About the opportunity
The Diversity Fellowship Program (DFP) offered by the American Political Science Association (APSA) is designed to diversify the political science profession and support promising scholars. The program is tailored for students planning to apply for or currently enrolled in a political science PhD program. Applicants’ research and scholarship must focus primarily on race, ethnicity, gender, systemic racism, LGBTQ politics, disability politics, indigenous politics, or tribal sovereignty and governance. Fellows receive financial support and professional development opportunities to help them successfully navigate doctoral training and build sustainable academic careers in political science.
Funding and benefits
- Financial fellowship support for graduate or doctoral studies
- Professional development and mentoring opportunities
- Integration into a supportive network of political science scholars
Who can apply?
- Fall cycle applicants must be undergraduate seniors, graduates, or students enrolled in a master's program planning to apply for a PhD in political science
- Spring cycle applicants must be 1st or 2nd year PhD students in good standing in a political science program
- Must be engaged in or planning to pursue political science research focusing primarily on race, ethnicity, gender, systemic racism, LGBTQ politics, disability politics, indigenous politics, or tribal sovereignty and governance
- Must be a US citizen, US national, US permanent resident, or granted deferred action status under DACA at the time of application
- Must demonstrate an interest in teaching and potential for research in political science
Required documents
- Completed online application form
- Three letters of recommendation for fall applicants or two letters of recommendation for spring applicants
- Transcripts or degree audits for all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended (unofficial transcripts and degree audits are accepted)
When to apply
- Application materials are made available online at least one month before the deadline
- Fall cycle application deadline typically occurs in October (e.g., Monday, October 2, 2023)
- Spring cycle application deadline typically occurs in March (e.g., Monday, March 4, 2024)
How to apply
- Verify eligibility for either the fall cycle (prospective PhD applicants) or spring cycle (current 1st/2nd year PhD students)
- Prepare required academic transcripts or degree audits from all attended institutions
- Identify and contact recommenders in advance, then submit recommender requests through the online application portal
- Complete and submit the online application via the APSA application system before the stated deadline
Additional information
- For inquiries or assistance, applicants can contact APSA via email at diversityprograms@apsanet.org
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- An ideal fit for undergraduate seniors, master's students, or early-stage PhD students aiming to secure external funding for a political science doctorate.
- Well-suited for researchers whose academic focus centers on race, ethnicity, gender, systemic racism, LGBTQ politics, disability politics, or indigenous governance.
- Provides essential mentorship and community support tailored for scholars from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds entering academia.
What should you think carefully about?
- Strict eligibility criteria restrict applicants to US citizens, nationals, permanent residents, or DACA recipients.
- Requires secure coordination of academic transcripts and multiple letters of recommendation prior to strict application deadlines.
- Applicants must clearly articulate a commitment to teaching and high-potential research specifically within political science.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship serves as a foundational stepping stone for scholars aiming to enter or progress through doctoral programs in political science, providing both financial relief and professional integration into the academic community.
Our take
Eligible US-based students and early-career PhD candidates focusing on marginalized politics and race or ethnicity studies should seriously consider applying to strengthen their doctoral funding and academic network.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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