For students who are interested in studying the inner workings of human societies around the globe, it is important to take advantage of the various scholarships for sociology majors that are available without the need for repayment.
While finding scholarships for sociology students can be a bit more challenging than other academic disciplines, many universities nationwide have established funds specifically for students who investigate every aspect of social development and structure. The following are 25 of the most generous scholarships that are geared towards students majoring in sociology for a fascinating career studying human social interactions.
1. Alpha Kappa Delta Minority Fellowship Program
Deadline: January 31st
As the international honor society for sociology, Alpha Kappa Delta funds the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) for chapter members nationwide who have sufficiently advanced in their Ph.D. program with a commitment to a research career in sociology. Eligible applicants must be of African American, Latino, American Indian, Asian, or Pacific Islander descent. Recipients will be granted an annual stipend of $18,000 to cover the costs of their pursuit of a doctoral degree and research addressing important issues facing society.
Contact
Alpha Kappa Delta Minority Fellowship Program
1419 Salt Springs Rd.
Syracuse, NY 13214
(315) 445-5452
AKD@lemoyne.edu
2. Barbara Newsome Sociology Internship Award
Deadline: February 12th
With the goal of providing financial support for sociology undergraduate students at the University of Minnesota to engage in unpaid summer internships in the community, the Barbara Newsome Sociology Internship Award provides a $1,600 stipend for a minimum of 135 internship hours related to the major. Interested students must submit an application, signed proof of internship position from site supervisor, and a two-page essay.
Contact
Barbara Newsome Sociology Internship Award
267 19th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 624-4300
soc@umn.edu
3. Beth B. Hess Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
Sponsored by the Society for the Study of Social Problems (SSSP), the Beth B. Hess Memorial Scholarship awards up to $15,000 to advanced sociology Ph.D. students currently enrolled in an accredited program in the United States who began their studies at a two-year community college or technical school. In honor of Beth Hess’s career, recipients will be chosen based on commitment to teaching at a community college, activism in social inequality, community service involvement, and high-quality research on social problems.
Contact
Beth B. Hess Memorial Scholarship
901 McClung Tower
Knoxville, TN 37996
(865) 689-1531
sssp@utk.edu
Scholarship Link
4. Boren Scholarships for International Social Study
Deadline: February 5th
For undergraduate students to study abroad in Africa, Asia, Central Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East, the Boren Scholarships for International Social Study provide up to $20,000 to students interested in studying the challenges of the global society, including sustainable development, disease and hunger, population growth, migration, and environmental degradation. Qualified candidates must be U.S. citizens, currently matriculated in an accredited undergraduate degree program, and applying to a study abroad program.
Contact
Boren Scholarships for International Social Study
1400 K St. NW 7th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
(800) 618-6737
boren@iie.org
5. Community Action Research Initiative Grants
Deadline: February 1st
Established by the American Sociological Association (ASA), the Community Action Research Initiative (CARI) Grants are designed to encourage advanced graduate students to undertake community action projects that bring social science knowledge, methods, and expertise in addressing societal concerns. In order to qualify for up to $3,000 in funding, applicants must include a description of the intended project, project goals, expected budget, and time schedule with a current resume and letter of recommendation from a faculty advisor.
Contact
Community Action Research Initiative Grants
1430 K St. NW Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 383-9005
Spivack@asanet.org
6. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Scholarship Program
Deadline: April 16th
Annually, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Scholarship Program awards $1,000 to associate degree, $2,500 to undergraduate degree, and $5,000 to graduate degree Latino students in the social sciences who demonstrate consistent active participation in civic engagement activities. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time in a U.S. accredited institution, demonstrate financial need, exhibit leadership potential, possess strong writing skills, and remain in good academic standing.
Contact
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Scholarship Program
300 M St. SE Suite 510
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 543-1771
rdecerega@chci.org
7. David J. Ewing Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 1st
In honor of the former Director of Human Resources who died of cancer at the youthful age of 36, the David J. Ewing Scholarship Program to full-time undergraduate students at the University of North Texas with a deceased parent(s) who died during their working years. Qualified candidates must meet the minimum academic performance standards of the university, be pursuing a degree in sociology, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Contact
David J. Ewing Scholarship Program
1155 Union Circle
Denton, TX 76203
(940) 565-2302
turney@unt.edu
8. Dr. Alma S. Adams Scholarships for Outreach and Health Communications
Deadline: April 30th
Named for founding Legacy board member, the Dr. Alma S. Adams Scholarships for Outreach and Health Communications offer $5,000 to undergraduate and graduate sociology students at any accredited institution of higher education in the United States who endeavor to convey culturally appropriate health messages aimed at raising awareness of tobacco’s harmful effects. Preference will be given to racial, ethnic, and cultural minorities in low-income communities.
Contact
Dr. Alma S. Adams Scholarships for Outreach and Health Communications
1724 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036
adamsscholarship@americanlegacy.org
Scholarship Link
9. Fred Frey Paper Competition Scholarships
Deadline: May 1st
In honor of the founder of the Department of Sociology who helped build one of the top programs in the nation, the Fred Frey Paper Competition Scholarships are available to undergraduate sociology majors currently enrolled full-time at Louisiana State University (LSU). With up to three awards granted each year, the competition welcomes all papers discussing problems of social inequality or social injustice from sociology courses taken at LSU.
Contact
Fred Frey Paper Competition Scholarships
126 Stubbs Hall
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
(225) 578-1645
edsoc@lsu.edu
10. Gerald E. and Eileen Klonglan Scholarship
Deadline: February 14th
At Iowa State University, the Gerald E. and Eileen Klonglan Scholarship is granted for $2,200 to a deserving graduate student currently enrolled full-time with a major in sociology or rural sociology. Qualified candidates must demonstrate financial need, possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, exhibit professional achievement, and show an interest in social change for underserved rural communities. Preference will be given to U.S. citizen students of color.
Contact
Gerald E. and Eileen Klonglan Scholarship
103 East Hall
Ames, IA 50011
(515) 294-6480
sociology@iastate.edu
11. Harvesting Opportunity and Potential in Education Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Established by Colorado State University in honor of Faustine and Ted Settle’s love of learning and commitment to helping those in need, the Harvesting Opportunity and Potential in Education (HOPE) Scholarship is given to outstanding full-time undergraduate sociology majors who have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Selection will be based on financial need, motivation for personal development, involvement in community engagement activities, academic performance, and dedication to the field of sociology.
Contact
Harvesting Opportunity and Potential in Education Scholarship
B258 Clark Building
Fort Collins, CO 80523
(970) 491-6044
mcarolan@colostate.edu
12. Henry Hadley Stewart Sociology Scholar Awards
Deadline: Contact sponsoring organization
Created in 1999 in memory of a beloved sociology professor for over three decades at the University of Richmond, the Henry Hadley Stewart Sociology Scholar Awards are granted annually to full-time undergraduate sociology majors who are current active members in good standing of the Alpha Kappa Delta Honor Society. Qualified candidates must personify Dr. Stewart’s qualities of scholarship, community involvement, self-motivation, enthusiasm, integrity, and passionate interest in lifelong learning.
Contact
Henry Hadley Stewart Sociology Scholar Awards
28 Westhampton Way
University of Richmond, VA 23173
(804) 289-8067
jnourse@richmond.edu
Scholarship Link
13. Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowships
Deadline: October 1st
As a highly competitive national fellowship program that provides recent college and graduate school graduates with the opportunity to gain perspective on key social issues of peace and security, the Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowships program is available to students who major in government, history, international relations, peace studies, political science, sociology, or social work. Recipients will receive $2,700 per month with a $1,000 scholarship for working with one of the 27 organizations participating in the program.
Contact
Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowships
322 Fourth St. NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 446-1565
apply@scoville.org
14. India Association of Amarillo Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
In honor of the preeminent leader of Indian nationalism who led the country to independence through civil disobedience, the India Association of Amarillo offers the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Scholarship to five sociology students each year for $500 apiece. Along with the completed application, eligible candidates must attach a 250-word essay on Gandhian principles in their life, two letters of recommendation, and proof of volunteer community service.
Contact
India Association of Amarillo Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Scholarship
3818 Ross St.
Amarillo, TX 79118
(806) 373-3551
rathprabh@yahoo.com
15. J.W. Saxe Memorial Fund Scholarships
Deadline: April 1st
Each year, the J.W. Saxe Memorial Fund distributes one or more college scholarships for up to $2,000 to sociology students enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution who are interested in gaining practical experience in social public service by taking an unpaid or low-pay internship during the summer term. Qualified undergraduate and graduate students must be seeking support for an internship in public service, demonstrate a commitment to public service, and exhibit financial need for assistance.
Contact
J.W. Saxe Memorial Fund Scholarships
1524 31st St. NW
Washington, DC 20007
info@jwsaxefund.org
Scholarship Link
16. Jack B. Humphries Leadership Award in Sociology
Deadline: April 21st
At the University of Florida, the Jack B. Humphries Leadership Award in Sociology presents up to $5,000 to an outstanding sociology major whose undergraduate record most exemplifies a combination of exceptional academic achievement and extensive leadership involvement in extra-curricular community activities. Eligible candidates must have a minimum of 19 completed credit hours in sociology, possess a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, and submit a 500-word essay on chosen career path goals.
Contact
Jack B. Humphries Leadership Award in Sociology
2014 Turlington Hall
P.O. Box 117300
Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 393-0780
rhollin@ufl.edu
17. Jane Addams Peace Association Sociology in Practice Award
Deadline: January 31st
Founded to foster a better understanding between the people of the world toward the end that wars may be avoided and a more lasting peace enjoyed, the Jane Addams Peace Association (JAPA) sponsors the Sociology in Practice Award to give up to $4,000 to one or more graduate students nationwide majoring in sociology at an accredited institution. Qualified candidates must have proven their ability to apply sociological theories and insights to pressing social problems.
Contact
Jane Addams Peace Association Sociology in Practice Award
777 United Nations Plaza 6th Floor
New York, NY 10017
(212) 682-8830
japa@igc.org
18. Leanne Joy Knot Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 8th
In memory of an outstanding graduate student in social work who was tragically killed in 1997, the Leanne Joy Knot Memorial Scholarship is awarded for $1,550 annually to two Calvin College social work or sociology majors who are entering their junior or senior years with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Applicants must demonstrate a sincere commitment to helping children, promoting improved living standards for the poor, and volunteering in the Peace Corps.
Contact
Leanne Joy Knot Memorial Scholarship
3201 Burton St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 526-6229
tvdberg@calvin.edu
Scholarship Link
19. Morris K. and Stewart L. Udall Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: March 5th
Annually, the Morris K. and Stewart L. Udall Foundation awards up to 80 scholarships for $5,000 apiece to sophomore and junior-level college students who are committed to pursuing careers related to the environment, tribal public policy, Native American justice, and cultural preservation. Preference will be given to students who are majoring in policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning, social work, health, business, sociology, economics, or other related fields with a Native American or Alaska Native heritage.
Contact
Morris K. and Stewart L. Udall Foundation Scholarships
130 South Scott Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 901-8500
randler@udall.gov
20. Rachel and Jacob Bernstein Scholarship for Study Abroad
Deadline: October 1st and April 1st
At the University of Buffalo, the Rachel and Jacob Bernstein Scholarship for Study Abroad is awarded each semester to provide financial assistance to undergraduate sociology majors who need extra funding for their participation in an overseas study abroad program. Qualified applicants must be currently enrolled full-time in good standing, be accepted into a full-credit study abroad program, have documented financial need, and agree to fulfill a service requirement educating other students about study abroad opportunities.
Contact
Rachel and Jacob Bernstein Scholarship for Study Abroad
465 Park Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260
(716) 645-8477
trautner@buffalo.edu
21. Ruth A. Blanc Sociology Scholarship
Deadline: March 21st
The Ruth A. Blanc Sociology Scholarship is available for up to $2,000 annually to graduate students at Sam Houston State University who are enrolled in at least six to nine credit hours per semester in a sociology degree program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater. While selection is based on financial need and academic achievements, preference will be given to students with an interest in social control, deviance, or inequality.
Contact
Ruth A. Blanc Sociology Scholarship
1901 Avenue I Suite 270
Huntsville, TX 77341
(936) 291-1111
mxh018@shsu.edu
22. Society Farsarotul Financial Awards
Deadline: February 1st
As the largest Vlach Society in America with the purpose of encouraging students to study the culture and history of the Vlachs in the southern Balkan Peninsula, the Society Farsarotul offers two annual financial awards for $1,000 each to students attending accredited U.S. institutions on a full-time basis with a major in European history, sociology, anthropology, linguistics, or Eastern Romance languages. Eligible candidates must have at least one Arumanian parent or grandparent, have completed at least four semesters, and possess a GPA of 3.0 or better.
Contact
Society Farsarotul Financial Awards
799 Silver Lane
P.O. Box 753
Trumbull, CT 06611
secretary@farsarotul.org
Scholarship Link
23. Tara Lynn Resnick Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
In honor of an exceptional young woman who lost her battle with a terminal illness while completing her undergraduate degree in sociology at the University of Maryland, the Tara Lynn Resnick Scholarship is presented annually for $1,000 to an outstanding female sociology undergraduate student who shares Tara’s love of learning. Qualified candidates must have earned at least 60 credits at UMD, posses a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and submit a personal statement on educational goals in sociology.
Contact
Tara Lynn Resnick Scholarship
2108 Art-Sociology Building
College Park, MD 20742
(301) 405-4365
moghadam@umd.edu
24. Travis Williams Humanitarian Scholarships
Deadline: December 15th
In memory of a former student who was one semester away from graduation when he was killed in an altercation after coming to the aid of a co-worker, the Travis Williams Humanitarian Scholarships are granted for $500 annually at California State University Chico to undergraduate sociology majors who have completed at least 60 units with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. Recipients must exhibit a strong dedication to the betterment of society through community or volunteer service involvement.
Contact
Travis Williams Humanitarian Scholarships
Butte Hall Room 615
Chico, CA 95929
(530) 898-6384
sociologystudent@csuchico.edu
25. Walsh Family Scholarship Endowment for Social Sciences
Deadline: March 1st
Within the Division of Social Sciences at the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC), the Walsh Family Scholarship Endowment for Social Sciences is awarded annually to one or more undergraduate students currently enrolled full-time in the accredited anthropology, economics, education, environmental studies, politics, psychology, or sociology programs. Recipients will be chosen for the $2,500 award based on academic merit, financial need, leadership potential, and community service involvement.
Contact
Walsh Family Scholarship Endowment for Social Sciences
1156 High St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95064
(831) 459-2919
dsonnenb@ucsc.edu
Earning an undergraduate or graduate degree in sociology can provide a wonderful foundation with finely tuned interpersonal skills for pursuing a rewarding career as a human resources manager, public relations staffer, admissions counselor, teacher, personnel coordinator, correctional counselor, criminal investigator, social researcher, case manager, community organizer, public health supervisor, and more. Therefore, be sure to check out these top 25 scholarships for sociology majors to overcome financial obstacles and achieve your professional goals in these dynamic career paths.