Recipients will be undergraduates with a 2.0 or greater GPA and demonstrated financial need. Applicants must have successfully completed BIS 300 or its equivalent, but not taken BIS 490/491 or its equivalent.
The purpose of the Fund is to provide support for undergraduate students majoring in communications with an interest in public relations. First preference will be given to students who are juniors, and second preference will be given to students who are from an underrepresented group of the University’s student body. Recipients must be enrolled full-time and in-state students.
Established in 2004 by Bruce B. Manchester, Professor Emeritus of Communication, who retired from Mason in 2004 after serving as a faculty member for 29 years. The purpose of the fund is to provide one or more scholarships for an active member of the Mason Forensics Team. Recipient must be a full-time undergraduate student, an active member of the Mason Forensics Team, qualify based on contribution, or potential contribution, to the Mason Forensics Team, and may be an in-state or out-of-state student.
Students who meet these criteria may apply through the Communication department. For more information, contact Maria Carabelli at mverdino@gmu.edu.
The Charisse Renee Cecil Scholarship is awarded to a Mason student minoring in African and African American Studies (AAAS) who writes the most outstanding essay on a topic related to the African Diaspora written in a class from a number of disciplines, including but not limited to: Art and Visual Technology, Communication, Cultural Studies, English, Global Affairs, History and Art History, Music, Philosophy, Psychology, Public and International Affairs, Religious Studies, Sociology and Anthropology, and Women and Gender Studies.
The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarships for students who are aspiring writers. Applicants must be undergraduates majoring in English or Communication with a 2.75 or greater GPA and demonstrated financial need.
Established in 2014, the CHSS Alumni Chapter Scholarship recognizes the importance of the volunteer role in the university and within their community. It is awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student who demonstrates a commitment to service within the university and their community while maintaining an exemplary academic record.
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences seeks nominations for the Dean’s Challenge Scholarships. The Dean’s Challenge Scholarship is awarded to recognize consistently superior achievement, and to encourage the continued pursuit of excellence. Undergraduate nominees must have demonstrated academic excellence while making challenging academic choices at Mason.
Up to 19 awards (one per major) in the amount of $250 will be made.
Award recipients will be profiled with their bios and photos on CHSS website.
To be eligible, students must:
- Be a declared major in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Have at least 30 earned credit hours of coursework at George Mason at the end of the spring 2023 semester
- Be enrolled in your current undergraduate degree program at George Mason during the fall 2023 semester
- Have a 3.5 GPA
The application should consist of:
- A current copy of your unofficial George Mason transcript
- A resume, including descriptions and dates of employment, extracurricular activities, volunteer activities, and any other academically relevant experiences
- A written statement (one paragraph for each section outlined below) addressing how you feel you have excelled in the following areas. The questions are given to only suggest the kinds of evidence the selection committee will be looking for and help you structure your answer.
- Scholarship and commitment to learning (one paragraph)
- In what ways have you challenged yourself through the coursework you have chosen?
- How have you pursued academic challenges beyond the required curriculum?
- How have you contributed to the intellectual community at George Mason?
- How have the academic challenges you have pursued changed you as a person or prepared you for your future?
- Service to the community (one paragraph)
- In what ways have you enriched Mason and/or the surrounding community?
- How have you served as an ambassador for the university to local, national, or international constituents?
- Recognition (one paragraph)
- In what ways have you been identified as a future leader or scholar in your academic field or community?
Apply now: Submit your application here.
View past undergraduate recipients >>
Colonel Michael A. Dickerson (Ret.) taught in George Mason's Department of Communication for 18 years. He co-founded the Insight Committee with Don and Tom Hoog, which still serves the department today by building and enhancing relationship between the department, the students, and the larger community of practicing public relations and communication professionals. For seven years, he produced The Communicator, a student magazine written by his Public Relations Practicum students.
In 2020 the Colonel Michael A. Dickerson Endowed Scholarship was established to provide scholarship support for undergraduate students who are majoring in communication with a concentration in public relations. Applicants must have completed at least 60 credits. Recipients must be enrolled full-time and will qualify on the basis of financial need and academic merit (minimum 3.0 GPA).
The Cynthia Wynn Herman Endowed Scholarship was established in 1995. Applicants must be returning students who are majoring in English with a 2.75 or greater GPA and demonstrated financial need. Applicants must submit a brief statement (250 words) describing their interest in women and gender studies and a relevant writing sample.
The Economics Scholarships Fund was established in 2007 to provide general scholarship support for students studying economics.
The Ed and Sally Bedsworth Memorial Fund was established in 2020 to provide support for undergraduate economics students who are experiencing financial hardships. Recipients must be in-state students, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, and will be selected on the basis of financial need. The scholarship will be renewable so long as the student demonstrates financial need.
Presented to an outstanding junior or senior history major who has completed a minimum of 15 hours in history at George Mason.
Established in 1986 by Dr. R. Douglas First. Dr. First and his wife, Sandra Sweitzer First, ’85, an alumna of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, are former faculty/staff members. The endowment benefits full-time undergraduate students and honors the memory of Dr. Robert T. Hawkes, who was a professor of history and the founding dean of the School of Continuing and Alternative Learning. The recipient will qualify on the basis of academic merit and may reside either in or out-of-state. The scholarship is renewable.
Undergraduates who meet first semester fall GPA minimums for this award will be notified in early spring of their freshmen year. Contact Troy Lowery at tlowery2@gmu.edu for questions about the scholarship.
The First Academic Achievement Award recognizes academically-talented first year students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The award is based on first-semester performance, providing recognition to students who are not in the Honors College (the name of this award was changed in 2021 to accommodate all first year students: freshman and transfer).
The college announces recipients and hosts an award reception every spring. The reception showcases the many opportunities for motivated students to challenge themselves during their time at Mason.
Only award recipients who attend the reception may apply for the First Year Academic Achievement Scholarships. The most outstanding scholarship recipient is awarded a renewable First-Sweitzer Scholarship, noted above.
Contact Troy Lowery at tlowery2@gmu.edu for questions about the scholarship.
Established in 2002 by alumni, faculty, and friends of the forensics team. The purpose of the fund is to support the team through scholarships, events, awards, and in other ways. Recipients must be full-time undergraduate students, who will qualify based on contribution, or potential contribution, to the George Mason University Forensics team and may be in-state or out-of-state students.
Students interested in the scholarship should apply through the Communication department. For questions contact Maria Carabelli at mverdino@gmu.edu.
To support scholarships for members of the debate team.
Students interested in applying can do so through the Communication department. For questions contact Maria Carabelli at mverdino@gmu.edu.
Before her death in 2001, Oppenheimer was a French and Spanish instructor at George Mason. The prize in her name is available to rising juniors and seniors to defray the cost of participating in a study-abroad program in France. Recipient must have taken at least nine credits in French at George Mason University. Receipt must also be accepted in an accredited study abroad program in France for at least one-quarter’s duration.
Applications for the scholarship should be made through the MCL department. For questions contact Jen Barnard at jbarnard@gmu.edu.
The Harrington Anderson Scholarship was established in 2021 to provide support for undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a degree in Global Affairs. Recipients will qualify on the basis of academic merit and financial need. This scholarship is renewable.
The HFCI Scholarship Fund was established in 2019 by Historic Fairfax City, Inc. to provide support for students pursuing a history degree. The purpose is to provide support for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a history degree. Undergraduate applicants must have completed 75 credits; at least 12 of those credits must have been completed at GMU. Graduate applicants must have completed 6 credits at GMU. FT/PT, Residents of Fairfax County or City, and qualify on basis of financial need and academic merit (3.0 GPA).
The Howard Ruben Bloch Endowed Scholarship and Award was established in 2001 in his memory. Dr. Bloch was a faculty member and director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Economics. Both the scholarship and award benefit students of economics. Applicants must be undergraduates who are enrolled full-time with a 3.0 minimum grade point average and documented financial need.
The Jack Fahey Giving Back Endowed Scholarship was established in 2016 to provide scholarship support for students in the Bachelor of Individualized Study program.
The Jeanne C. Mellinger Endowed Scholarship was established in 1993 in memory of Dr. Jeanne C. Mellinger, who was first chair of the psychology department. The endowment provides scholarships for undergraduate BA or BS psychology students. Recipient will qualify on the basis of academic merit & financial need and may be either in or out-of-state.
The Kevin Athari Endowed Memorial Scholarship was established in 1991. This fund provides scholarships for seniors majoring in communication. The recipient will have participated in school publications, shown dedication, academic motivation and leadership, and has been an active participant in University affairs.
The Kostrzewa Family Scholarship was established in 2021 to provide scholarship support for undergraduate students who are furthering social justice and equity. Recipients may qualify on the basis of financial need, must have a GPA between 2.75 and 3.4, and must be majoring in Communications, Criminology, English, Global Affairs, History, Integrative Studies, or Women and Gender studies. In-state and out-of-state students may apply, regardless of DACA status. This scholarship is renewable.
Linda Hemm served as an academic advisor for the Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) Program from 1993. She was affectionately called by students, provided advising and encouragement to countless adult students who returned to Mason to complete undergraduate degrees through the BIS Program.
The purpose of the Fund is to provide scholarship support for undergraduate juniors or seniors pursuing a degree through the Bachelor in Individualized Study (BIS) program. Recipients will qualify on the basis of academic merit. Applicants must submit a 250-500 word essay describing how the scholarship would benefit their BIS experience and a recommendation letter from a faculty member at Mason.
The Lucas Leadership Endowed Scholarship was established in 2013 to honor the contributions and leadership of Dr. Nance Lucas during her tenure as Associate Dean of New Century College (now the School of Integrative Studies). The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarship support to an undergraduate student who is pursuing a degree within the School of Integrative Studies and demonstrates exceptional leadership and ethics in all areas of academic and personal life. Recipients must be in good academic standing per University guidelines and will qualify on the basis of academic merit. Preference will be given to students who are verified members of a recognized nonprofit group and who demonstrate leadership and service. This scholarship is renewable.
Mary's Scholarship for Homelessness Awareness and Advocacy Endowed Scholarship was established in 2012 to provide scholarships for undergraduate or graduate students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences with a demonstrated interest in homelessness awareness or advocacy. Applicants must submit documentation of participation in an approved service project which should include an outline of the project's purpose. Applicants must also submit an essay explaining how this experience changed how they think about homelessness. Acceptable service projects may be chosen from a variety of activities focused on homelessness, including but not limited to: public service, volunteering, research work, or international aid work.
To support scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing a degree in the Dept. of Criminology, Law and Society and graduate students in the MS program in Criminal Justice. May be full-time or part-time, in state or out-of-state, and qualify on academic merit and financial need.
The Michael L. Pearce Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established in 1999 in memory of Lieutenant Colonel Michael Pearce, USAF (Ret.). The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarships for undergraduate students pursing a degree in Communications. Recipient must have completed at least 12 credit hours within Communication and have completed at least 85 credit hours. Recipients qualify on the basis of academic merit, achieve a GPA of 3.0, in-state student and either full or part-time student. Preference for a student with an interest in Media Persuasion and Communication.
To support scholarships for students participating in a GMU Study Abroad program.
The Omar Scholarship will be given to an undergraduate student who is actively involved in activities and activism in support of Palestinian issues. Preference may be given to students of direct Palestinian descent. To qualify, recipients may be pursuing any major within CHSS. Recipients will be chosen on the basis of academic merit and financial need, with need being considered before activism or descent. Recipients may be either full-time or part-time, and in-state or out-of-state, and may be international students who are not also U.S. citizens.
Current students who are eligible may apply for this scholarship through the Mason Scholarship Application. Contact Troy Lowery at tlowery2@gmu.edu for questions about the scholarship.
The Peter Stearns Endowed Scholarship in Global Affairs was established in 2010. Dr. Stearns is a past Provost of the university. The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarships for undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree in Global Affairs. Recipients will be chosen on the basis of merit and financial need.
The Randolph and Lucy Church Endowed Scholarship was established in 2006 to attract outstanding students majoring in English, history, modern languages, philosophy, psychology, political sciences, humanities, or economics. Mr. Church, an attorney, is a former Rector of the Board of Visitors and former Trustee of the George Mason University Foundation. Mrs. Church, a former Trustee of the Foundation and a former faculty member, is an alumna of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Applicants may be either be incoming freshman with a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 and a strong record of scholastic achievement in college preparatory courses or full-time undergraduate students. Applicants must be legal residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Robert K. Hedrick, Jr. Endowed Scholarship was established in 1999. The fund supports scholarships for full-time undergraduates earning a degree in History or Art History. Recipients will be selected on the basis of merit and financial need. The recipient may be an in-state or out-of-state resident.
The Robert R. Thomas, Jr. Endowed Scholarship was established in 2011. The purpose of the Fund is to provide scholarship support for undergraduate students pursuing a degree in any program within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Recipients will be transfer students who actively participated in Mason's Dream Catchers Program and will qualify on the basis of academic merit and financial need. Recipients may be full-time or part-time students and in-state, out-of-state, or intentional students.
The School of Integrative Studies (SIS) Experiential Learning (EL) Scholarship is open to George Mason University students enrolled in Integrative Studies or Environmental Sustainability Studies degrees and *registered to participate in an EL program such as an Alternative Break, Field Studies Course, Mason Study Abroad or other EL experience* with travel and/or academic costs associated during the spring, summer, fall or winter semesters.
The School of Integrative Studies First Generation Student Scholarship is open to George Mason University students enrolled in Integrative Studies, Bachelors of Individualized Studies, or Environmental Sustainability Studies degrees, who are the first in their immediate family to pursue an undergraduate education (e.g. neither parent/guardian have completed a four-year degree in the United States). Awards are given in consideration of financial need.
Established in 2010 by Jerry D. and Trula E. Duane, the purpose of the fund is to provide scholarships for undergraduate students within CHSS. Recipients may be either full-time or part-time, and may be in-state, out-of-state. Recipient will qualify on the basis of academic merit and financial need. Candidates must submit an essay detailing how they have overcome a challenge in their life and how they are motivated to succeed. Recipient must maintain at least a 3.3 GPA. This scholarship may be renewable.
Current students who are eligible may apply for this scholarship through the Mason Scholarship Application. Contact Troy Lowery at tlowery2@gmu.edu for questions about the scholarship.
The Shaul Bakhash Endowed Scholarship was established in 2005. The purpose of the fund is to award a scholarship to an undergraduate student in the Art and Art History Department. Applicants must be enrolled full time and will qualify on the basis of academic merit and financial need.
The Steven Davidson Endowed Scholarship for Criminology was established in 2015. The fund provides scholarships for undergraduates majoring in criminology, law and society who plan to attend law school and who embody Mr. Davidson's passion for the law, justice, and life. Applicants must submit an essay demonstrating that shared passion as part of their scholarship application. Applicants must be fulltime undergrad students. Recipients will qualify on the basis of academic merit.
The Suzanne E. Robertson Endowed Scholarship was established in 1993 to provide an annual scholarship to an undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in psychology. The selection will be based on both merit and need with the student having demonstrated his/her ability to succeed in a course of study leading to a baccalaureate/graduate degree.
To provide scholarships for graduate students whose work in gender, race and social justice intersects with the visual and/or performing arts. The award recognizes the outstanding contribution of a graduate student to further racial and gender equity through the arts. Recipients may be full-time or part-time, in-state or out-of-state. This scholarship is renewable. expand the qualified pool for the award to include students who are in the following programs:
-Women and Gender Studies undergraduate majors, minors, and grad certificate students
-LGBTQ studies minors
-Social Justice and Human Rights undergraduates majors and minors
The William Weaver Prize in Italian Studies is names in memory of William Weaver, a pre-eminent translator of modern Italian literature. Weaver is best known for his translations of Italo Calvino, Umberto Eco, and Primo Levi, as well as Italian poetry and opera libretti. During his lifetime, he translated over 50 books; his translations earned him a National Book Award, two PEN translation prizes, and the PEN medal for translation in recognition of his life’s work.
Students who qualify and are interested in the scholarship should apply through the MCL department and contact Dr. Kristina Olson at kolson4@gmu.edu.