Scholarships for Science Majors
Conducting science experiment s is no easy task. It takes dedication and hard work.
Succeeding as a science major in college requires similar qualities. Science majors must spend many hours studying to one day contribute to fields that can better humanity and our world.
The following organizations recognize this and offer scholarships to reward science majors' hard work by helping pay for college.
The Society of Exploration Geophysicists offers SEG Foundation Scholarships to students with a passion for physics and related areas of study. These merit-based awards range from $500 to $14,000 and are open to high school seniors planning to attend college in the fall as well as undergraduate and graduate students with above-average grades.
[Find more scholarships to feed a curiosity in STEM subjects.]
All applicants should be intending to pursue a career in geophysics or a related field, including geosciences, physics, geology or earth and environmental sciences. Non-U.S. citizens are also eligible for these scholarships. Applications are accepted online between Oct. 1 and March 1.
The American Association of Physics Teachers offers Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers to physics majors who plan to teach the subject at the high school level following college graduation. Applicants must be undergraduates enrolled at or high school seniors accepted to an accredited two- or four-year college or university.
They must also be U.S. citizens and hold a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
[Find a STEM scholarship for each type of college student.]
Shell Oil Company offers up to 20 one-year Shell Oil Company Technical Scholarships. These $2,500 awards are open to high school seniors who will enroll full time in geoscience or engineering programs at one of 20 participating universities. Following successful completion of their freshman year, recipients can apply for a four-year renewable scholarship of $5,000 annually.
T he Society of Plastics Engineers offers a variety of scholarships to full-time undergraduates who have an expressed or demonstrated interest in the plastics industry. Requirements for each scholarship vary, but in general, applicants must be taking classes or majoring in subjects that would benefit a career in the plastics industry. Some eligible majors include physics; plastics engineering; polymer science; chemistry; and chemical, industrial or mechanical engineering.
[Find out about STEM scholarships for aspiring scientists.]
Applicants must also be in good standing with their individual institutions. They can apply for more than one scholarship as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. Applications are due by April 1.
Each SPE scholarship is renewable, as long as recipients continue to meet the requirements. Undergraduates, Master's candidates and doctorate students may apply.
The Heinlein Society offers three $1,000 Heinlein Society Scholarships to students majoring in engineering, math or physical sciences, including science fiction as literature for two of the scholarships. One scholarship -- the Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship -- is specifically for female applicants. Undergraduate students enrolled full time at accredited four-year colleges that give bachelor's of science or arts degrees are eligible.
To apply, students must submit the application, a biography and statement of career goals, and an essay up to 1,000 words on one of several topics. The society's website lists the essay topics.
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, in Sarasota, Florida, offers a number of scholarships, including the Saul H. and JoAnne Coplan Scholarship, which is for African-American high school seniors planning to major in the physical sciences. Applicants must be graduating from Sarasota County high schools, and eligible college majors include biology, chemistry, physics, technology and astronomy.
Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and meet the financial requirements for free and reduced lunch. They must also submit a letter of reference from their junior or senior science or technology teacher as well as provide a list of science competitions or projects they have completed.
