Scholarships are available to assist students in pursuing careers as forensic scientists.
People often refer to forensic science as one professional field, but in reality, it comprises hundreds of different jobs related to the different branches of science. Forensic scientists use expertise in fields like biology, toxicology, odontology, entomology and anthropology to perform analytical research that can be applied to matters of public safety and criminal justice. For students interested in a career in forensics, there are many institutions that offer annual scholarships to support the country's next generation of scientists.
AFTE Scholarship
The Association of Firearm & Tool Mark Examiners awards $1,000 scholarships annually to students pursuing careers in forensic science. Third- and fourth-year undergraduates or advanced degree program students are eligible to apply. Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time with a minimum GPA of 3.0. As part of the application process, a student should submit a current transcript, letters of recommendation and a narrative statement explaining his interest in the forensic field.
George W. Neighbor Jr. Memorial Scholarship
The Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists sponsors an annual scholarship for undergraduate and graduate forensics students. Full-time junior or senior undergraduates and half-time graduates qualify for the award if they attend school in the northeastern United States. Applicants for the George W. Neighbor Jr. Memorial Scholarship should have an excellent academic record and a recommendation from a forensic-related faculty member. Transcripts and a personal statement detailing the student's goals and accomplishments are to be submitted with the application.
Ellis R. Kerley Scholarship
The Ellis R. Kerley Scholarship (www.kerleyfoundation.org) is awarded by the Forensic Sciences Foundation to graduate forensic students preparing for careers in forensic anthropology. The student must have prior involvement with the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) or the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA) to qualify. Outstanding academic performance in undergraduate studies and an ABFA sponsor from the graduate student's current forensics program are a must to be eligible for the award.
Floyd E. McDonald Scholarship
The Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists offers the $1,000 Floyd E. McDonald Scholarship to junior or senior students enrolled at least half-time. Students majoring in biology, chemistry or natural science with the intent to pursue a forensic science career are eligible to apply. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, and the applicants must provide transcripts, three letters of recommendation and brief essays describing the reasons for studying forensic science.
Departmental Scholarships
Many colleges and universities offer scholarships to students pursuing majors in the forensic science or related science departments. For example, the Dr. and Mrs. David Robey Forensics Scholarship is awarded annually at Cedarville University in Ohio, and the Lee Granell Memorial Scholarship is offered to forensics majors at the University of California- Fullerton. Any student interested in finding scholarships should consult a department head or view the department website for information about departmental awards.
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