Scholarships

For more information, including deadlines and how to apply, please see the Murray State General Scholarship Application.

Political Science Scholarships 

Harry Lee Waterfield Governmental Studies Scholarship

The Waterfield Governmental Studies Scholarship program was begun by Mr. Harry Lee Waterfield, Sr. in 1973 to recognize the value of his Murray State education and to assist future Murray State students interested in careers in public service. Mr. Waterfield grew up in poverty in Calloway County, graduated from Murray State in the 1930’s and distinguished himself in three careers: journalism, politics and insurance. Mr. Waterfield and his family and friends added to the scholarship endowment over the years and a large sum was given in memory of Mr. Waterfield after his death in 1988. Mr. Ralph K. Mills was a close friend of Mr. Waterfield and of the entire Waterfield family. He bequeathed virtually his entire estate to the Waterfield endowment, thereby making it one of the largest on campus. Recipients must be American citizens, majors in political science, criminal justice or public administration, and they must be juniors, seniors or graduate students with at least a 3.0 GPA.

Laura Ferguson Waterfield Governmental Studies Scholarship

The Laura Ferguson Waterfield Governmental Studies Scholarship program was established in 2010 by the Waterfield family to honor Mrs. Waterfield’s many contributions to her husband’s success and to support sophomore students pursuing careers in state and local government.

Mary-Kay Wright-Williams Memorial Scholarship

Mary-Kay Wright Williams is an alumnus of Murray State.  She was an active member of Student Government Association, held numerous leadership positions, was a nominee for Greek Woman of the Year, and graduated cum laude.  She was an attorney/partner with the law firm of Clark & Ward.  Her parents, family, and friends, endowed this scholarship to assist other pursuing and education.  Applications are limited to women who will be a full-time student during the next academic year and major in political science.

Frank Ross Ellis Scholarship

The Frans Ross Ellis Scholarship is awarded based on the desire to major in political science and planning to use your education towards a career in government service or law.  In order to apply, students must be a full-time student the next academic year; plan to earn at least 30 credit hours the next academic year; have either an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or a graduate GPA of 3.5, and as a graduate student, have an undergraduate GPA of 3.2; major in political science the next academic year; and plan to pursue a career in government service or law.

Pi Sigma Alpha Scholarship

Pi Sigma Alpha was founded in 1920 at the University of Texas. Pi Sigma Alpha is based on student academic performance and completion of ten semester hours in political science. The organization wishes to assist others in obtaining an education to prepare them for a career. The recipient shall be an undergraduate student who is a newly inducted member of the Zeta Phi Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha at Murray State University who is enrolled full-time and has the highest overall GPA in political science courses. Reward is non-renewable. Funds are maintained by the Murray State University Foundation.

Sociology Scholarships

Dennis Poplin Memorial Scholarship

The Dennis Poplin Memorial  Scholarship  was established through the generous gifts of the Dennis Poplin family and friends. Recipients shall be full-time undergraduate students majoring in sociology with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Preference will be given to students with financial need. Recipients may reapply.