Pi Sigma Alpha

Fordham is the proud host of the Delta Zeta chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society. Nationally, Pi Sigma Alpha involves more than 8,000 students and 650 chapters at universities and colleges across the U.S.

Each year, our faculty members select high-achieving juniors and seniors for induction into this honor society, and we sponsor annual programming featuring guest speakers and panels on issues related to all aspects of politics.

Chapter Activity Grants

The National Office sponsors an annual program of grants to chapters for special activities. Proposals are accepted through October 31 of each year, the awards committee meets in November, and grants are awarded immediately thereafter. The current budget for this program is $95,000. The maximum grant award for a chapter is $2,000.

McManus Washington Internship Scholarships

Pi Sigma Alpha awards four McManus Washington Internship Scholarships annually to members participating in political science internship programs in Washington, DC, for either the summer term or fall semester. Each scholarship is $2,000. Applications are due May 1.

Best Paper Awards

Each chapter advisor may nominate one per year in each category. Only Pi Sigma Alpha members are eligible to participate. Nominations are due on June 1; winners are announced by August 15. The cash awards are $250 for each first-place winner and $100 each for runners-up.

Howard Penniman Scholarships for Graduate Study

This scholarship is awarded annually to up to 5 Pi Sigma Alpha members entering graduate school in political science in the upcoming academic year. Nominations must come from the chapter advisors, accompanied by an official application and supporting documents as specified in the program announcement. Nominations are due by May 1, and the winners are announced by June 15. Each scholarship is $2,000.