Scholarships in Public Administration
Work for the Government or Not-for-Profit Business
If your goal is to work for the government or a non-profit organization at the management level in such areas as human resources, budgeting, health, planning, or environmental policies, you may want to consider pursuing a degree in Public Administration. If you require assistance in paying for your education in this regard, here are some sources of funding.
Scholarships
Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada
The Government Finance Officers Association ("GFOA") offers the Public Employee Retirement Research and Administration Scholarship to full- or part-time graduate students studying public administration, business administration, finance, or social sciences. Citizens and permanent residents of the US and Canada are eligible to apply for $4,000 in funding.
To be considered by the Scholarship Committee, applicants must submit a completed application form, college transcripts (both undergraduate and graduate), a resume, and a letter of recommendation from the applicant's dean or academic adviser. In addition, a statement setting out the applicant's plans for both graduate study and a career at the state or local government level is required.
GFOA also offers the George A. Nielsen Public Investor Scholarship. One award in the amount of $5,000 or two in the amount of $2,500.00 each will be awarded to a local government or public sector employee planning on studying public administration, business administration, or finance at either the undergraduate or graduate level.
One year of service is required before being eligible to apply for this award. In addition all applicants must be recommended by their respective employers.
National Academy of Public Administration Herbert Roback Scholarship
The Herbert Roback Scholarship is available to full-time students already enrolled in or about to enter a Master's Degree program in public administration, political science, and/or public and international affairs at one of the following institutions: New York University, any university in the area near Washington, D.C., CUNY, Albany/SUNY, Syracuse University, Princeton, and Brandeis University.
Each institution is invited to nominate applicants for one of two $7,500.00 awards. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement detailing the applicant's career aspirations.
University of Alaska Anchorage American Society of Public Administration Scholarship
Students enrolled in the Master of Public Administration program of University of Alaska Anchorage or University of Alaska Southeast who have distinguished themselves academically are eligible to apply for this scholarship. A GPA of 3.0 or higher for incoming students and at least 3.5 for current students is required.
Both U.S. and foreign students can apply; preference will be given to University of Alaska students, however. Official transcripts, a resume, two letters of recommendation, a list of community/extracurricular activities undertaken, and a personal essay must be submitted for consideration by all applicants.
Long Island University Health Care and Public Administration Program Undergraduate Scholarship
Full-time students of Long Island University interested in enrolling in the Health Care and Public Administration Program or transfer students with a GPA of at least 3.0 may be eligible to receive $2,000 per year in scholarship funds. The scholarship is renewable each year for a maximum of four years in total; transfer students can receive a maximum of $6,000.
Applicants must be recommended by their high school or college counsellor/academic adviser and submit a brief statement outlining how these monies will assist them in pursing their educational goals and explaining why they should be considered for a scholarship.
Portland State University, College of Urban and Public Affairs American Public Works Association Michael Linberg Scholarship
A $2,000 scholarship is available for US citizens studying for a Master's Degree in Public Administration with a particular interest in Public Works Administration. Financial need as well as academic achievement are taken into account when selecting scholarship recipients.
Interested persons will include the following information with their application in order to be considered: GPA, three letters of recommendation, a resume, and information about career goals and community/school involvement.
