The James Madison Fellowships were created to honor Madison’s legacy and Madisonian principles by providing support for graduate study that focuses on the Constitution, its history and contemporary relevance to the practices and policies of democratic government. The fellowships are intended exclusively for graduate study leading to a master’s degree. The maximum amount of each award is $24,000, prorated over the individual period of study, thus making the James Madison Fellowship the leading award for secondary level teachers undertaking study of the Constitution. Fellowship payments cover the actual costs of tuition, required fees, books, and room and board but cannot exceed $12,000 per academic year. Normally, Fellows receive less than these maximum amounts. James Madison Fellows may attend any accredited institution of higher education in the United States. Each individual entering the James Madison Fellowship Program will be expected to pursue and complete a master’s degree in one of the following (listed in order of the Foundation’s preference): Master of Arts (MA) in American history or in political science (also referred to as “government and politics” or as “government”); Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) concentrating on either American Constitutional history (in a history department) or American government, political institutions, and political theory (in a political science department); Master of Education (MEd) or the Master of Arts or Master of Science in Education with a concentration in American history or American government, political institutions, and political theory.

The Foundation offers two types of fellowships: Junior Fellowships are awarded to students who are about to complete, or have completed, their undergraduate course of study and plan to begin graduate work on a full-time basis. Junior Fellows have two years to complete their degree. Senior Fellowships are awarded to teachers who wish to undertake work for a graduate degree on a part-time basis through summer and evening classes. Senior Fellows have up to five years to complete their degree.

Upon completion of all fellowship requirements, each individual will be required to teach American history, American government, or social studies, full time in a secondary school in the United States (or in a U.S. Government sponsored school abroad) for at least one school year for each full academic year of fellowship support.