Since exploring life’s religious dimensions yields valuable insights into entire cultures, many faith-based foundations have created scholarships for religious studies majors to examine the nature of religion. Whether you aspire to become a priest, rabbi, minister, activist, teacher, or writer, earning a degree in religious studies will provide a deep understanding of your chosen religion as well as the critical thinking, problem solving, and writing skills needed to land the position you desire. In order to fund your education with a limited amount of student loan debt, the following are 25 of the most generous scholarships for religious studies majors just like you.
1. Adrienne M. and Charles Shelby Rooks Fellowship Program
Deadline: March 1st
Sponsored by the United Church of Christ, the Adrienne M. and Charles Shelby Rooks Fellowship Program was designed to provide $5,000 of financial support for African American, Hispanic American, Native American, or Asian American minority members who are currently preparing for ministry at an accredited theological school. Eligible candidates must be pursuing a Master of Divinity or Ph.D. in religious studies, possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and have begun the in-care process.
Contact
Adrienne M. and Charles Shelby Rooks Fellowship Program
700 Prospect Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115
(877) 806-4989
info@unitedchurchfunds.org
2. Ann E. Dickerson HELM Scholarships
Deadline: March 15th
Funded from a special Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM) endowment in honor of the former board member, the Ann E. Dickerson Scholarships are granted annually for up to $2,000 each to female members of the Christian Disciples of Christ Church who are currently working toward earning a Ph.D. degree in religious studies. Along with the completed online application, candidates must submit three references, an official transcript, a brief 300-word essay, and comprehensive financial information.
Contact
Ann E. Dickerson HELM Scholarships
1147 Olde Cabin Rd. Suite 310
St. Louis, MO 63141
(314) 991-3000
helm@helmdisciplines.org
3. Baptist Communicators Association Annual Scholarships
Deadline: March 15th
Each year, the Baptist Communicators Association offers one $1,000 scholarship to a deserving undergraduate student, one $1,000 scholarship to an undergraduate of minority ethnic or international origin, and one $500 scholarship to an outstanding graduate student. Qualified applicants must have a vocational objective in Baptist communications, be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, be enrolled full-time in a program related to communications or religious studies, and demonstrate financial need.
Additional Resource: 25 Great Scholarships for Communications and Public Relations Majors
Contact
Baptist Communicators Association Annual Scholarships
4519 Lashley Court
Marietta, GA 30068
(678) 641-4457
margaretcolson@bellsouth.net
http://www.baptistcommunicators.org/about/scholarship.cfm
4. Bishop Frank Murphy Scholarship for Women in Ministry
Deadline: May 1st
As part of the Women’s Ordination Conference’s commitment to building an inclusive Catholic Church, the Bishop Frank Murphy Scholarship for Women in Ministry provides $1,000 funding to female members who are furthering their theological education by enrolling in a graduate religious studies program or diocesan certificate program. Candidates must provide a letter of recommendation from a mentor, personal statement on future Catholic ministry goals, proof of enrollment, and a resume or curriculum vitae.
Contact
Bishop Frank Murphy Scholarship for Women in Ministry
P.O. Box 15058
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 675-1006
woc@womensordination.org
5. Chaplain Samuel Grover Powell Scholarship
Deadline: July 1st
In honor of a beloved reverend who served as a chaplain in the United States Air Force for 28 years, the Chaplain Samuel Grover Powell Scholarship is administered by the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation for up to $2,500 to provide scholarship assistance to students preparing for chaplaincy in any branch of the military. Qualified applicants must be enrolled at an accredited theological seminary in religious studies and be involved in the Chaplain Candidate Seminarian Program for consideration.
Contact
Chaplain Samuel Grover Powell Scholarship
P.O. Box 340005
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 649-3990
umscholar@umhef.org
6. Church Training and Deaconess House Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 21st
Sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, the Church Training and Deaconess House Scholarship Fund provides a limited number of annual grants for $2,000 to $3,000 to women who are enrolled in a post-baccalaureate degree program in religious studies to be ordained in the ministry or further her lay ministry. While preference is given to residents of Pennsylvania, selection is strongly based on academic performance, financial need, and quality of the required essay.
Contact
Church Training and Deaconess House Scholarship Fund
7301 Germantown Avenue 3rd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19919
(215) 627-6434
mnoon3612@gmail.com
http://www.diopa.org/deaconess
7. David Tamotsu Kagiwada Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
Established in memory of second-generation Disciple who dedicated his efforts to helping the church recognize the gifts of people of Asian heritage, the David Tamotsu Kagiwada Memorial Scholarship is presented annually by the Disciples Home Missions (DHM) for up to $1,500. Eligible candidates must be of North American Pacific or Asian descent, be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited graduate theological school in religious studies, and exhibit a passion for furthering Kagiwada’s legacy.
Contact
David Tamotsu Kagiwada Memorial Scholarship
130 East Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 713-2666
kharris@dhm.disciples.org
8. Dora Maclellan Brown Ministry Scholarship Program
Deadline: February 1st
Annually, the Generosity Trust hosts the Dora Maclellan Brown Ministry Scholarship Program to provide awards up to $3,000 to Christian students from the greater Chattanooga area who are seeking a master’s degree in religious studies from a theological seminary or approved graduate school. Qualified candidates must be theologically and biblically conservative, be preparing for the pulpit ministry, submit two letters of reference, and sign a letter of testimony of their faith in Jesus Christ.
Contact
Dora Maclellan Brown Ministry Scholarship Program
736 Market St. Suite 1402
Chattanooga, TN 37402
(423) 266-5257
james@thegenerositytrust.org
9. Georgia Harkness Merit Award
Deadline: March 1st
Administered by the Division of Ordained Ministry of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry in memory of an outstanding teacher and theologian, the $5,000 Georgia Harkness Merit Award is presented to women over 35 who are seeking to earn a Master of Divinity degree in religious studies. Female applicants must be currently certified as candidates for ordained ministry as an elder in the United Methodist Church and be enrolled full-time in an accredited theological school or seminary.
Contact
Georgia Harkness Merit Award
P.O. Box 340005
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 649-3990
umscholar@umhef.org
http://www.gbhem.org/loans-and-scholarships/scholarships/list-scholarships/georgia-harkness-merit-award
10. Hajja Razia Sharif Sheikh Islamic Studies Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
In honor of an outstanding leader of her faith and community, the Hajja Razia Sharif Sheikh Islamic Studies Scholarship is granted annually at Oakland University for up to $2,500 to full-time undergraduate religious studies students who have completed at least one course for Islamic studies minor. Preference will be given to students who are interested in learning more about the history, traditions, and culture of Islam by participating in a study abroad program in a Muslim country.
Contact
Hajja Razia Sharif Sheikh Islamic Studies Scholarship
2200 North Squirrel Rd.
Rochester, MI 48309
(248) 370-2154
cmabee@oakland.edu
11. International Buddhist Education Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: November 15th and April 1st
Each semester, the International Buddhist Education Foundation (IBEF) offers $4,500 scholarships for Ph.D. students, $3,500 scholarships for master’s degree students, and $3,000 for bachelor’s degree students who are pursuing a degree in religious studies to further their knowledge of Buddhism. Deserving candidates must be enrolled full-time with at least 12 units per semester, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above, and write an original essay on how they plan to contribute to Buddhism.
Contact
International Buddhist Education Foundation Scholarship
1409 North Walnut Grove Avenue
Rosemead, CA 91770
(626) 571-8811
financialaid@uwest.edu
12. James M. Philputt Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
Sponsored by the Forum for Theological Exploration, the James M. Philputt Memorial Scholarship is available to graduate theological or religious studies students who are preparing for ordained Christian ministry and are members of the Christian Disciplines of Christ Church. Qualified candidates must be engaged in full-time studies at the University of Chicago Divinity School, Union Theological Seminary, Vanderbilt Divinity School, or Yale Divinity School with demonstration of active church and community involvement.
Contact
James M. Philputt Memorial Scholarship
160 Clairemont Avenue Suite 300
Decatur, GA 30030
(678) 369-6755
dhutto@fteleaders.org
13. Journey Toward Ordained Ministry Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Since the United Methodist Church is in great need of racial-ethnic clergy members, the Journey Toward Ordained Ministry Scholarship program is sponsored by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry to provide $5,000 annual scholarships to minority undergraduate or graduate students pursuing ordained ministry through a degree in religious studies. Eligible applicants must be 30 years old or younger, have been a member of the United Methodist Church for at least two years, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Contact
Journey Toward Ordained Ministry Scholarship
P.O. Box 340005
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 649-3990
umscholar@umhef.org
14. Katherine J. Schutze Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
In honor of a loving ordained clergy member who devoted her career to teaching Hispanic children and encouraging other women into ministry, the Katherine J. Schutze Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to female students who are enrolled full-time in an accredited Master of Divinity degree program in religious studies. Along with the online application, candidates must provide three references, evidence of financial need, proof of enrollment, and an official transcript of academic work.
Contact
Katherine J. Schutze Memorial Scholarship
130 East Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 713-2666
kharris@dhm.disciples.org
https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/dhm/clergy/scholarships/scholarships-schutze/
15. Kenneth Morrison Scholarship in Religious Studies
Deadline: May 1st
At Arizona State University, the Kenneth Morrison Scholarship in Religious Studies is awarded for $1,000 to an incoming freshman or transfer student who has chosen to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies in the School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies. Eligible applicants must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrate financial need, and submit a short 250-word essay exhibiting a commitment to the field of religious studies.
Contact
Kenneth Morrison Scholarship in Religious Studies
Coor Hall 4th Floor
P.O. Box 874302
Tempe, AZ 85287
(480) 965-5778
shprsadvising@asu.edu
16. Lori Mead Memorial Scholarship in Religious Studies
Deadline: Varies
Established in memory of a beloved alumnus who lost her fight with breast cancer at the youthful age of 34, the University of Virginia offers the Lori Mead Memorial Scholarship in Religious Studies to graduate students who share her human qualities and her intellectual interests in pursuing a religious studies degree. Selection for the renewable award will be based on academic achievement, moral character, community service involvement, and fascination with the study of religion.
Contact
Lori Mead Memorial Scholarship in Religious Studies
Gibson Hall Room 323
1540 Jefferson Park Avenue
Charlottesville, VA 22904
(434) 924-6705
burgess@virginia.edu
17. Lilly Scholarships in Religion for Journalists
Deadline: January, April, July, and October 1st
On a quarterly basis, the Lilly Scholarships in Religion for Journalists are offered by the Religious Newswriters Association (RNA) to award up to $5,000 to full-time graduate students majoring in religious studies at accredited theology schools and university-related divinity schools who are pursuing a journalism career in religious news media. Qualified applicants must submit a 500-word essay, employment history, and three story clips or audio files.
Contact
Lilly Scholarships in Religion for Journalists
30 Neff Annex
Columbia, MO 65211
(573) 882-9257
schiska@rna.org
http://www.rna.org/?page=lilly_application
18. Marguerite Young Endowment Fund
Deadline: March 31st
Created by the Pittsburgh Foundation in honor of a faithful Christian woman who was an unwavering supporter of theological education, the Marguerite Young Endowment Fund grants up to $3,500 scholarships annually for graduate students who are pursuing a master’s degree in theology or religious studies. Along with the application, students must submit a college transcript, two letters of reference, an essay on their personal call to ministry, and a copy of their most current seminary internship or field experience.
Contact
Marguerite Young Endowment Fund
Five PPG Place Suite 250
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 391-5122
turnerd@pghfdn.org
19. Mary E. Bivins Religious Scholarship Program
Deadline: January 31st
With the purpose of educating ministers to preach the Christian religion, the Mary E. Bivins Religious Scholarship Program provides $2,500 for junior or senior-level undergraduate students and $3,500 to graduate students who are pursuing post-secondary education leading to a bachelor’s or master’s degree related to religious studies. Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of the northernmost 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle and be dedicated to pursuing a career as a pulpit pastor upon graduation.
Contact
Mary E. Bivins Religious Scholarship Program
2311 West 16th Avenue
Amarillo, TX 79102
(806) 379-9400
susan@bivinsfoundation.org
20. Presbyterian Church USA Student Opportunity Scholarships
Deadline: April 1st
The Presbyterian Church USA Student Opportunity Scholarships provide up to $2,000 for full-time sophomore, junior, and senior undergraduate students who are attending accredited U.S. institutions with a major in religious studies and active involvement in a campus ministry program. Qualified candidates are required to be members of the Presbyterian Church, have completed the first year of college, be seeking a bachelor’s degree, have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater, and demonstrate financial need.
Contact
Presbyterian Church USA Student Opportunity Scholarships
100 Witherspoon St.
Louisville, KY 40202
(800) 728-7228 ext. 5735
finaid@pcusa.org
http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/financialaid/student-opportunity-scholarship/
21. Reverend Robert E. and Gladys Ernst Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
Established in 2007 in honor of a loving couple who dedicated their lifetime to service in missionary work in Chillicothe, the Ohio Baptist Education Society offers the Reverend Robert E. and Gladys Ernst Scholarship annually for up to $2,000 to the newest generation of denominational and professional church leaders. Eligible applicants should be Ohio residents, active members of the Baptist faith, enrolled full-time with religious studies major at an approved seminary, and suitable for the gospel ministry.
Contact
Reverend Robert E. and Gladys Ernst Scholarship
136 Galway Drive North
Granville, OH 43023
(740) 587-9577
22. Samuel and Mabel Danford Scholarship in Religious Studies
Deadline: June 1st
At the University of North Texas, the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies presents the Samuel and Mabel Danford Scholarship in Religious Studies each fall term for $1,000 to an undergraduate student who is actively pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies with a minor in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, or South Asian Religions. For consideration, students must be enrolled full-time, have completed at least 24 credit hours of the program, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher.
Contact
Samuel and Mabel Danford Scholarship in Religious Studies
1704 West Mulberry Rd.
Denton, TX 76201
(940) 565-2266
dale.wilkerson@unt.edu
23. Schyler Elizabeth Strong Biblical Archaeology Award
Deadline: February 15th
Annually, the Schyler Elizabeth Strong Biblical Archaeology Award is granted for up to $1,500 to undergraduate or graduate students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher who are enrolled full-time in the Department of Religious Studies at Missouri State University. In order to be chosen for the award, candidates must be interested in participating in a university-sponsored summer archeological excavation related to biblical research in the Middle East or Mediterranean region.
Contact
Schyler Elizabeth Strong Biblical Archaeology Award
901 South National Avenue
Springfield, MO 65897
(417) 836-5514
ReligiousStudies@MissouriState.Edu
24. Theta Alpha Kappa Honor Society Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
As the national honor society devoted to recognizing the academic achievements of religious studies and theology students, Theta Alpha Kappa awards numerous scholarships for undergraduate and graduate student members at four-year educational institutions across the United States. Selection is typically based on overall academic performance, chapter leadership, outstanding public community service involvement, and dedication toward religious studies.
Contact
Theta Alpha Kappa Honor Society Scholarships
7989 College Station Drive
Williamsburg, KY 40769
(606) 539-4227
bob.dunston@ucumberlands
http://www.thetaalphakappa.net/
25. William Gilbert and Florence Leonard Jones Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
Established through an endowment gift from an anonymous donor, the William Gilbert and Florence Leonard Jones Scholarship is presented for $2,000 annually by Disciplines Home Missions (DHM) for full-time students pursuing a Ph.D. in religious studies in preparation for ordination with the Christian Disciplines Church of Christ. Eligible candidates are asked to provide an application, typed 300-word essay on vocational goals, an official transcript, three reference letters, and federal income tax returns.
Contact
William Gilbert and Florence Leonard Jones Scholarship
1147 Olde Cabin Rd. Suite 310
St. Louis, MO 63141
(314) 991-3000
helm@helmdisciplines.org
As affording a college education becomes increasingly expensive, the best method for graduating without the overwhelming stress of student loan debt is to take advantage of the various sources of funding available without repayment. If you have received the calling to become part of a religious community and lead others to faith, be sure to check out these 25 great scholarships for religious studies majors to achieve your vocation.