Scholarship Opportunities

Biology Scholarships

Biology students are awarded approximately $40,870.00 in scholarships each year—just one part of the $9.7 million EWU awards annually to nearly 1,500 students through a single scholarship application. Scholarships aren’t just for top GPAs or athletes—they’re based on your major, background, community service, and more. And the best part? Scholarships are free money you don’t have to pay back.

The EWU General Scholarship Application for the academic year opens Nov. 1 and closes Feb. 1.

Graduate

What to Expect When You Apply

  1. Respond to four additional biology-related, yes/no questions.
  2. In no more than 600 words, respond to the short essay prompt: “Describe your experience with scientific research, teaching, laboratory experience, clubs/organizations and your career goals in the field.” Details for the individual scholarships are included below and maybe a helpful reference for composing the essay.
  3. Provide two letters of recommendation. The application will prompt you for the name and email address of up to three recommenders; a minimum of two are required for biology scholarship consideration. Be sure to contact your reference in advance and ask them to write a letter of support for your scholarship application. Once you submit your scholarship application, they will be sent an email prompt to submit your recommendation letter. References should be individuals who can speak to your academic and/or professional merit (faculty preferred). Ensure you give your recommenders ample time to complete this requirement before the due date.

Graduate Fellowships & Grants

Amount: Varies up to $8,100

Qualifications

  • Biology graduate student who has been admitted to Graduate Program or has been recommended for admittance to Graduate Program
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA

Requirements

  • By Feb. 20, apply to the EWU Graduate Program in Biology and check the graduate fellowship box on the application. Students receiving graduate fellowships are expected to work 20 hours per week while carrying at least 10 credits. Teaching is often required, but research or other activities may be substituted at the department’s discretion.

Amount: Varies up to $750 per quarter

Qualifications

  • EWU graduate student conducting thesis research

Requirements

  • By the second Friday of fall, winter, and spring quarters (or other identified deadline), submit to the Biology Indirect Cost Committee Chair (SCI 258) a proposal identifying specific objectives, significance, procedures/rationale, budget justification, other financial support, and literature cited.
  • The proposal should be no more than 3 double-spaced pages (not including the list of citations) and must be signed by a faculty advisor.
  • View the Proposal Guidelines for specific criteria to include in your proposal.

The Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Fellowship in Biology is available for graduate students who will ultimately pursue a PhD and are planning a career focused on either teaching or research. Recipients will be selected based on their past academic performance and future potential as well as financial need. GAANN fellows may focus on any area in biology and are encouraged to contact individual faculty members to discuss their research interests. GAANN fellows will receive extensive training and experience in teaching and will complete an individual research project culminating in a thesis and MS degree. Individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

Amount: a tuition waiver and a stipend of up to $34,000 annually

Learn More

Amount: Varies up to $3,000

Qualifications

  • EWU Biology graduate conducting biotechnology-related research
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Selection based on financial need and research experience

Requirements

  • Submit a letter describing your qualifications for this scholarship.
  • Include two letters of recommendation from persons addressing your merit for the scholarship (be sure contact information is included).

Amount: Varies up to $2,000

Qualifications

  • Student admitted to Biology Graduate Program who will attend classes full-time during the award year
  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative college GPA
  • Award is presented to biotechnology-related students in even academic years and general biology in odd academic years

Requirements

  • Submit an essay addressing:
    • Lab, field, or biology-related research/experience
    • Professional goals
    • Thesis project description
    • How the scholarship will assist in thesis research/achieving goals
    • Outline progress toward graduation
    • Any other pertinent information.
  • Include two letters of recommendation from persons addressing merit (be sure contact information is included).

Amount: Varies up to $3,000

Qualifications

  • Student admitted to Biology Graduate Program who will attend classes full-time during the award year
  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative college GPA
  • Award is presented to biotechnology-related students in odd academic years and general biology in even academic years

Requirements

  • Submit an essay addressing:
    • Lab, field, or biology-related research/experience
    • Professional goals
    • Thesis project description
    • How the scholarship will assist in thesis research/achieving goals
    • Outline progress toward graduation
    • Any other pertinent information.
  • Include two letters of recommendation from persons addressing merit (be sure contact information is included).