Scholarships

Both the Department of Government and Politics and the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences offer a number of scholarships for eligible undergraduate students. Additionally, the National Scholarships Office provides excellent information and support services for students interested in applying for graduate fellowships and scholarships. Below is a brief listing of departmental, college, and national scholarships.

GVPT Scholarships

Brian M. Gardner Public Service Award:

Award of $1,000 presented each spring to a junior or senior social science major committed to a public service career in local or state government. Applicants must meet the following criteria: declared major in a social science, commitment to a public service career in local or state government, scholarly merit, and financial need. A completed application includes two letters of recommendation (one must be from an individual who knows your public service career commitment and is willing to attest to that commitment), a short essay specifying your career goals, an official transcript, and a statement of financial need. Completed applications should be returned to GVPT advising (TYD 1155).

Mary Elizabeth Roby Scholarship:

Awarded each fall to two female junior or senior GVPT majors who demonstrate financial need. The scholarships are awarded based on scholarly merit, with preference given to citizens of Prince George's County. Required application materials include at least one letter of recommendation from a full faculty member of the GVPT Department, a short essay analyzing any problem of interest to you in politics (no longer than 4 pages plus references and footnotes, typed, double-spaced), a list of campus and/or community activities you have participated in since attending UMCP, a statement of financial need (approximately 1-2 paragraphs), and a copy of your FAFSA. On the application, you must indicate whether or not you are a P.G. County resident. The monetary prize ($2500) is divided between the two winners on the basis of financial need. For more information, visit GVPT advising (TYD 1155).

Oppenheimer Scholarship:

$500 awarded to a sophomore GVPT major each spring. Applications must include two letters of recommendation, a short (1-2 page) essay describing your academic and career goals, a resume, an official transcript, and a statement of financial need. Please return completed applications to GVPT advising (TYD 1155).

Vaughn Scholarship:

$1000 awarded to a junior or senior GVPT major each spring. Applications must include a cover letter identifying your application and stating your career goals, at least two letters of recommendation, a resume, a copy of your transcript, a statement of financial need, and a copy of your FAFSA. Return completed applications to GVPT advising (TYD 1155).

BSOS Scholarships

Goldstein Scholarship:

$1000 awarded each spring to a BSOS major who demonstrates financial need and has at least a 3.5 GPA. Applications must include the application form, one letter of recommendation from a BSOS faculty member, an essay on how your educational experience at the University of Maryland will contribute to bettering society, and a financial need analysis verification. Return completed applications to TYD 2148.

Murray E. Polakoff Scholarship:

Awarded each fall to a bright UMCP BSOS student in need of financial assistance. An award of $1000 is made to the winner for the spring semester. Applicants must be a currently registered UMCP student in good judicial standing, have completed a minimum of 24 UMCP credits and been a BSOS major for at least one year, demonstrate financial need, have a 3.5 GPA and full-time status for each semester enrolled in UMCP, and demonstrate campus and/or community involvement. To apply for the scholarship, pick up an application from a BSOS Departmental or College office in September and include with the application a letter of recommendation from a BSOS faculty member, a typed essay (no more than 500 words) explaining your position on: "How does social science research aid in addressing society's issues and problems?," and a copy of your FAFSA. Return completed applications to TYD 2141.

National Scholarships

For complete, up-to-date information about the application process and deadlines for national scholarships, visit the University of Maryland's National Scholarships Office at http://www.umd.edu/nso.