Awards, Scholarships and Research Grants
The Political Science Department annually presents awards to students in the program. These include the Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior and the Hoover Prize (for best presentation at the Political Science Association student conference).
In addition to these awards, the department also offers declared PLSC majors several scholarship opportunities including the Dozal Scholarship, Ken Hoover Memorial Scholarship, Clement Family Scholarship, Bill McDonald Scholarship, and the Public Affairs Research Fund Scholarship.
Scholarship Applications
Effective April 2025, Western Washington University has developed a new centralized Scholarship Portal to streamline the scholarship application process.
The new WWU Scholarship Portal will make applying for scholarships simpler and easier. Students only need to complete one scholarship application and they will be automatically matched to the scholarships they qualify for including any Political Science scholarships.
Students can visit the Scholarship Center Page for more information and to sign up for updates and notification about the new Scholarship Portal.
The Dozal Political Science Scholarship
The purpose of the Dozal Political Science Scholarship is to provide support for students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Political Science Department, Political Science Major. Preference will be given to students with financial need. The annual award amount is $4,000.
The Bill McDonald Memorial Scholarship
One scholarship is available for a Political Science major to use during their time at WWU, who is planning to attend Graduate School. Preference is given to those emphasizing public policy. Typical award amount is $2,000.
The Public Affairs Research Fund (PARF)
One scholarship is available for a Political Science major to offer support while attending Western. Equal merit/need is considered. Typical award amount is $2,500
The Ken Hoover Memorial Scholarship
One scholarship is available to a Political Science major or a PPE major, second-year student (or 3rd or 4th), merit-based with need as a tie-breaker. "Applicants should be inquisitive, excited by ideas, and civic/community minded." Typical award amount is $2,000.
The Clement Family Scholarship
One scholarship is available to a full-time student majoring in political science with interest in public policy. Financial need will also be a consideration. Applicants are required to submit a one-page essay answering the following: "What are your career goals? What are your interests in public policy and human (community) services, and how do you see these working together towards meeting your professional goals?" Typical award amount is $3,000. Award not available for more than two consecutive years.
Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Graduates & Award Winners
Departmental Awards Recipients
2526 Pi Sigma Alpha Inductees
- Alex Bassett
- Isaac Brandt
- Miguel Garduno Munoz
- Gavin Peternon-Mann
- Connor Stitt
- Francesca Breneman
- Sarah Malcomson
- Austin Lougheed
- Harper Nesbitt
- Chris Rosenquist
- Brigitte Schnell
- Emerson Tucker
Departmental Honors Graduates
- Cora Cumming
- Kyle Bailey
- Samuel Frockt
- Avery Cesarano
- Isaac Brandt
- Christopher Rosenquist
Departmental Scholarship Recipients
- The Clement Family Scholarship
- Ellie Little
- The Bill McDonald Memorial Scholarship
- Jude King
- The Public Affairs Research Fund
- Sarah Leslie
- The Dozal Political Science Scholarship
- Angel Montalvo Zarate
CHSS Political Science Scholarship Recipients
- The Mikulencak-Kohlmeier Scholarship
- Kailey Grant
- The Elyse C. Alper Scholarship
- Mia Hale
More Scholarships
CHSS Scholarships
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences also offers several scholarships.
Scholarship Center
The university offers a number of scholarship programs that are not restricted to a specific major, department or college through the Scholarship Center.
Research Awards
Public Affairs Research Fund
The Political Science department has PARF funding available to support undergraduate majors. Funds can be used for student field trips and conference participation. The maximum amount of the award is $250 with no more than 50% of a project funded. Funding limited to one conference. To request the funds, the student must submit a written proposal in advance of the activity including a proposed budget. The proposal should be 1) sponsored by a faculty member in the department who is responsible for the terms of the award and 2) approved by the Budget Committee and majority of the department. Requests should be submitted to Erica Steele via email at steelee@wwu.edu with necessary attachments.
Research and Creative Opportunities for Undergraduate Students
Through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, students can apply for support to engage in scholarly/creative work in their disciplines. Any registered undergraduate in good standing may apply. Grants will normally be awarded in the range of $100 - $500 per project.