Scholarships and Awards

The Department of Political Science offers three scholarships to undergraduate Political Science majors. Questions regarding the application process should be sent to Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Dan O’Neil doneil6@uoregon.edu

The deadline for Spring 2024 is April 19, 2024.

Political Science Scholarship Application


Neil D. Blackman Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility: Current sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student of any major. This scholarship is awarded to a financially, academically and intellectually deserving student to pursue studies in the humanities or political philosophy relevant to human rights, the responsibilities of individuals to democratic institutions, and public service. The student must demonstrate a broad historic perspective and the courage to practice their beliefs.

Award: $2,000

How to apply:

  • Submit the scholarship application form.
  • Include in your application a cover letter that describes how you meet the criteria for the award.
  • Optional: Relevant non-UO transcripts may be submitted for review. Unofficial UO transcripts will be accessed on the student’s behalf.

Alanson H. Kleinsorge Political Science Scholarship

Eligibility: Current juniors or seniors majoring in political science who are eligible for financial aid, as determined by the University. This scholarship is to support individuals with weak academic backgrounds who have begun to show promise that they will blossom into good, perhaps even great, students. The recipient will demonstrate that they have made significant sustained improvements in their academic performance after difficulties at some point in their career (high school or college).

Award: $4,000

How to apply:

  • Submit the scholarship application form.
  • Include in your application a cover letter that describes how you meet the criteria for the award. 
  • Optional: Obtain a letter of recommendation from a UO faculty member. Though not mandatory, a letter of recommendation can greatly improve your chances of selection.
    • Because it is not customary to share a letter of recommendation with the student in question, you may remind faculty that they can submit a letter to polisci@uoregon.edu. There is an option to upload a letter through the application should you have access to it.
  • Optional: Relevant non-UO transcripts may be submitted for review. Unofficial UO transcripts will be accessed on the student’s behalf.

Michael & Libby McCaslin Scholarship

Eligibility: Current juniors or seniors majoring in political science. Candidates will be evaluated on the overall quality of their academic work, commitment to learning, and the potential for further academic achievement.

Award: $1,500

How to apply:

  • Submit the scholarship application form.
  • Include in your application a cover letter that describes how you meet the criteria for the award. 
  • Optional: Obtain a letter of recommendation from a UO faculty member. Though not mandatory, a letter of recommendation can greatly improve your chances of selection.
    • Because it is not customary to share a letter of recommendation with the student in question, you may remind faculty that they can submit a letter to polisci@uoregon.edu. There is an option to upload a letter through the application should you have access to it.
  • Optional: Relevant non-UO transcripts may be submitted for review. Unofficial UO transcripts will be accessed on the student’s behalf.

Other Scholarships and Resources