The progression of scientific and technological innovation has called for the development of more scientific abilities. The sciences have always been important, but now there is an even higher emphasis put on them. The reason for this is that increasingly there are more scientific problems that call for in-depth study to get to their solution. Countries are facing environmental and medical challenges, which can only be solved by skilled scientists.
The image of what a scientist looks like has evolved with time. Previously, scientists were seen as people in white lab coats working with various mathematical and chemical formulas to develop different products. However, scientists now are also people who work in research and education, develop theories and models, and then publish papers which contribute to the increase in scientific knowledge.
Since science has become so important, countries are increasingly emphasizing their importance in education. More and more, government agencies and other institutions are encouraging students to further explore the scientific subjects, such as the STEM subjects. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. To increase student enrollment in these fields, more and more scholarships and financing for them is being offered.
Science scholarships and STEM scholarships are serving as a push for students to not only complete their undergraduate degrees in these fields, but also continue on to graduate school. Getting these degrees is highly expensive, so the funding makes it possible for smart students who might not be able to afford this education to get it.
This article will go through the details of getting a graduate degree in the sciences and provide opportunities for scholarships which students can apply for, so in a way it will show you how to minimize your graduate school debt.
How to get a Master’s Degree in Science?
Degrees in science can be difficult to get since universities have a high standard for admissions. Especially for graduate school, the admissions department of each university wants the students to show initiative in innovation as well as high academic excellence. There are two graduate degrees for science, which students can apply for. These are the MS and MSc degrees.
Basically, both the MS and the MSc degrees stand for Masters in Science. Each one can be obtained by focusing on one field such as for example, MS or MSc in Physics or Information Technology. The main difference between them is the curricula, which in MS degrees can be focused on research and publishing, while for MSc it can be on the practicality of the science.
Both degrees are highly valuable; however, before deciding which one you want to complete, look into what courses are offered and what teaching methods will be used. Depending on your interests, you can decide whether the MS or MSc degrees are appropriate for you.
Whichever universities you choose, they will all have similar admissions requirements. This includes high undergraduate GPA, participation in science clubs or assisting professors with research, work experience in the relevant field of science you are applying for, as well as good recommendation letters and a well written letter of interest or research proposal.
MS and MSc degrees vary in their length, depending on which country you are completing them. The usual length of the programs in the U.S though are 1 to 2 years of full time studying for courses and doing research. If you are a person who works or you do not want to relocate to a different city for your graduate degree, you can also attend the programs as a part time student or enroll in a distance learning program. Since there are different methods of studying, there is flexibility and you can find a program that suits both your academic and career needs.
Depending on which university you choose to complete your graduate degree in science, it can cost you between $10,000 to $50,000 per year. If you choose Ivy League or highly rated universities, it can cost even more. Because of this a lot of students rely on scholarships, such as grants, merit scholarships, fellowships, or financial aid to complete such degrees.
Science and STEM Scholarships
Below you will find 13 scholarship opportunities which can help you fund your program and become a scientist contributing to the innovation and solution of world problems.
This scholarship is awarded by the National Science Foundation and focuses on students who want to complete their graduate degrees in cybersecurity and education for technology. Their criteria for selection depends heavily on the proposals of applicants, so if you decide to apply for this scholarship, make sure you have researched and studied cybersecurity, as well as have an idea on how to improve its implementation.
The Foundation will award the scholarship which you can use to get your graduate degree or even complete a training or certification in the field. The application period is usually between November and December of each year.
Graduate Research & Training Scholarship Program (GRTS)
The GRTS is given by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for graduate students who have enrolled in a STEM graduate program affiliated with NOAA. They offer scholarships to students who have demonstrate academic achievement and have completed an undergraduate degree in a STEM field.
The scholarship covers tuition, fees, as well as travel stipends for students to attend and present in STEM conferences in their field. The application period is twice per year and each student can submit 4 applications to increase their chances of getting the scholarship.
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program
The National Scientific Foundation awards 1,000 students with $44,000 of awards to complete their studies in any STEM field. The scholarship is highly prestigious and only the best students with the highest academic achievements will be able to get this fellowship. The scholarship covers costs related to tuition and can even apply to other fees.
Dannon Yogurt and Probiotics Fellowship Program
The Dannon company offers two scholarships of $25,000 each. Every year the scholarship is given to undergraduate and graduate students in scientific fields, who have an interest in the dairy products and byproducts industry. The scholarship is provided for the payment of tuition fees and can only be used for that purpose.
The Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
This scholarship program is also offered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to graduate students in STEM fields as well as those who want to study marine biology, oceanography or other science related fields. The scholarship will cover tuition and fees, and applicants are encouraged to apply, especially if they are women or minorities.
The ASNT Fellowship Award is given to the students who apply through submitting detailed research proposals. Students can either be in a Master’s of PhD level program. The Fellowship award is at an amount of $20,000 which is given as a cash award. This can then be used to cover your tuition and other fees for your graduate program in science. The application dates are usually in October each year.
Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship
The Herzt Foundation offers a $38,000 scholarship which covers tuition, fees, and a living stipend to highly qualified graduate students. The students must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S and be enrolled in a graduate program in sciences or related fields. Students must demonstrate academic capabilities as well as potential for future work in the scientific field of their choice.
Elmhurst Garden Club Scholarship
This scholarship is provided to students from Illinois who are completing either and undergraduate or graduate level degree. Students need to submit letters of recommendation, cover letters, and proof of academic excellence, as well as other qualifications to demonstrate why they deserve this scholarship.
NASF Engineering and Chemistry Scholarship
The NASF awards a scholarship of $1,500 to undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in an accredited U.S university. The students can be either U.S citizens, permanent citizens, or internationals. They must be attending a program in engineering, chemistry, or related sciences. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate potential capabilities in the sciences.
Florida Stormwater Association Scholarship Award
The Florida Stormwater Association awards a $2,000 scholarship to graduate students enrolled in a university based in the state of Florida. The students must be studying in a science related field and submit a full application form with supporting documents. The scholarship will go towards paying your tuition and fees.
National Space Club Keynote Scholarships
The National Space Club awards $10,000 for tuition and fees to undergraduate and graduate students. They must be studying in a STEM related field and demonstrate knowledge and an innovative mind. The selected students will have the opportunity to speak at National Space Club conferences and gain recognition for their achievements.
ISA Educational Foundation Scholarship
The ISA Educational Foundation awards a scholarship of $5,000 to students who are either in an undergraduate or graduate program. The students must be enrolled in a field related to science or automation. The scholarship will go towards paying their tuition or living fees.
National GEM Consortium Fellowships
The National GEM Consortium awards $16,000 to students currently enrolled in a Masters or PhD program. The students must be studying in any STEM or another scientific field. To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must submit their transcripts and three letter of recommendation.
Career Opportunities with a Masters in Science
Using these scholarships, you could complete your education and get your degree for almost no cost. The demand for those with a science background is always increasing and you will have no shortage of job opportunities and offers.
Each scholarship provides you not only with the means to afford your degree, but also with a valuable item on your resume which shows prospective employers that you have potential for high achievement and that you have worked hard enough to maintain your scholarship and develop a high knowledge and skill base in the science of your choice.
Since science includes fields applicable in any level of jobs, you could apply for public, private, and non-profit organizations. Taking into account the effort and achievements needed to excel in these fields, the compensation packages for science graduates are also high, so you will have no problem in negotiating your salary and benefits