There are several different awards available through the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University. You may apply for more than one award or scholarship if you wish. For a list of current award winners, click here. Available awards include the following:
Political Science majors with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (both overall and within the department), who can reasonably expect to graduate in May, August, or December of the year of the award are eligible to apply. Outstanding scholarly achievement in and out of the classroom and faculty recommendations are the major criteria governing who will receive the award. A cash prize is part of the award.
Political Science majors who are juniors in the spring semester of the year of the award are eligible to apply. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA and must be involved in the activities of the Political Science department and/or the University. The scholarship will be available to the winner in the fall of the award year.
Female Political Science majors who will graduate no earlier than December of the year of the award. Nominees must demonstrate a high level of accomplishment in the discipline and the promise of an exceptional professional contribution after graduation. These factors shall be measured by GPA (overall and in the major), faculty recommendations, professional activities, achievements, and career aspirations. A cash prize is associated with the award.
All female political science majors with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible to apply for an Alice Ebel Academic Scholarship. This scholarship was established by the first chair of the Department who was interested in promoting the advancement of women in public service careers. The scholarship is available at any time during the academic year and will be determined by the Department Executive Committee on a monthly basis. Amounts vary. To apply for the scholarship, please submit the following materials to Professor Ali Riaz, Chair, Department of Politics and Government 4600, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4600: 1. A letter of application stating your achievements and goals and indicating how you could use this scholarship to cover university expenses; 2. An unofficial transcript showing your grade point average; 3. A letter of recommendation from one faculty member at ISU or your college or high school is requested.
Minority Political Science majors who expect to graduate in the year of the scholarship award and who have a minimum 3.3 GPA (overall or in the major), and who plan to go on to graduate or law school are eligible to apply. Criteria for selection include GPA, demonstrated leadership on behalf of minority students, participation in public service activities, and recommendations from members of the department. The scholarship funds will not be disbursed to the winner until the student has actually enrolled in a qualifying program.
Political Science majors or minors nominated by department faculty who intend to graduate in the year of the award with at least a 3.3 GPA in the major/minor and at least three courses in the Subfield are eligible for these awards. The Hibbert R. Roberts Outstanding Senior Award winner will not be eligible for consideration for this award unless she/he is the only student eligible within the Subfield. In addition to GPA, the number and level of courses taken within the Subfield and other academic activities undertaken (especially those related to the Subfield) will also be considered.
Legal Studies minors and contact majors with at least a 3.3 GPA (both overall and in legal studies classes) and who intend to graduate in the year of the award are eligible for consideration for this award. Criteria for selection include GPA, number of courses taken within the program and performance of internships (if one is taken).
This scholarship will be awarded to a sophomore or junior Political Science major who has demonstrated special interest and ability in the study of political philosophy through courses taken in the field. To be considered, a student should anticipate a career in teaching law, or some other form of public service. Course grades, extracurricular activities, and financial need will be considered in awarding this scholarship.
The Department of Politics and Government will grant this annual award to one graduate student who has distinguished herself/himself in service contributions to the Department beyond the regular duties of a graduate assistant.
Graduate students in the Political Science Department who have graduated in December of the preceding year, or who intend to graduate in May or August of the year of the award are eligible for this award. Ordinarily, students under consideration should have completed or have in progress all of their coursework for the graduate degree. Criteria to be considered in determining the winner of this award include GPA, professional activities (such as presenting a paper at a conference) and activities within the graduate college.
This award will be given to students that have shown outstanding ability in their current or completed internship. Preference is given to those students whose internships take them out of the local community.
This scholarship was established in their honor by their son Gerald to help and encourage those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend Illinois State University. Must be a student in good standing, majoring in Political Science with a 3.0 GPA or higher and be a junior, senior, or graduate student.