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Department of

Political Science and International Relations

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Dean’s Merit Awards

The Political Science department annually awards a small number of scholarships to graduate students in the MAIR program. The Dean’s Merit Awards range from $5,000 to $15,000 and are awarded based on academic achievement and promise. All admitted students are automatically considered for scholarships. Current students are evaluated based on their performance in the program and the rigor of their chosen coursework. Entering students are evaluated based on their undergraduate transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose. Prospective students whose application packet is not complete or received by the priority deadlines (March 15 for fall, October 1 for spring) may not be considered for the Dean’s Merit Awards.

Irving Salomon Awards

Continuing students are also eligible to receive the Irving Salomon Award. The number and amount of these awards varies by year. The criteria used to make the Salomon awards are the number of units completed, academic performance, and rigor of their chosen coursework. Undergraduate courses taken as electives are not weighted as heavily as graduate seminars.

Other Scholarships

USD offers a number of other scholarships to graduate students. Please see http://www.sandiego.edu/financial_aid/scholarships/ for more information.

Federal Financial Aid

MAIR students are also eligible to apply for federal loans. Please be aware that deadlines to apply for federal aid are generally different from application and registration deadlines. More information about federal financial aid can be found at http://www.sandiego.edu/financial_aid/

FAQs on Financial Aid

How much does it cost to attend USD?
USD charges by the unit. Graduate courses are typically 3-unit courses. For the most current list of costs see: http://www.sandiego.edu/administration/financeadmin/bursar/studentaccounts/gexpense.php Please note that the MAIR program is in the College of Arts and Sciences.

How do I apply for scholarships?
There is no application process for the scholarships given out by the department. All students are automatically considered for departmental awards. Applications for other USD and outside scholarships are handled individually. Please see . http://www.sandiego.edu/financial_aid/scholarships/ for more detailed information.

How and when do I apply for federal financial aid?
All students interested in federal financial aid must fill out the FAFSA and follow federal guidelines and deadlines. The deadline for new graduate students generally falls in early April. Please see http://www.sandiego.edu/financial_aid/ for more information.

Does the MAIR program offer graduate research or teaching assistantships?
Unfortunately we are unable to offer graduate assistantships.

Are there other work study opportunities for graduate students?
USD does not have a federal work-study program for graduate students. However, graduate students are eligible for a number of different types of jobs on campus. The department periodically sends out calls for applications to on-campus jobs. Students are also encouraged to visit the following site for more information: http://www.sandiego.edu/administration/businessadmin/humanresources/jobopportunities/