Scholarships

Each year, there are several chemistry scholarships available to chemistry majors. Please visit the following link and click "Search and Apply for WCU scholarships" to search for chemistry scholarships, learn about your eligibility, fill out the application forms, and submit the required information.

Financial Aid Website

The application is open in early Spring for the coming academic year. Students who are interested in the chemistry scholarships must apply by May 1st. The chemistry scholarship committee will select the recipient(s) for each scholarship based on students' academic performance and various other factors. Typically, the recipients will be notified by the end of May. The amount of each scholarship varies each year.  The awarded amount will be credited to the recipient's tuition for the following Fall semester.

Scholarship Eligibility
Francis J. Reynolds For students with at least 30 credit hours completed at WCU who are registered in one of the five chemistry department degree programs (including Chem-Bio and PPD majors).
Herbert A. Challen at least 60 credit hours completed at WCU who are majoring in secondary education chemistry;
Joel M. Ressner Scholarship in Chemistry
  • full-time major in a degree program (other than Chemistry-Biology and PPD) offered by the Department of Chemistry;   
  • be in their third year of study or beyond;
  • have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher;
  • demonstrate financial need;
  • have a record of service to the Department or University
Joel M. Ressner Scholarship for Minority Students in Chemistry
  • full-time major in a degree program (other than Chemistry-Biology and PPD) offered by the Department of Chemistry;  
  • belong to a minority population as defined by the U.S.  Census Bureau;
  • have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher;
  • demonstrate financial need;
  • have a record of service to the Department or University
Chemistry Leadership Award
  • a chemistry major (Chem BS, Chem-Bio BS, Biochem, and Forensic Chem.)
  • with a minimum of 3.33 average in chemistry courses and 3.50 GPA overall.
  • Must demonstrate motivation and leadership qualities through involvement in the chemistry department
John R. and Laurie S. Townsend
  • Recipient must major in Chem BS, Chem-Bio BS, Biochem, and Forensic Chem.
  • With at least 60 credits hours completed at WCU, including at least 22 chemistry credits prior to Fall 2020.
  • With a GPA of 3.25 or above.
  • Write an essay (< 200 words) that addresses the financial need.

 

The following two scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen in chemistry department.

Scholarship Eligibility
Justo Bravo Chemistry scholarship Given to an incoming first year student major in Chem BS, Chem-Bio BS, Biochem, and Forensic Chem
Virgil Magnuson Chemistry Scholarship Given to an incoming first-year student in the B.S. Chemistry-Education program based on academic performance and other relevant circumstances.

 

If you have any questions about chemistry scholarships, please email the Chair of Chemistry Scholarship Committee, Dr. Jingqiu Hu.

If you have any questions regarding the scholarship site, please contact the Financial Aid Office by phone at 610-436-2627 or by email.