The Department of Political Science, International Development and Affairs works continually to enrich the educational experiences of our students at all levels from undergraduate through the Ph.D. We also sponsor a variety of outreach activities such as lectures and conferences designed to share our expertise and interests with the public.

We have a limited number of undergraduate and graduate scholarships, but our ability to provide financial support to outstanding new students is extremely limited. Additional gifts to our scholarship funds are greatly needed and appreciated.

Many of our students go on to law or graduate school, and then to careers in public service, education, or non-profit agencies. Alumni and friends of the department can have a substantial impact on the career decisions of these future graduates by providing scholarship support for their undergraduate education. Persons interested in assisting with these efforts can contact the Department Chair, Allan McBride.

CURRENT NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES

This year, 2008-2009, the department was pleased to provide scholarship assistance to 14 outstanding undergraduate and graduate students. An additional 13 graduate students are receiving help through our graduate assistantship program. Other accounts have provided support for student travel to participate in academic conferences, workshops, and similar educational activities.

Two areas of critical need are scholarship funds for incoming freshmen, and scholarship funds for the Gulf Coast Political Science Scholarship. Additional funding to support graduate study is also needed. For information about currently funded scholarships, please visit the scholarships page. For general information about gifts to the department or college, please contact the College development officer.