University Conference for Students of Political Science

This conference is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Papers on any topic related to government or politics are welcome, as are all subfields and political perspectives.

Notre Dame Student Peace Conference

The annual Notre Dame Peace Conference explores the unique perspectives, backgrounds and experiences each person and group brings to the peacebuilding process. Notre Dame invites students interested in peace-related issues to submit papers, posters, discussions, workshops, or other presentations representing peace and nonviolence work.

Â鶹´«Ã½ Global and Local Social Justice Student Conference  

Open to undergraduate and master's-level students, this conference is an opportunity to present on research and internships relevant to the broad theme of social justice. You may present by reading a paper or using a poster.

Undergraduate Clubs and Societies

Political Round Table

The is chartered by the student government with the mission of exploring, comparing, and contrasting the opinions of the student body on important issues by opening free and equal dialogue.

It hosts large events twice monthly and regular coffee-and-conversations events. Everyone is welcome to join. You do not need to be a political science major.

Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society in Political Science

SLU's Department of Political Science sponsors the Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society. Membership is awarded annually to students who have completed at least 60 credit hours toward their degree, at least 10 credit hours of political science classes with a 3.0 GPA, and are in the top third of their class (e.g., junior or senior class) by GPA.  Candidates are selected strictly based on outstanding political science achievements and overall academic performance.

Pi Sigma Alpha was founded in 1920 and has chapters in major American universities. It publishes the Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics for outstanding student papers.

Important Political Science Links

Need more information on a political science topic? Follow these links.