Scholarships and Awards for Undergraduates

Scholarships

During the Spring semester, physics majors will be considered for scholarships. The Scholarship Committee of the Department of Physics plays an active role in many of these nominations and, in some cases, makes the final decision. The application process for the Department of Physics Scholarships is in the Spring semester. Information about how to apply will be announced in the Spring through UA email and Newsletter. Information about available scholarships can be viewed below.

If you are interested in a University scholarship, you should visit scholarshipuniverse.arizona.edu, and supply the information they require.

  • Source: The Cubic Corporation
  • Eligibility: Undergraduate students majoring in physics or applied physics, financial need is a consideration. 
  • Value: Varies

  • Source: Gifts from family, colleagues, and friends of the late Dr. Franz Fischer, a distinguished scientist who served in New York, Berlin, and Nuremberg before moving to Green Valley, Arizona
  • Eligibility: (rotates between Astronomy, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics); outstanding junior in Physics or Applied Physics
  • Value: Varies

  • Source: A scholarship endowment established by George Gregson of Beverly Hills, California.
  • Eligibility: Junior or senior students in the Department of Physics selected with an exceptional academic record; must have least a cumulative GPA of 3.5
  • Value: Varies

  • Source: A scholarship as a memorial to the late Dr. Roger Haar, former laboratory manager for the Department of Physics
  • Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate physics major; minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA; financial need as determined by FAFSA
  • Value: Varies

  • Source: A scholarship endowment established by former UA Physics undergraduate student, Kenneth S. Krane of Corvallis, Oregon.
  • Eligibility: full-time undergraduate major in physics; preference to junior/senior; minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA
  • Value: Varies

  • Source: Funded by an endowment established as a memorial to the late John A. Leavitt, Professor of Physics, 1960 to 1995.
  • Eligibility: Undergraduate students who in the Physics Department's Advanced Lab Sequence completed the following four experiments: the Charge-to-Mass Ratio of a Electron, the Millikan Oil Drop Experiment, the Universal Gravitational Constant, and the Photoelectric Effect. The student selected will have the highest cumulative average score on the four experiments as determined by the laboratory supervisor.
  • Value: Award recipients will receive $1,000, in the form of an unrestricted check.

  • Source: A bequest from the estate of the late Glenn C. Purviance of Tucson, Arizona.
  • Eligibility: Incoming freshmen who intend to major in Physics or Engineering Physics at the University of Arizona and continuing students who are majoring in Physics or Engineering Physics at the University of Arizona.
  • Value: Varies

  • Source: Endowment from Vesto M. Slipher, managed by JP Morgan Scholarship
  • Eligibility: Award to “worthy students who are pursuing studies in science”; must be an undergraduate physics or applied physics major
  • Value: Varies

  • Source: Established by Niels A. Thompson, an alumnus of the University of Arizona who earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics in 1979, Anna Thompson and gifts from friends, family, and/or the community
  • Eligibility: undergraduate major in physics or applied physics; demonstrated excellence in experimental physics through research experience or experimental physics coursework; preference will be given to students who are underrepresented in physics
  • Value: Varies

  • Source: a gift from retired professor of Physics Albert Weaver
  • Eligibility: sophomore/junior physics major; outstanding record in physics and mathematics courses; demonstrated promise as a research scholar
  • Value: Varies

Awards

The following awards are offered by the College of Science, some just in the Spring and others in both Spring and Fall. The Awards Committee of the Department of Physics plays an active role in many of these award nomination processes and, in some cases, makes the final decision on behalf of the Department of Physics. Information about how to be considered for each award will be announced early in the semester through UA email. Information about each award can be viewed below.

Application deadline: October 18, 2019

The Outstanding Senior Award criteria:

  • A cumulative G.P.A. of 3.5 or better (recommended).
  • Involvement in research/internship.
  • Contribution to community outreach/service, participation in philanthropic activities, or involvement with clubs/organizations in the campus community.

Every application packet should demonstrate evidence of the student’s achievements in each of these criteria.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: 

Each application packet should include:

  1. At least two letters of recommendation emphasizing why the student best represents the department.
  2. A summary of the research work/project the student participated in and results.  This is to be written by the student; the summary should include a description of the student’s role in the project (not to exceed 1 page).
  3. A personal statement describing goals, aspirations, graduate school, etc. (2 pages or less).
  4. Curriculum vitae (honors & awards, research, teaching, and/or work experiences, service, publications, memberships, and extra-curricular activities).

Please submit all documents as a single pdf file before the deadline to phys-award@email.arizona.edu

Each College of Science department may nominate ONE graduating senior who has shown outstanding achievement in independent, undergraduate research. The nominee will receive the departmental Undergraduate Research Award at the College of Science Spring Awards event. The College of Science Awards Committee will select the overall Undergraduate Research Award recipient from the departmental nominees. Please note that the Department of Physics will ask for multiple nominees that the Department Award Committee will then choose one awardee.

*The student must have graduated in December or will graduate in May*

The Excellence in Undergraduate Research Nomination criteria:

  • A Physics or Applied Physics major
  • Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate research

Required documentation:

  • Completed electronic nomination form (completed by committee)
  • One nomination letter from the department head or the chair of the Department of Physics Awards Committee
  • One letter of support/recommendation from the research advisor
  • List of research activities
  • A summary of the research work and results written by the student (not to exceed 2 pages); the summary should include a description of the student’s role in the project; please include any supporting documentation for the research project (published papers, manuscripts, designs for prototypes, etc.)
  • A personal statement describing goals, aspirations, graduate schools, etc. (not to exceed 2 pages)

For questions regarding this award, please contact Brittany Johnson at (520) 621-4091 or bljohnson@arizona.edu or David Smith at dlsmith1@arizona.edu.

Galileo Circle scholars are committed to academic excellence. They are at the forefront of changing and bettering our world.

Each College of Science department my nominate several students who exemplify the qualities of scholastic achievement, research excellence, and strong character. The Department of Physics Awards Committee will select multiple awardees of this award at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Please note that not all students who wish to be nominated will be selected.

Galileo Circle Scholar criteria:

  • Full-time Physics or Applied Physics major (undergraduate or graduate)
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2

Required documentation:

  • A Scholarship Universe application (completed by student) – information will be sent to nominated students and will need:
    • Personal Statement (1 page)
    • Resume/Curriculum vitae
    • Letter of support from a Department of Physics faculty member
    • Professional photo suitable for donors

Please note the following if you are interested in the Galileo Circle Scholars:

  • Your application material will be shared with their Galileo Circle patron(s)
  • All Galileo Circle Scholars are expected to attend the Galileo Circle Scholars Celebration in the fall
  • A thank you letter to their Galileo Circle patron(s) is required

For questions regarding this award, please contact Dale Schoonover at (520) 621-6797 or dschoonover@arizona.edu or David Smith at dlsmith1@arizona.edu.