Scholarships
Department of Political Science Scholarships
The College of Liberal Arts is proud to offer several scholarships specifically for political science majors. Applications for these scholarships are only available once each academic year– usually beginning in early January.
Please visit the UCO Scholarships Portal to learn more about – and to apply for – any of the following scholarships available to Liberal Arts students:
Applications for departmental scholarships are closed at this time.
See list of all Liberal Arts Scholarships
2021-2022 Scholarship Recipients
Political Science Undergraduate Scholarships
Barbara Webster Endowed Scholarship in Political Science
The Barbara Webster Endowed Scholarship in Political Science honors Barbara Webster, a first-generation college student whose political science degree served her over her long career as a classroom teacher, guidance counselor, dance instructor, and arts administrator. The recipient will be a political science major with a GPA of at least 3.0; preference is given to a student with financial need.
Eligibility:
• Undergraduate student
• Declared Political Science major
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Preference will be given to a student demonstrating financial need
Brock Warren Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established by the family of Brock Warren in his memory. It recognizes Professional Media students who are active in student media, with an interest in political reporting.Professional Media major
- Full-time student
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Preference is given to Professional Media students who are active in student media with an interest in political reporting and a love of writing
- Write a one-page essay demonstrating your fit for the scholarship
- Financial need will be a consideration
Carl F. Reherman Endowed Scholarship in Political Science
In celebration of Dr. Reherman's 30 years to UCO, not only as a non-traditional student but as a professor and administrator, a scholarship was created in his name. The family wanted to honor Carl and reflect who he was by awarding a Political Science student who is following in his footsteps.
• Political Science major
• Must have completed 60 credit hours
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Undergraduate student
• Preference given to an employed student taking a minimum of 6 hours
• Preference given to veterans, single parents, and/or non-traditional students
• Must provide a personal statement of 2 pages max explaining employment, background, and life goals including career goals
Dr. James Caster Scholarship in Legal Studies
This scholarship, established by alumnus Ben Odom, is named in honor of Dr. James Caster and is intended to aid a Political Science major attend law school.Eligibility Requirements
- Political Science major
- Full-time student
- Minimum 2.5 GPA overall
- Continuing student for fall semester that the scholarship is awarded
- Please provide a two page essay describing need and intent to pursue a law degree
Dr. Randall Jones Endowed Outstanding Political Science Scholarship
This scholarship recognizes a Political Science major who shows academic achievement and contributions to the department, college, and university.Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a Political Science major
- Senior Status (or will be a senior when the scholarship is awarded)
- Overall GPA will be considered in selection
- Overall hours enrolled will be considered in selection
- Political Science GPA and hours will be considered in selection
Finney Scholars Scholarship for Political Science
This scholarship honors Dr. Frank Finney, Jr. In 1971, he became the first dean of the newly-formed College of Liberal Arts. Dr. Finney was passionate about developing the creative potential of students and giving them a sound background in their academic disciplines. "The Finney" recognizes Liberal Arts students who are identified as having a proven record of high academic achievement in their major.Eligibility Requirements
- Declared Political Science major
- 3.5 GPA in major
- 3.5 overall GPA
- Full-time undergraduate or graduate in good standing with the University
- Shows evidence of excellence in the discipline as determined by department
- Continuing student for fall semester that the scholarship is awarded
Joe E. White Jr. Endowed Scholarship in Political Science
This scholarship recognizes a Political Science student who shows passion and commitment to their chosen major as evidenced by strong academic performance.Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Undergraduate with Junior standing
- Political Science major
- Continuing student for fall semester that the scholarship is awarded
Nance Family Scholarship
This scholarship was established by Jeanette Nance and will be awarded to a graduating Political Science student. Jeannette and daughters, Joy and Julie, are alumnae of the University of Central Oklahoma.Eligibility Requirements
- Political Science major (preference given to emphasis in Public Administration)
- Minimum 3.75 GPA
- Full-time Undergraduate
- Graduating in spring semester
- Demonstrates leadership as determined by faculty
- Preference given to student who participates in student organization activities
- Preference given to non-traditional students (High school diploma or equivalent no less than five years prior to receiving award)
Nathanial Martinez Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship was established to honor the courageous life of Nathanial Martinez, a UCO Political Science sophomore who lost his battle with a rare form of cancer. It was his sheer determination and positive outlook that inspired so many at UCO. The scholarship is awarded to a Liberal Arts major.Eligibility Requirements
- Registered with UCO Disability Support Services
- Full-time undergraduate
- Liberal Arts major
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Continuing student in the fall that the scholarship is awarded
Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society Award
This award goes to an outstanding member of Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society.Eligibility Requirements
- Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society member
- 100 word (approximately.) essay on contributions to Pi Sigma Alpha
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Continuing student for fall semester that the scholarship is awarded
Political Science Leadership Award
This award recognizes outstanding leadership characteristics in a Political Science major.Eligibility Requirements
- Junior or Senior level status in fall
- Provide evidence of Leadership in Poli Science student organizations/ activities
- Political Science major
- Continuing student for fall semester that the scholarship is awarded
Political Science Undergraduate Paper Award
This award provides money to recognize the winner of Political Science paper submissions. There will be a graduate and undergraduate paper winner. Winners will be the department's representative for the Oklahoma Political Science association Paper Award competitions in the fall.Eligibility Requirements
- Undergraduate student
- Political Science major
- Continuing student for the fall semester that the scholarship is awarded
Professor Leroy Crozier Internship Scholarship
This scholarship honors Professor Leroy Crozier who graduated from Central in 1943 and later served as the chair of the UCO Political Science department for 12 years. It awards Political Science students who are participating in a university-approved internship.Eligibility Requirements
- Political Science major
- Minimum of 3.25 GPA in your major and 3.0 GPA overall
- Junior or senior status
- Applicants and the desired internship opportunity must have been vetted by the political science internship coordinator prior to application for the scholarship
- Attached description of the internship including the number of hours completed, desired learning outcomes, organization at which the internship will be completed, internship responsibilities, etc.
Stephen Holt Gragg Memorial Scholarship
To provide scholarships for UCO students who meet the following criteria:Eligibility Requirements:
- 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Preference given to a Political Science, Public Administration or other majors leading to a career in government service
- Demonstrated leadership in student government
- Demonstrated commitment to public or campus services
- Letter of recommendation from 2 faculty members
Undergraduate Transfer Student Scholarship for Political Science
This scholarship provides help to a student who has transferred to UCO from another institution and is declared a Political Science major.Eligibility Requirements
- Undergraduate transfer student
- Declared Political Science major
- GPA and Political Science course load considered
- Continuing student for fall semester that the scholarship is awarded
Political Science Graduate Scholarships
Dr. Brett Sharp Scholarship for Public Administration
This scholarship, established by MPA alumnus Kory Atcuson to honor his former Political Science professor, Dr. Brett Sharp, recognizes UCO MPA students for their commitment to academic excellence as well as professional experience.
Eligibility Requirements
- Graduate Student
- Minimum part-time graduate status
- Enrolled for the semester after scholarship is disbursed
- Master’s in Public Administration major
- Minimum 3.5 GPA
- Submit an essay between 2 and 3 pages in length on how your academic studies and practical experiences have/will shape you as a Public Administrator
Finney Scholars Scholarship for Political Science
This scholarship honors Dr. Frank Finney, Jr. In 1971, he became the first dean of the newly-formed College of Liberal Arts. Dr. Finney was passionate about developing the creative potential of students and giving them a sound background in their academic disciplines. "The Finney" recognizes Liberal Arts students who are identified as having a proven record of high academic achievement in their major.
Eligibility Requirements
- Declared Political Science major
- 3.5 GPA in major
- 3.5 overall GPA
- Full-time undergraduate or graduate in good standing with the University
- Shows evidence of excellence in the discipline as determined by department
- Continuing student for fall semester that the scholarship is awarded
Outstanding First Year Graduate Student Award in Political Science
This scholarship is awarded to a Political Science major who exemplifies high academic achievement in their specific area of study and class standing.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a graduate student
- Completion of 18 graduate hours or less
- Political Science, Master of Public Administration, Internal Relations major
- Show strong academic performance (GPA)
- Continuing student for the fall semester that the scholarship is awarded
Outstanding Second Year Graduate Student Award in International Relations
This scholarship is awarded to a Political Science major who exemplifies high academic achievement in their specific area of study and class standing.
Eligibility Requirements
- Graduate student majoring in Political Science-International Relations
- Completion of 18 graduate hours or more
- Show strong academic performance (GPA)
Outstanding Second Year Graduate Student Award in Master of Public Administration
This scholarship is awarded to a Political Science major who exemplifies high academic achievement in their specific area of study and class standing.
Eligibility Requirements
- Graduate student majoring in Political Science - Public Administration
- Completion of 18 graduate hours or more
- Strong academic performance (GPA)
Outstanding Second Year Graduate Student Award in Political Science
This scholarship is awarded to a Political Science major who exemplifies high academic achievement in their specific area of study and class standing.
Eligibility Requirements
- Graduate student majoring in Political Science
- Completion of 18 graduate hours or more
- Strong academic performance (GPA)
Political Science Graduate Paper Award
This award provides money to recognize the winner of Political Science paper submissions. There will be a graduate and undergraduate paper winner. Winners will be the department's representative for the Oklahoma Political Science association Paper Award competitions in the fall.
Eligibility Requirements
- Graduate Student
- Political Science major
- Attach Political Science Paper
Sandra Mackey Endowed Scholarship
In honor of Dr. Sandra Mackey, a leading Middle East expert and author of six acclaimed books, this scholarship recognizes graduate students in the Master of Arts - International Affairs program who exemplifies high academic achievement and class standing.
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Graduate in Master of Arts, Poli Science-International Affairs program
- Continuing student for the fall semester that the scholarship is awarded