Axe ’Em, Jacks!
The program brings graduate students to Washington, D.C., for 12 weeks each summer. Students in the program learn about public service and public policy through coursework and internship opportunities.
To be considered an Archer Fellow candidate, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater at SFA
- Previous work experience or internship program
- Campus involvement and/or community service
- Enrollment in a SFA graduate degree program (masters, EdD, PhD, DSW)
Application materials include a résumé, letters of recommendation including at least one from a UT System faculty member, a policy position paper and other materials. All application materials are submitted to the Archer Center through its application web portal. For more information, visit The Archer Center.
After applications are reviewed, semifinalists will be announced and invited to an in-person, on campus interview. A selection committee consisting of SFA faculty and staff and Archer Center representatives conduct the interviews and make recommendations for Archer Fellowship finalists. Final decisions are announced each December.
For SFA resources to assist in the application process, visit the SFA Archer Fellowship Resources.
Program Specifics:
Graduate Archer Fellows receive nine hours of course credit for their fellowship. Coursework is completed in Washington, D.C., with on-site faculty members through The University of Texas at Dallas. However, students must enroll in SFA courses for the full summer (12 weeks) term, rather than having to be admitted to UT Dallas.
- PADM 5320: Policy Systems and Program Evaluation – Archer Fellowship
- PADM 5330: Topics in Public Affairs – Archer Fellowship
- PADM 5399: Public Administration Internship – Archer Fellowship
Costs:
Costs for the program include a flat fee of $3,900. Participants are not charged regular tuition and fees for the coursework. These fees do not include housing costs (estimated to be $3,900, including a $200 housing deposit) or other expenses. Housing fees may be waived if the student elects to find their own housing in Washington, D.C. Off-site housing is available only to graduate Archer Fellows. The housing deposit is refundable.
Archer Fellows are eligible for full federal and state financial aid through the SFA Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. SFA provides a scholarship/stipend to cover the program fee, subject to budgetary availability. In addition, the Archer Center has numerous merit- and need-based funding and scholarships to help lower costs of participating.