Biology

Opportunities for Biology Undergraduate and Graduate Students

• Undergraduate Research Funding

  Undergraduate research can be a fulfilling part of your experience as a Biology Major at CWU. Competitive research funding is available to to help you defray the costs of an undergraduate research project. Check the Research Funding List below for application information and deadlines.
  
  For information on scholarship funds awarded through your financial aid package, please see the drop down section below titled Biology Scholarships for a curated list of biology related scholarships, plus information on how to apply for these through the CWU portal, Scholarship Central.

  Research Funding List

  Shirley Joan Cook Undergraduate Research Fund
  The fund was established through the generosity of Shirley Joan Cook, a 1957 graduate of Central Washington College of Education, now Central Washington University. The purpose of the fund is to promote excellence in undergraduate scientific research in botany and other areas under the supervision of CWU faculty in the Department of Biology.

  CWU McNair Program
  The McNair Program is a federally-funded program created to help low-income, first generation college students and students underrepresented in graduate education reach their goals of attaining doctoral degrees. The program works with students who have a stated interest in obtaining a Ph.D. and helps them prepare for successful application to, and completion of, a graduate-degree program.

  See Also:

  CWU Office of Undergraduate Research: Presentation and Research Grants
  The Office of Undergraduate Research supports undergraduate students through small grants for travel, research and creative expression. All currently enrolled students at any CWU campus are eligible.

• Undergraduate Scholarships

  What is Scholarship Central?

  The CWU Scholarship Office maintains a database of over 300 general and major-specific scholarships; you can apply directly through their portal "Scholarship Central". Check the CWU Scholarship Office website for the most up to date information on how and when to apply for scholarships offered through the CWU Scholarship Central Portal.

  The awards for the scholarships found in Scholarship Central are for the following academic year.

  Tip: When you answer the application questions, take the time to answer all of the questions, especially those that ask if you are a Biology Major and if you have other science related interests, such as pre-medicine. Doing so will ensure that you qualify for biology and/or science-related scholarships and you are not excluded from applying for them. For most scholarships, your application will be automatically submitted based on your answers and you need do nothing further. These will show as "applied" in the portal's "Scholarships" list. However, please note that you will most likely also need to submit additional materials for any major-specific or field-related scholarships. Those scholarships requesting supplemental information or materials will appear in the portal's "Dashboard" area. Be sure to read through the application requirements of each scholarship and give yourself plenty of time to prepare the necessary documents and contact writers for letters of recommendation (if required).

  Some Biology Major / Science Related Scholarships In Scholarship Central:

  Kittitas Audubon Scholarship
  To provide financial support for an undergraduate majoring in biology or environmental studies with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Must have an interest in birds, the environment and/or conservation.

  Terry P. Anderson Endowed Scholarship for Environmental Studies
  This scholarship is intended for (Washington State resident) students who are conservation-minded and majoring or minoring in either Biology or Environmental Studies, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Preference will be given to those in traditionally underrepresented in the sciences and to those demonstrating financial need.

  Robert R. Vance Scholarship
  Available to junior and senior undergraduates with a major in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics, the applicant must have a minimum GPA within their major of at least 3.0 or a minimum GPA of 3.0 within their science prerequisites. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate financial need. If funds are available, juniors who receive the scholarship may be eligible for an additional scholarship for their senior year if they maintain satisfactory academic progress.

  Ronald A. Williams Scholarship
  To provide financial support for students, junior or senior status, who have demonstrated interest in fisheries enhancement and who can advocate for the policies of state, tribal and federal hatchery programs. GPA of 2.5 or above and demonstrated financial need.

  Gary C. Irvine Scholarship
  To provide support for students majoring in the sciences, especially Biology and/or Botany. Applicant must major in Biology or Botany and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

  Anonymous Literature and Science Scholarship
  To provide financial support for students pursuing a combination of literature and science majors or literature and science major/minor. Applicant must have financial need (as determined by the FAFSA or WASFA application), be an enrolled literature and science major/minor combination that may include English, Foreign Languages, Creative Writing, and Mathematics and Science Education. Applicant must also have earned at least 31 credits.
  
  Ray and Katie Conner Scholarship
  To provide financial support for students from the Highline School District who have financial need and are pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math disciplines, or an education degree in one of the STEM fields. Applicant must also have a 3.0 or higher GPA and have earned at least 76 credit hours.

  Some Pre-Health Scholarships Within the Scholarship Central Portal:

  Dennis W. Farrell Pre-Medicine Scholarship
  To provide financial support for students pursuing a degree in pre-medicine who are Washington State residents with a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the biological sciences, the physical sciences or mathematics and a 3.4 accumulative overall GPA. Scholarships are to be used for tuition, fees and books.

  Vatheuer Family Foundation Pre-Medicine Scholarship
  To provide support for CWU students who plan to pursue a career in medicine. Applicant must be in the process of preparing for success on the MCAT and entry into medical school, have a GPA of 2.0 or better and must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA or WASFA. Preference given to underserved students.

  Arthur and Doreen Parrett Scholarship
  To provide financial support for students majoring in engineering, science, pre-medicine or pre-dentistry. Applicant must be a resident of Washington State and have earned at least 31 credit hours.

  Rudolph & Jimi Vernie Scholarship
  To provide financial support for students majoring in paramedicine (EMT), early childhood education or pre-medicine. Applicant must have a 3.0 or higher GPA and have earned at least 76 credit hours.

  See Also: College of the Sciences Undergraduate Scholarships
• Outside Scholarships

  Outside Scholarships

  Along with the curated list (below) of outside scholarships pertinent to Biology majors, the CWU Scholarship Office also maintains a list of Outside Scholarships. Remember, when searching and applying for any outside scholarships, a legitimate scholarship entity will never ask you to pay in order to qualify for, or receive, a scholarship. Also, you may want to use a separate email address to avoid spam being sent to your general email account. See CWU Scholarship Office's Outside Scholarship Information webpage for more tips on applying.

  Washington State Opportunity Scholarship

  The WashBoard.org

  CareerOneStop Scholarship Finder

  Washington Chapter of The Wildlife Society Included on the website: Richard E. Fitzner Memorial Scholarship Fund Info and Application

  C. Jeff Cederholm Scholarship Endowment Fund

  U.S Student Fulbright Program

  Trail Blazers Memorial Scholarship

  Undergraduate NSF Funding

• Masters Research Funding

  Biology Masters Research Funding List

  WA State / Corrine Farrell Distinguished Fellowship in Biology
  Funds research expenses or travel for Master’s thesis research. Biology Masters students are eligible. No specific research focus is prioritized.

  The Botanical & Mycological Research Fund
  Funds research expenses for Master’s thesis research in botanical or mycological fields. Biology Master’s students are eligible. Priority given for research conducted at the organismal level, including those studies that focus on descriptive biology, development, paleobotany, ecology, anatomy, morphology, life history, taxonomy, conservation, and systematics related to plants and fungi.

  Kittitas Audubon Scholarship
  Funds research expenses for Master’s thesis research. Biology or CERM Master’s students are eligible. Priority given for focus on conservation of natural resources or protection of habitat for native plants and wildlife.

  See Also:

  School of Graduate Studies and Research Funding
  The School of Graduate Studies and Research coordinates several funding opportunities for graduate students, including tuition waivers, stipends, and assistance with research costs.