Undergraduate Scholarships and Awards

The School of Physics and Astronomy annually recognizes undergraduate students of great promise with 20 scholarships and awards. These have been established through the generosity of many donors to the School with the goal of promoting high achievement and the drive to discover in our undergraduate majors. Some awards recognize outstanding academic achievement in course work, some reward demonstrated potential for excellence in research, and a few are awarded on the basis of overall excellence and achievement. Specific awards range from $1,000 to $10,000, either directly applicable to tuition and fees or as stipends supporting summer or academic year research with a member of the School's faculty.

Every applicant will be considered for any award for which they are eligible.

Letters of recommendation are an optional part of the application process, but are required for full consideration for some specific awards.

Internal Scholarships

Basford Family Scholarship

Endowed by Dr. Jeffrey Basford, a Ph.D. alumnus of the School and a physician at the Mayo Clinic who has done research in central neurological rehabilitation and the physiological effects of physical agents like electromagnetic fields.
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J. Morris Blair Scholarship

In honor of Professor Blair, an experimental nuclear physicist who was a Minnesota Ph.D. alumnus and a member of our faculty for more than forty years.
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Edmond B. Franklin Scholarship

Recognizes exceptional promise based on academic achievement. Physics majors are eligible for this scholarship; Astrophysics majors are not.
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Marshall J. Graney Scholarship

In honor of Professor Homer T. Mantis, a meteorological physicist who was a member of our faculty for over 30 years. This scholarship provides support to full-time undergraduates working towards a degree in Physics.
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George W. Greenlees Scholarship

The George W. Greenlees Scholarship was established by a gift from Patricia Greenlees in memory of her husband George. Professor Greenlees was a nuclear physicist and a member of the faculty from 1964 to 1993. The scholarship is intended for physics majors with financial need.
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Craig R. Holt Scholarship

Endowed by University of Minnesota Physics alumnus Dr. Craig R. Holt, this scholarship is intended to support learning outside of the classroom by sponsoring student research in the field.
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Laverne & Ted Jones Astrophysics Scholarship

Provides financial assistance to qualified undergraduate students majoring in Astrophysics in the School of Physics and Astronomy. It recognizes the importance of astrophysics as a core science and aims to encourage capable and motivated students to pursue careers in this discipline.
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Karlis Kaufmanis Scholarship in Astronomy

Supports promising students majoring in Astronomy. Named in honor of Professor Karlis Kaufmanis, who joined the University as a visiting lecturer in 1961 and became an associate professor in 1963. He held the rank of full professor from 1970 until his retirement in 1978.
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Anita Sue Kolman and Marvin L. Marshak Scholarship

In honor of Physics Professor Marvin Marshak and his wife, Anita Kolman, the scholarship provides financial support for undergraduate students in good academic standing working towards a degree in physics or astrophysics (any year). Usable during any term, including summer.
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Alfred O. C. Nier Scholarship

Recognizes exceptional achievement in academic work, research or both. At least one letter of recommendation is required. Both Physics and Astrophysics majors are eligible for this scholarship. 
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Oswald Scholarship in Physics

Endowed by UMN CSE alumnus, Albert G. Oswald, this scholarship is intended to recognize outstanding research by an undergraduate student and support their ongoing research efforts.
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Harry and Viola St. Cyr Scholarship for Undergraduate Research

Provides financial support for summer or academic year research. A letter of recommendation from a sponsoring faculty member, with a commitment to act as research mentor is required. Physics majors are eligible for this scholarship; Astrophysics majors are not.
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Hazel V. Swanson Scholarship

Provides financial assistance to qualified undergraduate students majoring in Astrophysics in the School of Physics and Astronomy. It recognizes the importance of astrophysics as a core science and aims to encourage capable and motivated students to pursue careers in this discipline.
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Undergraduate Awards

Homer D. Hagstrum Award

Recognizes overall excellence and future promise in a graduating senior. At least one letter of recommendation is required. Physics majors are eligible for this award; Astrophysics majors are not. The award is named after named in honor of Homer Hagstrum. Having grown up in St. Paul, Dr. Hagstrum completed his undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Minnesota (BEE 1935, BA 1936, MS 1939, Ph.D. in physics and mathematics 1940). He spent his entire professional career at Bell Telephone Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey (1940-1985).  He received the Medard W. Welch award from the American Vacuum Society (1974), the Davisson and Germer Prize from the American Physical Society (1975), and was elected to the National Academy of Sciences (1976). He was the author of more than 100 research papers. In 1986 Dr. Hagstrom received from the University of Minnesota an Honorary Doctor of Science degree. His wife, Bonnie C. Hagstrom, his children Melissa B. Hagstrum and Jonathan T. Hagstrum, and many friends, established this award in his memory.
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External Scholarships

The Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship Application is now available on-line. The application due date is typically the end of January. You must be a sophomore at the time of application to be eligible.
Hollings information and application materials

 

The AAPT Executive Board offers two scholarships for future high school physics teachers. These scholarships, supported by an endowment funded by Barbara Lotze, are available only to U.S. citizens attending U.S. schools.
Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers

Undergraduate students enrolled, or planning to enroll, in physics teacher preparation curricula and high school seniors entering such programs are eligible. The two successful applicants will each receive a stipend of up to $2,000. The scholarship may be granted to an individual for each of four years.

Applications will be accepted at any time and will be considered for recommendation to the Executive Board at each AAPT Winter Meeting. All applications in which all materials, including letters of recommendation, are received by December 1 will be considered for recommendation at the January meeting of the AAPT Executive Board.