Scholarships & Assistantships
Our department awards its students $50,000 every year in scholarships relating to academic achievement, activity in the local community and extracurricular organizations, research interests, and much more. As well as positions for graduate students in graduate teaching assistantship (GTA) and graduate research assistantship (GRA), at a $7,000-$8,000 per semester stipend.
Scholarship winners and those granted assistantship positions for the academic year are announced annually in April. Listed below are the scholarship winners and assistantship recipients of 2024.
Political Science Scholarship & Assistantship Winners (2024)
SCHOLARSHIP/FELLOWSHIP WINNERS (2024)
- Jacob Hofman, junior in political science and economics and accelerated MPA student
- Don and Marian Button Political Science Scholarship
- Marissa Lux, Masters student in Public Administration
- John W. and Lynn L. Carlin Public Administration Scholarship
- Brenna Barnes, junior in political science and natural resources & environmental science, pre-law designation
- Reba L. Cobb Memorial Scholarship for Outstanding Women in Political Science
- Andrew Le, sophomore in political science
- Sally Coberly Political Science Scholarship
- Samantha Suchanek, junior in political science, pre-law designation
- Louis H. Douglas Scholarship
- Katerina Georgia Rigas, PhD student in Security Studies
- Joseph Hadja Student Scholarship
- Macyn Bush, freshman in political science
- Donald R. Hill Scholarship
- Katelyn West, junior in political science with a pre-law designation and a minor in Middle East Studies
- Orma Linford Scholarship
- Trace Ward, junior in political science
- Edward Allen McCoy, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
- Reagan Montgomery, junior in political science
- Edward Allen McCoy, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
- Andrew Navarro, senior in political science with a minor in Spanish and a certificate in nonprofit leadership
- Barbara Meyer Scholarship in Political Science
- Lilly Schultejans, sophomore in political science and history
- Richter Family “Beyond the Campus” Scholarship
- Gabriella Guillen, sophomore in political science
- Rieger-McCrery Scholarship
- Katerina Georgia Rigas, PhD student in Security Studies
- Nicolas Salgo Political Science Scholarship
- Gracie Jo Stanton, sophomore in political science and English minor
- Dennis K. Tapsak Memorial Scholarship
- Fredie C. Cohen II, Masters student in Public Administration
- Tummala Master of Public Administration Fellowship Student
- Emily Kay Voskoyan, senior in political science
- Jon David Wagner Scholarship
- Leah Sauceda-Jeppe, Masters student in Public Administration
- Raoul Wallenberg Scholarship in International Relations
- Rosa Estrada-Ramirez, senior in political science with a community planning minor and nonprofit leadership certificate
- Political Science Excellence Award
- Levi Bradley, Masters student in Security Studies
- Don Kissinger Political Science Excellence Award
- Melynda Cashman, Masters student in Public Administration
- Amy Button-Renz Public Administration Scholarship
- Rachel Sum, junior in social studies education and Middle East studies minor
- Samarrai Middle East Fellowship
GRADUATE TEACHING/RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP RECIPIENTS (2024)
- Lamya Achelha, PhD student in Security Studies
- Emmanuel Ofori-Bah, PhD student in Security Studies
- Richard Johnson, PhD student in Security Studies
- Channa Dissanayake, PhD student in Security Studies
- Stephen Zimmer, Masters student in Public Administration
- Emily Velazquez, Masters student in Public Administration
- Mia Wells, Masters student in Public Administration
Congratulations to all the award recipients and thank you to all the donors who make these scholarships possible!
2025-2026 POLITICAL SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIPS & ASSISTANTSHIPS
Application Period opens January 2025
List of Undergraduate & Graduate Scholarships
Undergradute Scholarships | Graduate Scholarships |
Barbara Meyer Memorial Scholarship For junior of senior students majoring in political science at K-State that are active on campus and/or in their local community. |
Evelyn M. Bieker Scholarship in Political Science For undergraduate and graduate students majoring in political science, public administration or security studies at K-State. Preference given to those with child(ren), or who are active duty in the U.S. military or veterans, or who are spouses of active duty U.S. military of veterans.
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Dennis K. Tapsak Memorial Scholarship For undergraduate students majoring in political science at K-State with a 3.0 GPA or above. |
John and Lynn Carlin Public Administration Scholarship For graduate students judged to have outstanding potential and high scholastic aptitude; majoring in public administration at K-State. |
Don and Marian Button Political Science Scholarship For undergraduate students majoring in political science at K-State, who have an expressed interest in public service. |
Jon Wefald International Security Scholarship For graduate students in the Department of Political Science at K-State who have interest in national security affairs. |
Donald R. Hill Scholarship in Political Science For undergraduate students majoring in political science at K-State. |
Joseph Hadja Student Scholarship For undergraduate or graduate students majoring in political science, public administration or security studies at K-State. Preference given to students who demonstrate financial need, excellent academic performance, and a strong international commitment. |
Edward Allen McCoy Jr. Memorial Scholarship in Political Science For junior or senior students majoring in political science at K-State. |
Nicholas Salgo Political Science Scholarship For undergraduate and graduate students majoring in political science, public administration, or security studies at K-State. Preference given to students interested in Russia and Eastern Europe. |
Evelyn M. Bieker Political Science Scholarship For undergraduate and graduate students majoring in political science, public administration or security studies at K-State. Preference given to those with child(ren), or who are active duty in the U.S. military or veterans, or who are spouses of active duty U.S. military of veterans. |
Raoul Wallenberg Scholarship in International Relations For graduate students majoring in public administration at K-State. |
Jon David Wagner Scholarship For junior or senior students majoring in political science at K-State who are Kansas residents. |
Rieger McCrery Scholarship For junior, senior or graduate students majoring in political science, public administration or security studies at K-State whose primary interest is in international relations and peaceful resolutions of international conflict through the United Nations or other diplomatic means. |
Joseph Hadja Student Scholarship For undergraduate or graduate students majoring in political science, public administration or security studies at K-State. Preference given to students who demonstrate financial need, excellent academic performance, and a strong international commitment. |
Samarrai Middle Eastern Students Scholarship For graduate students of U.S. citizenship in the Department of Political Science specializing in Middle East-American Relations, Middle East Politics and/or International Politics of the Middle East. |
Louis H. Douglas Scholarship For junior or senior students majoring in political science at K-State who has shown academic excellence. |
Tummala Master of Public Administration Student Fellowship For graduate students majoring in public administration at K-State. |
Nicholas Salgo Political Science Scholarship For undergraduate and graduate students majoring in political science, public administration, or security studies at K-State. Preference given to students interested in Russia and Eastern Europe. |
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Orma Linford Scholarship For junior or senior students majoring in political science at K-State, with a Pre-Law designation. |
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Reba L. Cobb Memorial Scholarship for Outstanding Women in Political Science For junior female students majoring in political science at K-State, who have the highest overall academic grade average (GPA). |
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Richter Family "Beyond the Campus" Scholarship For undergraduate students majoring in political science at K-State, who demonstrate academic excellence. This scholarship should enhance experience beyond the campus environment, such as out-of-state internships, study abroad or community service abroad. |
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Rieger McCrery Scholarship For junior, senior or graduate students majoring in political science, public administration or security studies at K-State whose primary interest is in international relations and peaceful resolutions of international conflict through the United Nations or other diplomatic means. |
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Sally Coberly Political Science Scholarship For undergraduate students majoring in political science at K-State. |
In all other respects, for all scholarships, these funds will be used without restriction to sex, race, color, handicap, religion or national origin.
Graduate Assistantships - Selection Criteria & Expectations
The department provides financial aid for assistance with faculty teaching, research, or sometimes both. A graduate assistant's assignment depends on the needs of the department and abilities of the assistant.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Graduate assistants are chosen based on the following:
- Academic performance, promise, and intellectual ability
- Teaching and research needs of the department faculty
- Financial need of the applicant
- Minimum 6 hour (full-time) enrollment during term of assistance
- Reasonable progress towards Master's degree
- Does not hold another paid full-time position
AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE
Graduate assistantships involve a stipend, a tuition waiver and fee reductions. The amount of the stipend changes from year to year and may be obtained by contacting the Director of Public Administration, Dr. Ethan Bernick, or the Director of Security Studies, Dr. Michael Flynn.
SUPERVISION
Each assistant is assigned to one or two faculty members, depending on the department's needs and the student's preference. Graduate assistants may be asked to help any member of the department faculty, subject to clearance with the student's principal advisors.
DUTIES
Graduate assistants are required to work 20 hours per week in support of their faculty supervisor(s). Faculty supervisors are responsible for notifying their assigned graduate assistant of their obligations for the year, as each graduate assistant is responsible for keeping his or her principal faculty supervisor(s) informed on how these obligations are being met.
CONDITIONS OF ASSISTANTSHIP
All teaching assistants are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA during the period of appointment and to perform their duties satisfactorily. The department reserves the right to withdraw support if academic performance falls below the 3.0 GPA or if the job performance is not satisfactory.
RENEWAL OF ASSISTANTSHIP
The assistantship is awarded for one academic year. A reapplication is required for each additional year of support.
As a political science undergraduate student, you are encouraged to apply for all departmental scholarship for which you qualify. To apply, students must have an account on the K-State Scholarship Network (KSN).
After completing your profile, you will have access scholarship applications, including those for political science. To be considered for a Political Science scholarship, you must fully complete the Political Science section of the "College of Arts and Sciences" application, and upload two letters of recommendation. If this section is not filled out, your application will not be considered.
K-State University and the College of Arts and Sciences also offers some scholarship and financial assistance options that are university-wide.
Freshman, continuing, or transfer students must complete scholarship applications by March 15th.
If you have any questions regarding our scholarship process, please contact the department office at polsci@ksu.edu, or 785-532-6842.
As a student in one of our graduate or accelerated programs, you are encouraged to apply for all departmental scholarships/fellowships for which you qualify, as well as graduate assistantship positions.
Applications require the following:
- Application form**
- Copy of your CV/Resume
- Personal Statement: 1-page document describing your career plans and objectives
- Recommendation Letters (2): One reference must be able to evaluate your academic performance
Please click the button below to download our Graduate Scholarship/Assistantship application***. Send your finished application, along with any additional, requested materials to polsci@ksu.edu.
Applications are due by March 1st.
If you have any questions regarding our scholarship process, please contact the department office at polsci@ksu.edu, or 785-532-6842.
**2025-2026 Application Period opens January 2025
***Application form available during application period
As a political science undergraduate student, you are encouraged to apply for all departmental scholarship for which you qualify. To apply, students must have an account on the K-State Scholarship Network (KSN).
After completing your profile, you will have access scholarship applications, including those for political science. To be considered for a Political Science scholarship, you must fully complete the Political Science section of the "College of Arts and Sciences" application, and upload two letters of recommendation. If this section is not filled out, your application will not be considered.
K-State University and the College of Arts and Sciences also offers some scholarship and financial assistance options that are university-wide.
Freshman, continuing, or transfer students must complete scholarship applications by March 15th.
If you have any questions regarding our scholarship process, please contact the department office at polsci@ksu.edu, or 785-532-6842.
As a student in one of our graduate or accelerated programs, you are encouraged to apply for all departmental scholarships/fellowships for which you qualify, as well as graduate assistantship positions.
Applications require the following:
- Application form**
- Copy of your CV/Resume
- Personal Statement: 1-page document describing your career plans and objectives
- Recommendation Letters (2): One reference must be able to evaluate your academic performance
Please click the button below to download our Graduate Scholarship/Assistantship application***. Send your finished application, along with any additional, requested materials to polsci@ksu.edu.
Applications are due by March 1st.
If you have any questions regarding our scholarship process, please contact the department office at polsci@ksu.edu, or 785-532-6842.
**2025-2026 Application Period opens January 2025
***Application form available during application period
Scholarships for Internships & Study Abroad Programs
The Boren Scholarships fund the intensive study of language and culture abroad by U.S. undergraduate students. Applicants must be enrolled in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program located within the United States and accredited by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time of application.
They must remain enrolled for the duration of the scholarship and may not graduate until the scholarship is complete.
Maximum awards are determined by duration abroad:
- Up to $25,000 for 25-52 weeks
- Up to $12,500 for 12-24 weeks
Contact Beth Powers (bethpowers@ksu.edu) at the Nationally Competitive Scholarship office with help in preparing your application.
The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness.
The Gilman Scholarship Program is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide. Program must be at least 3 weeks in length.
Applications will not be considered for a country with a travel advisory of 3 or 4.
Contact Beth Powers (bethpowers@ksu.edu) at the Nationally Competitive Scholarship office with help in preparing your application.
The Gilman-McCain Scholarship is a congressionally funded initiative of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and named after the late senator John S. McCain from Arizona.
It provides awards of $5,000 for undergraduate child dependents of active duty service members to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. Developed under the framework of the State Department’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, the John McCain International Scholarship for the Children of Military Families (Gilman-McCain Scholarship) is open to eligible students enrolled at accredited U.S. colleges and universities who receive any type of Title IV federal financial aid. Deadlines vary, please see website for more information.
Contact Beth Powers (bethpowers@ksu.edu) at the Nationally Competitive Scholarship office with help in preparing your application.
The mission of the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented among the US study abroad population. FEA makes life-changing, international experiences accessible to all by supporting minority, community college, and first-generation college students before, during, and after they participate in education abroad programs.
REQUIREMENTS
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the U.S.
- Study abroad program must be eligible for credit at the student’s home institution
- Study abroad program must be at least 4 weeks (28 days) in country/countries
FEA gives preference to students with demonstrated financial need, and strongly encourages students to apply who represent a group that is traditionally underrepresented in education abroad. These groups include, but are not limited to:
- First-generation college students
- Minority students
The Don and Carol Kissinger Experiential Learning Scholarship will award up to $2,500 for students participating in internships and study abroad. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
The Don and Carol Kissinger Experiential Learning Scholarship will award up to $2,500 for students participating in internships and study abroad. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Fellows Programs
The John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellowship Program is a 12-month Department of Defense (DoD) leadership development program for recent advanced degree program graduates from across multiple academic disciplines.
Established by the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2019, this program provides the DoD headquarters staff offices with the ability to recruit and develop future leaders from across the United States.
Fellows are provided with challenging developmental opportunities and flourish into problem solvers, strategic thinkers, and future leaders. The program instills a spirit of public service and a commitment to the larger DoD community.
Fellows that successfully complete the program are eligible for conversion into a position with the DoD.
The Presidential Management Fellows Program is the Federal Government's flagship leadership development program for advanced degree holders across all academic disciplines. It was established 45 years ago by Executive Order and has gone through changes over the years, but the essential mission remains the same: to recruit and develop a cadre of future government leaders drawn from all segments of society.
Eligible individuals apply to be selected as Finalists. Finalists then have 12 months to secure an appointment as a Fellow, which is a two-year, full-time, paid fellowship at a Federal agency. The PMF Program creates a lasting bond among Fellows and Alumni. It also instills a spirit of public service, which, for Fellows who complete the program successfully, can ultimately encourage and lead to a career in government.
The White House Fellows program is one of America’s most prestigious programs for leadership and public service. White House Fellowships offer exceptional emerging leaders first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the Federal government.
Selected individuals typically spend a year working as a full-time, paid Fellow to senior White House Staff, Cabinet Secretaries, and other top-ranking government officials.
Fellows also participate in an education program consisting of roundtable discussions with leaders from the private and public sectors, and potential trips to study U.S. policy in action both domestically and internationally. Fellowships are awarded on a strictly non-partisan basis.
Applicants must have completed their undergraduate education by the time they begin the application process.
Department of Political Science
Kansas State University
802 Mid Campus Dr. South
101D Calvin Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-6842
polsci@ksu.edu