Scholarships, Awards and Support

Funding Opportunities

The Department of Political Science offers a range of funding opportunities for students each year. Students from both the main campus and Shady Grove are encouraged to apply.

Students may apply for multiple opportunities; however, they may receive only one award per calendar year.

Unpaid Internship Support

Terry and Patricia Nolan Foundation Support

Provides funding (typically around $500) for students pursuing an unpaid internship in the legal field, particularly for pre-law students.

Wilmer, Cutler, and Pickering Pre-Law Foundation Support

Provides funding (typically around $500) for students pursuing an unpaid legal internship.

Department of Political Science Internship Support

Provides up to $2,000 for Political Science students pursuing an unpaid internship in political science, public policy, or a related field during the academic year or summer.

  • Applications are typically due in mid-December (spring internships) and mid-April (summer internships)

Merit Awards

Arthur Johnson Transfer Scholarship

Awarded to a Political Science major who has transferred from another institution and demonstrates strong academic achievement.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Minimum 3.0 UMBC GPA
  • At least 24 UMBC credits

Students apply through the Scholarship Retriever system and typically submit:

  • Statement of how the award will support academic and career goals
  • Unofficial transcript
  • Resume

Scholarships

William R. Ermatinger Scholarship Endowment

Need-based award (approximately $2,200) with preference given to Political Science majors.

Rhonda J. Ray ’90 Endowed Scholarship

Need-based award (approximately $3,000) for Political Science majors committed to advancing racial, ethnic, and/or social equity in public service or policy.

  • Applicants must be rising juniors or seniors
  • Minimum GPA: 2.8

Pittman Family Scholarship Fund

Provides variable awards (typically around $3,000) for students in Political Science or Economics.

Elizabeth L. Rossman ’85 Scholarship

Need-based scholarship (approximately $1,000) for full-time Political Science majors with an interest in public service or public administration.

Study Abroad Scholarships

Political Science Study Abroad Scholarship

Provides approximately $1,000 to support students participating in UMBC faculty-led study abroad programs related to Political Science or a related field.

  • Typically offered for winter and summer programs
  • Application deadlines vary by term

CAHSS Dean’s Education Abroad Scholarship

The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences offers study abroad funding ranging from $2,500–$5,000 for students with demonstrated financial need.

Recipients are expected to share their study abroad experiences with the campus community.

Department Awards

Each spring, faculty select recipients for departmental honors, announced at the annual senior and alumni reception.

Awards include:

  • Outstanding Senior
  • Outstanding Scholar
  • Outstanding Scholar-Leader

Internal Awards and Programs

Students are encouraged to explore additional opportunities through:

  • UMBC Scholarship Retriever
  • McNair Scholars Program (for students preparing for graduate study, especially first-generation and/or underrepresented students)

External Awards

Minc Law Scholarship

External scholarship offering approximately $1,500. Applicants respond to a written or video essay prompt on issues related to cyberbullying, online harassment, and digital defamation, including policy implications and legal approaches.

Additional Information

Award availability, amounts, and deadlines may vary each year. Students should consult the Scholarship Retriever and departmental announcements for the most current information.