Department of Physics

Scholarships and Awards

The Physics Department at the University of Northern Iowa offers the personalized atmosphere of a private liberal arts college with the opportunities of an affordable public institution. Physics students enjoy small class sizes and wide-ranging research opportunities, all in a state-of-the-art physics building, newly renovated for the 2007-08 academic year. Additionally, the University of Northern Iowa has a large number of scholarships for new and returning students. Search the scholarship database here and pay attention to deadlines - some of which are as early as December 15. Apply for as many scholarships as you are qualified to increase your chances of success.

Scholarships that are of special interest to outstanding physics students include the following:

Presidential Scholarships for new freshmen ($28,000 / 4 years)

Open to all entering freshmen students. Apply by December 15, 2007 using the
Online Common Scholarship Application.

CNS Physics Scholarships for new freshmen (up to $20,000 / 4 years)

The CNS Physics Scholarships are awarded annually to one or two undergraduates (declared or intended) in physics. Apply by February 1, 2008 using the Online Common Scholarship Application.

Provost Scholarships for new freshmen ($8,000 / 4 years)

Open to all entering freshmen students. Apply by December 15, 2007 using the Online Common Scholarship Application.

Mathematical, Computational and Physical Science Scholarships ($28,000 / 4 years)

Application deadline is February 1, 2008. Please see the MCaPS website for more information and application instructions.

Grossman-Perrine Scholarship

The Grossman-Perrine Scholarship honors Dr. J. O. Perrine, a former UNI physics professor, and Mr. Eugene Grossman, a physics student from Delmar, Iowa, who studied with Dr. Perrine. Declared undergraduate physics majors at all levels are eligible for this scholarship. Nominations and selection of the recipient are conducted by the Physics faculty.

Physics Alumni Scholarship

The recipient of this $500 award must be a declared major in the Department of Physics who has achieved academic excellence in his or her major. Nominations and selection of the recipient are conducted by the Physics faculty in April.

Albert A. Potter Science Scholarship ($1000 / 1 year)

Open to students with a Physics Teaching major. Minimum of 65 credit hours in a declared teaching major and official admittance to teacher education. Apply by February 15, 2008 using the Online Common Scholarship Application.

Dorothy Muzzey Scholarship-Loan Program

The recipient must be a declared major in Physics or Chemistry and must have completed 60 credit hours at UNI. The criteria for the award are: (i) financial need; (ii) scholarly achievement; and (iii) potential for success in the major field. The maximum amount available is $1,500 with an interest rate of 5%. Repayment begins 90 days after graduation.

The following book awards are given at the annual Physics Banquet in April. The Physics faculty selects the recipients on the basis of performance and achievement:

• Outstanding Performance in Introductory Physics Courses Award

• Outstanding Graduating Senior Award

• Outstanding Service Award

The following awards are given to encourage and recognize excellence in physics teaching in Iowa high schools:

Prospective Physics Teacher Award

The award includes membership in the American Association of Physics Teacher and a subscription to the journal The Physics Teacher.

Outstanding Physics Teacher Award

The recipient is recognized for superior physics teaching at the high school level in Iowa. A plaque is presented to the recipient at the annual Physics Banquet.

Research Fellowships

Undergraduate research is an essential component of the major programs in the College of Natural Sciences. To encourage and sustain the involvement of undergraduate students in research activities, several research fellowships are awarded each year. The fellowships provide stipends for students who will conduct research for ten weeks during the summer period, under the supervision of a Physics faculty member. The criteria are: (i) completion of 60 credit hours at UNI; (ii) academic achievement; (iii) enthusiasm for and interest in research; and (iv) potential for success in the major field. The deadline for applications is March 31. The awards will be announced approximately one week later. The recipients are selected by the Physics Department Scholarships and Awards Committee. Four fellowships are awarded by the Physics Department each year. The stipend is $3,000.

For information on scholarships and awards offered by the College of Natural Sciences, follow the link below.

College of Natural Sciences Scholarships

The University of Northern Iowa Online Common Scholarship Application form for Undergraduates can be accessed at https://access.uni.edu/cgi-bin/finaid/forms/scholarship_app/scholarship_app.cgi