Political Science Awards, Scholarships & Honor Societies

Awards Bestowed at Cap & Gown Convocation

These awards are presented by the Department of Political Science at Cap & Gown Convocation. No application is required.

Herbert R. Winter Award for Excellence in Political Science

This is a cash award to a graduating senior majoring in political science who has the highest overall GPA among graduating seniors graduating in the department.​

North Providence League of Women Voters Award

This is a cash award to a graduating senior majoring in political science who has a 3.0 GPA or better and is a registered voter and resident of North Providence.

An Alumni & Foundation Scholarship

The Maryellen Hoye Memorial Fund scholarship is managed by the Rhode Island College Alumni & Foundation. To apply for the scholarship, just complete the one AwardSpring application.

Create an Account to Apply

Pi Sigma Alpha​ Honor Society

The Alpha Beta Epsilon chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, was established at Rhode Island College in 2003. Each semester, the advisor of Pi Sigma Alpha emails students who have met several criteria (see below), inviting them to join the honor society. Students are formally inducted into the society at a luncheon in mid-April. Learn more about Pi Sigma Alpha.

Criteria for Pi Sigma Alpha

To become a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, a student must have:

• completed 10 credit hours of political science
• completed at least one 300-or-above-level course in political science
• completed 60 credit hours
• a 3.25 overall GPA
• a 3.3 average or higher in political science

If you believe you have met the criteria, but have not received an email, please contact the advisor, Natalie Rogol.​​