Scholarships & Awards
Scholarships provide valuable financial support for students as they pursue their education and prepare for the future. Physics, Astronomy and Geosciences students can explore opportunities available through Towson University, the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics, and other organizations. The department also recognizes outstanding academic achievement and student accomplishments through its awards.
Scholarships
Towson University and the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for students. Use the resources below to explore available scholarships and learn more about eligibility and application requirements.
Undergraduate Opportunities:
Undergraduate students in physics, astronomy, and geosciences may be also eligible for other scholarships offered by professional organizations and foundations.
- Association for Women in Science Scholarships
- Society of Women Engineers sponsors scholarships for students in engineering and related fields like physics.
- Team UP Together Scholarships for African American or Black undergraduate students who are majoring or pursuing a major in physics or astronomy in the United States.
- Universities Space Research Association Distinguished Undergraduates Awards
Graduate Opportunities:
Funding opportunities for graduate students in physics, astronomy, and geosciences include:
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
- NASA Graduate Fellowship
- Smithsonian Institution Graduate Fellowship Program
Student Awards
The Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Geosciences recognizes student excellence with annual awards. Award recipients are honored each year at the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics Honors Convocation. Inductees into Sigma Pi Sigma are recognized at an annual banquet and ceremony, following a public lecture by a distinguished scientist.
Rubendall and Pelham Awards
In recognition of Professor Edward I. Rubendall and William F. Pelham's contributions to physics, the Department of Physics, Astronomy and Geosciences, and Towson University, the department and friends of the department have established the Edward I. Rubendall Physics Achievement Awards and William F. Pelham Award. The Rubendall awards are given annually to the outstanding junior and senior majoring in physics. The Pelham award is given to the outstanding junior majoring in a program available in the department.
Geoscience Achievement Award
The Geoscience Achievement Award is offered in recognition of distinguished academic performance within the geosciences. Recipients have maintained high marks both within their geology courses and across their academic careers.
Mineralogical Society of America’s Undergraduate Prize
The Mineralogical Society of America recognizes outstanding students who have shown an interest and ability in the discipline of mineralogy. Recipients have been cited by their department for outstanding achievement in mineralogy-related courses.
Sigma Pi Sigma
The physics honor society, Σ Π Σ, a member of the Association of College Honor Societies, exists within the framework of the Society of Physics Students. Students who have achieved high scholarship in physics may be elected to membership in Σ Π Σ.