Scholarships & Awards

**All Political Science scholarships are open to receive applications. Log in to Mav ScholarShop to apply**

Each spring semester, the Department of Political Science invites eligible students to apply for various scholarships and research paper awards. Following a rigorous selection process in March and April, recipients are honored during the Department's annual awards ceremony.

To apply, log in to Mav ScholarShop with your Net ID and password. For more information, contact Dr. Mark Hand at mark.hand@uta.edu.

NOTE: Recipients are ineligible to receive the same scholarship for two consecutive academic years.

AVAILABLE SCHOLARSHIPS

Irving Dawson Scholarship

Friends and family established this scholarship to honor Dr. Irving Owen Dawson, a former faculty member and department chair. It supports Political Science majors and helps recruit and retain qualified students. Preference goes to Pi Sigma Alpha members and students focusing on Public Policy or Public Administration.

Suzanne Katsikas Scholarship

This scholarship honors Dr. Suzanne J. Katsikas, a former faculty member and department chair. It provides financial support to Political Science majors, helping them remain in the program. Preference goes to Pi Sigma Alpha members and students focusing on International Relations or Comparative Politics.

Jhang Moon Scholarship

This scholarship honors students majoring in Political Science who maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, demonstrate leadership qualities, and excel academically. Undergraduate and graduate Political Science majors automatically qualify after completing the General Application for ALL Students on Mav ScholarShop—no separate application required. After submitting the general application, you should see a green check mark confirming eligibility. If the scholarship does not appear, contact Dr. Mark Hand at mark.hand@uta.edu.

Jasmine Nicole Calbert Scholarship

Established through the generosity of former student, Jasmine Nicole Calbert, this scholarship provides meaningful support to Political Science undergraduate majors who are academically accomplished and demonstrate financial need. Applicants must maintain a high GPA and show evidence that continued enrollment would be difficult without scholarship assistance. In determining financial need, the department may consult with the Office of Financial Aid to ensure the award is directed to a student for whom the funding is essential.

Political Science Law and Governance Scholarship

Awarded to a Political Science undergraduate major with a demonstrated interest in law, legal institutions, or governance. Eligible students will have completed relevant coursework in areas such as constitutional law, civil liberties, judicial politics, or public policy.

Political Science High Achievement Scholarship

Awarded to a Political Science undergraduate major who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and engagement with the discipline.

POLS Outstanding Research Paper Award

Faculty nominate student research papers each year for this award, recognizing outstanding effort, learning, and writing. Students should ask professors to nominate their strongest work. The Scholarship Committee announces winners at the Celebration of Excellence.