Programs for undergraduate students

Travers Undergraduate Scholarship Program

The Charles and Louise Travers Department of Political Science and the Charles and Louise Travers Program in Ethics and Accountability in Government award annual Travers Scholarships in Ethics and Politics. These awards are intended to give recognition and encouragement to outstanding undergraduate students who plan to serve their country or community in an elected or non-elected government capacity sometime in the future. By integrating the study of ethics and political science, the Department of Political Science hopes to train future leaders who are sensitive to the ethical dilemmas implicit in a public career. In keeping with a desire to integrate education in practical as well as theoretical matters, the scholarship stipend is divided between support during the academic year and support during a summer internship. Two annual scholarships are awarded.

Learn More: Travers Undergraduate Scholarship in Ethics and Politics

Travers Family Undergraduate Fellowship Program
at the Commonwealth Club

Thanks to a generous grant from the Travers Family, the Department of Political Science and the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco are pleased to co-sponsor the Travers Program Fellowship. This Fellowship is awarded to two qualified Political Science majors, is one semester in length, and offered three times a year (fall, spring, and summer).

The Commonwealth Club is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. This is an excellent opportunity for students considering a career in non-profit or media-related work as students will be able to interface with leading figures from politics, media, academia, and the arts.

Learn More: Travers Family Undergraduate Fellowship at the Commonwealth Club

Pipeline Initiative in Political Science (PIPS)

The Charles and Louise Travers Department of Political Science is pleased to announce the launch of its Pipeline Initiative for Political Science (PIPS). The initiative is designed to help students learn about what it means to earn a PhD in political science and how to prepare for and apply to PhD programs. The goal is to build a community of undergraduate scholars who will be connected with each other and with faculty and graduate students at Berkeley. Students will learn about political science research, ways to prepare to be a competitive PhD applicant, and receive support and advice on the application process.

The program is open to students who are in at least their second year of college studies. The program is focused on helping students who are first-generation college students, from historically minoritized or underrepresented groups, or from low-income backgrounds. 

Students who are selected for the program will participate in a series of workshops throughout the semester, will be advised on pursuing research opportunities as an undergraduate, and will have the opportunity to receive mentoring from graduate students and faculty. Students may earn one credit unit for completing the program.

For Spring 2024, see enrollment details and link to application form at: 
https://classes.berkeley.edu/content/2024-spring-polsci-192-001-sem-001

Apply here: https://forms.gle/ehn3S2oxCrgynAeWA

Applications will be accepted throughout the enrollment phases, with applications received by October 11th will be prioritized for the 1st enrollment phase, and applications received by November 8th evaluated for phase 2.

The faculty director for the program is Ryan Brutger (brutger@berkeley.edu).