PhD Program
Special Scholarships

Thanks to generous donors, scholarships and grants are available from the College of Social Work and the University to support research and travel of doctoral students. See the funding section of the Graduate School website for more on university level funding.

College of Social Work Doctoral Students
Recognition events for College of Social Work PhD awards:

Evening of Recognition – MCR – May 2024
Doctoral Day of Recognition – All – Sept. 29, 2023
Scholarship Event – All

TRAVEL GRANTS

To support and encourage students presenting at conferences, the College of Social Work and the Council of Graduate Students offer travel grants to cover some expenses. The application for College of Social Work funds is available on the PhD Carmen page.

The “Ask Fred” Fund awards $250 per year per student for travel expenses for conference presentations. In any given year, contact the PhD Office for the number of available awards and their allocation.
The College provides up to $850 per student per conference for travel expenses for conference presentations and for job interviews for one year while on the job market as a student.
Students are encouraged to apply for funds as soon as possible and not later than a week before travel using the “Ask Fred” and College Travel Funds Application.
Dr. Beverly Toomey (MSW ’74; PhD ’77; professor of Social Work 1977-2001) established the fund to recognize the support that her father, Fred Guella, gave to her and her sisters.

Council of Graduate Students Edward J. Ray Travel Award for Scholarship and Service (Ray Award)

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR RESEARCH SUPPORT

Merriss Cornell Research Scholarship Award

Supports the completion of a PhD dissertation. Nominees must have an approved dissertation proposal.
Typical awards are around $1,500 – $2,000.
Recipients are recognized at the Doctoral Day of Recognition in autumn and the Scholarship Event.
Self or faculty nominations are due in late April.
Interview presentations are in early May.
Nomination forms are in Carmen.

Anna Marie Malia Robinson Endowed Scholarship for Mental Health Research

Supports doctoral student research of severe mental disabilities, particularly bi-polar disorder.
Typical awards are around $1,200 – $2,000.
Recipients are recognized at the Doctoral Day of Recognition in autumn and the Scholarship event.
Self or faculty nominations are due in late April.
Interview presentations are in early May.
Nomination forms are in Carmen.

AWARDS FOR RECOGNIZING STUDENT EXCELLENCE

Merriss Cornell Distinguished Researcher Award

Recognizes an outstanding doctoral dissertation. Nominees must submit an approved draft of their dissertation.
Typical awards are around $1,500-$2,000.
Recipients are recognized at the Evening of Recognition, the Doctoral Day of Recognition in autumn and the Scholarship event.
Self or faculty nominations are due in late March.
Interview presentations are in early April.
Nomination Forms are on Carmen

Selma and Alexander Erlen Endowment Fund for Doctoral Support

Recognizes a doctoral student with an outstanding record of service, academics and scholarship.
Typical awards are approximately $2,000-$3,000.
Recipients are recognized at the Doctoral Day of Recognition in autumn and the Scholarship event.
Nomination packets are due in late April.
Interview presentations are due in early May.

PHD STUDENT SEED GRANTS

To provide some financial support for students working on their own research projects, whether it be the dissertation or another research project.
Each student can receive a maximum of one award during their time in the program.
10 awards are offered each year: 5 in Autumn and 5 in Spring.
Award amount $1,000.
The application form and additional information is in Carmen.

GRADUATE SCHOOL AWARDS

The Graduate School offers a number of awards as well. Visit the funding section of the Graduate School website.