Annual Scholarships
In the Department of Physics at Arizona State University, we pride ourselves on offering a collection of scholarships for students pursing a degree in physics. Our scholarships reward based on merit, which can include a student’s GPA, research contributions and involvement in ASU’s physics community.
Application
Scholarship applications are now being accepted for fall 2024 and spring 2025. To apply, please submit one PDF document with the following items:
- A 1-2 page cover letter describing your research progress and future plans. Please also indicate the scholarship/s you are applying for.
- Your CV, including a list of any publications you may have, and the name and email of your reference.
Please also arrange for:
- A reference letter from your advisor. If you have not secured an advisor, a letter from a core course instructor will suffice.
Please email your PDF application packet to Araceli, Araceli.Vizcarra@asu.edu. The letter of support should be emailed directly from your reference to Araceli.
The deadline to submit all materials is Friday, March 15, 2024.
Scholarships will post to recipients account in August 2024. Scholarships that are over $1000 will be split between fall and spring.
Award Descriptions
Molecular Imaging Corporation Endowment
The Molecular Imaging Corporation benefited greatly from the support of Arizona State University. The company was founded in 1993, and the founders strongly believed that ASU was instrumental in the development of the company and wanted to say thank you by creating this endowment to support students. When the Molecular Imaging Corporation was sold to Agilent Technologies in December 2005, the principal investors decided to make gifts to support students in the Department of Physics in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe campus.
ASU undergraduate physics majors shall be full-time students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. Financial need may be considered in the selection of undergraduate scholarship recipients, but it is not a requirement. Some recipients may be chosen solely on the basis of merit. For undergraduate scholarships, preference shall be given to students involved in undergraduate research.
ASU graduate fellowship recipients must be degree-seeking doctoral students who are enrolled for a minimum of six hours and who have a minimum GPA of 3.50. Financial need will not be considered in the selection of graduate fellowship recipients.
The amount of this scholarship is an estimated $900. The number of scholarships and fellowships shall be determined by the program committees of the Department of Physics.
Application must be received by midnight on the day it is due, and include:
- Transcripts of all relevant work (unofficial copies are acceptable).
- A brief statement, explaining why you should be considered for this scholarship, include any career plans.
- A letter of support from your research advisor. If you're a first year student and have not secured an advisor, a letter from one of your core course instructors is acceptable.
Please submit all materials online. Applications (and required materials and letters) received after the deadline will not be considered, and a new application must be made for a later year.
Wally Stoelzel Physics Scholarship and Fellowship
Program Type: Undergraduate/Graduate
The Stoelzel Physics Scholarships are awarded by Mr. Wally Stoelzel in honor of Professor Allen Wager, former chair of the Department of Physics, and Ms. Glenna Curtis, former department secretary. Mr. Stoelzel did his graduate work in physics in 1965-1967 gaining the academic background necessary to teach and work in the industrial private sector. He was also Dr. Wager’s graduate assistant in 1967. During those years Mr. Stoelzel gained an appreciation of the time, effort and expertise that Dr. Wager exhibited, ably assisted by Ms. Curtis, in helping the ASU Physics Department evolve into a recognized major university physics department. The task was not an easy one during those formative years.
Successful applicants are United States citizens, either outstanding graduate or outstanding undergraduate physics students. Though there is no specific cumulative GPA requirement, academic success is considered.
The amount of this scholarship is an estimated $3000, and may be split between the fall and spring semesters.
Application must be received by 11:59pm on the day it is due, and include:
- Transcripts of all relevant work (unofficial copies are acceptable).
- A brief statement, explaining why you should be considered for this scholarship, include any career plans.
- A letter of support from your research advisor. If you're a first year student and have not secured an advisor, a letter from one of your core course instructors is acceptable.
Please submit all materials online. Applications (and required materials and letters) received after the deadline will not be considered, and a new application must be made for a later year.
William J. and Carol M. Motil Scholarship
The William J. and Carol M. Motil Scholarship was established by William J. Motil who graduated from ASU with a degree in Physics in 1963. He is thankful and appreciative of the benefits derived from the education he received and recognizes the need for support of students entering into and continuing their education in the field of physics.
Successful applicants are either undergraduate or graduate students pursuing an academic degree in physics. Applicants should highlight their passion for or interest in the field of physics. Though there is no specific cumulative GPA requirement, academic success is considered.
The amount of this scholarship is an estimated $1300.
Application must be received by midnight on the day it is due, and include:
- Transcripts of all relevant work (unofficial copies are acceptable).
- A brief statement, explaining why you should be considered for this scholarship, include any career plans.
- A letter of support from your research advisor. If you're a first year student and have not secured an advisor, a letter from one of your core course instructors is acceptable.
William J. and Carol M. Motil Scholarship for Experimental Research
Program Type: Graduate
The William J. and Carol M. Motil Scholarship for experimental research was established by William J. Motil who graduated from ASU with a degree in Physics in 1963. He is thankful and appreciative of the benefits derived from the education he received and recognizes the need for support of students entering into and continuing their education in the field of physics. This award will be the first endowment at the University in support of experimental physics graduate students.
Successful applicants are graduate students who show excellence in the field of experimental physics as evidenced by prior lab work/research in the field. Applicants should highlight their passion for or interest in the field of physics. Academic success is considered, and applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
The amount of this scholarship is an estimated $5000.
Application must be received by midnight on the day it is due, and include:
- Transcripts of all relevant work (unofficial copies are acceptable).
- A brief statement, explaining why you should be considered for this scholarship, include any career plans.
- A letter of support from your research advisor, if available.
Graduate College Funding Opportunities
The Graduate College at ASU provides opportunities for graduate students, including the Completion Fellowship for students nearing completion of a PhD dissertation and the Interdisciplinary Enrichment Fellowship for recently admitted graduate students. Conference Travel Grants reimburse graduate students the cost of airfare to support student participation in professional conferences. The academic office will notify students when applications are being accepted.