The Department of Political Science and Public Administration has several scholarship opportunities for undergraduate students majoring in political science. These funding opportunities are outlined below. To apply for these scholarships students must submit an application using Mississippi State University’s Online Scholarship System at https://msstate.academicworks.com/. Political science undergraduates are also encouraged to apply for university and/or College of Arts and Sciences scholarships for which they meet the qualifications. They are also on MSU’s Online Scholarship System.
Undergraduate Scholarships
John C. Stennis Scholarship
The John C. Stennis Scholarship is a four-year scholarship awarded annually to one or two graduating Mississippi high school students who are Mississippi residents, and who are majoring in political science at MSU. The Stennis Scholarships are awarded to academically outstanding students who demonstrate the desire and potential to become actively involved as leaders in the political and governmental affairs of the community, state, or nation. The award amount is $2,000 annually, but to be renewed students must continue to meet the scholarship requirements of at least a 3.0 GPA overall average, being a full-time student, and having a primary major in political science.
Dr. Tip Allen Endowed Memorial Scholarship
The Tip Allen Scholarship is awarded to a political science undergraduate major who fully expects to participate in a public service internship during the summer months, who has earned 12 credits in Political Science at MSU, and who demonstrates potential for making contributions in some area of public service. The award amount varies, and several awards are made.
Dr. Kris Bhansali Scholarship
Candidate must be a full-time student pursuing a degree in political science and must be at least a junior according to hours. The student must have a demonstrated interest in international relations, and show academic achievement by having at least a 3.0 GPA in political science courses. Preference is given to funding projects with an international-related focus, such as study abroad or an internship abroad. The award amount varies.
Haley Barbour Scholarship
The Haley Barbour Scholarship is a two-year scholarship awarded to a rising junior who will hold the scholarship for four semesters (if they continue to meet the scholarship requirements). The candidate should be a full-time undergraduate at MSU actively pursuing a major in political science. The student should have a record of academic achievement with at least a 3.0 GPA at MSU and in political science courses, intend to be involved in the civic and political life of the community and nation which is confirmed by a record of involvement as a student, and be of good character and demonstrated leadership ability. The award is for $1,500 annually.
Dr. Marty Wiseman Scholarship
Candidate must be a full-time student pursuing a degree in political science and must be at least a rising junior. The student must have demonstrated academic achievement by having at least a 3.0 GPA in the political science courses. The student must also have the demonstrated desire to work in the civic or political life of the community and must be of good character. The award amount varies.
Morris W. H. Collins Scholarship
The Morris W.H. Collins Scholarship is a two-year scholarship awarded to a rising junior who will hold the scholarship for four semesters (if they continue to meet the scholarship requirements). The candidate must be a full time African American undergraduate at Mississippi State University actively pursuing a major in political science. The student should have a record of academic achievement with at least a 3.0 GPA at MSU and in political science courses, intend to be involved in the civic and political life of the community and nation confirmed by a record of involvement as a student, and be of good character and demonstrated leadership ability. The award is for $1,500 annually.
Dr. Charles Menifield Scholarship
Candidate must be a full-time political science major and must be at least a rising junior according to hours. The student must be an African American and a Mississippi resident. The student must have demonstrated academic achievement by having at least a 3.0 GPA in political science courses, and document community, public service, and leadership activities. The award amount varies.
Bill Hunsberger Scholarship
The Bill Hunsberger Scholarship rotates among three Mississippi universities, so every three years it is awarded to a full-time junior or senior female college student at MSU majoring in political science with media involvement. There is no specific GPA required, but applicants should be a well-rounded, solid scholar. The award amount varies.
Graduate Scholarships & Funding
Graduate Assistantships
The Department of Political Science and Public Administration offers teaching, research, and service graduate assistantships. The assistantship stipend amounts range from $9,250 to $16,000. Graduate assistantship positions cover most university fees and all out of state fees. Students must be enrolled full-time in a PSPA master’s or Ph.D. program to be eligible for a PSPA graduate assistantship position.
Students interested in PSPA graduate assistantships can apply online by clicking the link below. Applicants are required to submit a resume when submitting the GA application.
Garner Fund
The Garner Memorial Endowment Fund was setup by Mrs. James W. Garner of Claremont, Calif., and it is used to supplement Ph.D. graduate assistants in the amount of $4,000 per academic year. Only Ph.D. students are eligible for the Garner Fund. One of the graduate fellowships is in memorial to the late James W. Garner, a distinguished political scientist and an alumnus of Mississippi State University. The other fellowship is the Theresa Garner Fellowship in honor of the donor. To apply for the Garner Fund please submit an application using Mississippi State University’s Online Scholarship System. Applicants must complete both the General Scholarship application and the College of Arts & Sciences application at https://msstate.academicworks.com/.
The Department of Political Science and Public Administration has a limited number of graduate assistantships. Therefore, PSPA graduate students are encouraged to check with other campus departments, academic units, research centers, and offices for potential assistantship opportunities.
Please check the following sites for additional Graduate Assistantship opportunities:
