FAQ: Joining MPSA or Renewing Your Membership
- Are print memberships available for the American Journal of Political Science?
The publisher of the American Journal of Political Science (AJPS) has discontinued the option for individual print subscriptions to the journal. As a result, MPSA memberships featuring a print subscription to the AJPS are no longer available. All MPSA memberships available for purchase now feature a digital-only delivery of the AJPS on a quarterly basis. Current members have online access to current and past issues for the duration of their membership.
- How do you verify the income level provided in my membership application?
To ensure access to membership for persons from all income levels and career-stages, member dues are charged on an income-based sliding scale. Your stated income level is based on the honor-system. Accurate representation of your income level reflects your commitment to your colleagues and the discipline as a whole.
- Which payment types are accepted?
Payments are accepted online via Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards. You may also pay by mail with a check or credit card. We do not accept purchase orders, wire transfers or bank transfers. All fees on the MPSA website are in U.S. Dollars.
- Are membership payments refundable?
All memberships are non-refundable.
- When does my membership expire?
- 1-Year Memberships: Available only with a non-member conference registration, these memberships expire one year from the date of purchase.
- 2-Year Digital Memberships: These memberships expire two years from the date of purchase. For example, a 2-Year Digital Membership purchased on August 15, 2026, will expire on August 14, 2028.
- How do I renew my membership? Will I receive an invoice?
The MPSA does not send invoices for member dues; members will be notified of upcoming expiration dates and renewal opportunities by email. Memberships may be purchased or renewed in three ways, click here to learn how to renew online, by mail, or by phone.
- How can I access a receipt for my membership?
Log in to your MPSA account, select “Order History” then “Recent Payments”. From here, you can access all payments and have the option to download or print each receipt.
FAQ: Membership Benefits and Programs
- When is the member newsletter published?
The member newsletter is delivered electronically to your inbox every month.
- How do I access the American Journal of Political Science (AJPS) online?
To access the AJPS online, sign in at www.mpsanet.org and click AJPS > American Journal of Political Science > Journal Subscription. Please note: You must be logged in to MPSA and hold a current MPSA membership to access the AJPS.
- How can I submit a paper for publication in the AJPS?
To submit a manuscript to the American Journal of Political Science, first review the online guidelines for manuscripts. Specific instructions regarding manuscript preparation and submission are provided.
- What scholarships or awards are available for MPSA members?
The MPSA offers conference scholarships including: Conference Registration Fee Waiver Scholarships, Graduate Student Travel Scholarships, and the Conference Childcare Scholarship. MPSA also sponsors many awards for outstanding research presented at the MPSA Conference and one award for the best article published in each volume of the AJPs. Nominations are made by conference chairs, discussants, and section heads after the conference. Award committees select the winning papers. Awards are announced at the MPSA business meeting during the conference the following year.
- How do I make a donation to MPSA or to a specific MPSA award?
Tax-deductible donations to the MPSA Endowment or to specific awards may be made by credit card here. To make a donation by check, please mail your donation to the MPSA office.
- How can I get involved in advocacy projects?
MPSA is involved in a variety of advocacy projects related to the discipline. Visit our Action Alerts and Current Issues page to find information about current issues, learn more about our advocacy group and coalitions, and ways you can get involved.
Additional Questions?
If your question about membership isn’t answered above, please email MPSA staff.