Scholarships

Funding Opportunities in the College

Each year, the College of Social Sciences offers scholarships to students majoring in one of the College's Departments. The College scholarships represent the generosity of many friends and alumni. They honor former deans and students in the College of Social Sciences. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, as well as to help finance the ever-increasing costs of higher education. Selection for these scholarships reflects impressive accomplishments of a college career. 

Scholarship Announcements

The College scholarships are awarded in spring semester for the following academic year, so awardee must be matriculated at SJSU during the following fall term to be eligible. Any additional eligibility or application requirements are specified in the scholarship announcements linked below.

• Les Francis Scholarship for Civic Education [pdf] 
• Dean's Study Abroad and International Field Work Scholarships [pdf]
• All other College Scholarships [pdf]
  • SJSU Alumni Association Dean's Scholarships
  • Gerald Wheeler Scholarship
  • Charles Burdick Scholarship
  • Inez and Donald Burdick Scholarship

College Scholarship questions should be directed to the College of Social Sciences Dean’s Office at 408-924-5300 or by contacting Dr. Laxmi Ramasubramanian, Interim Associate Dean for Research 

How to Apply?

Applications are submitted and accepted through Spartan Scholarship only. The application period is from February 15, 2023 - April 5, 2023. To apply:

1. Sign in to Spartan Scholarships using your MySJSU login information.
2. Complete and submit the General Application - This will give you access to other scholarships and awards in addition to those from the Dean’s Office.
3. Click on the "Opportunities" menu and select "Recommended." 
4. Find the scholarship/award opportunity of interest and click on the "Apply" button.
5. Provide any supplemental application material (e.g., letter of recommendation, etc.)

List of Available Scholarships

• Margery H. and Raymond W. Vernon College of Social Sciences Dean's Scholarship

  • The Margery H. and Raymond W. Vernon College of Social Sciences Dean's Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Margery H. Vernon (SJSU 1987, History) and Raymond W. Vernon. This permanent endowment provides an annual scholarship to one exceptional College of Social Sciences student for up to four years provided he or she remains a full-time student in good standing at the university. Eligible candidates are SJSU freshman and transfer student whose incoming cumulative GPA is equivalent to cum laude or higher (3.5 or higher) and who have an expressed interest in majoring in one of the disciplines within the College of Social Sciences. A preference is given to eligible candidates who are first in their family to attend a four-year university.

• Les Francis Scholarship for Civic Education

  • The Les Francis Scholarship for Civic Education was created by Les Francis and endowed by Mr. Francis and his many friends, admirers, and fellow political consultants. The scholarship is intended to support prospective (or current) teachers of high school civics/social sciences. Download the brochure here [pdf].

• Dean's Study Abroad and International Field Work Scholarships (2)

  • This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving undergraduate or graduate students studying or conducting research outside the United States. It was established through a gift from the Estate of J.B.S. Johnson.

• SJSU Alumni Association Deans' Scholarships

  • The SJSU Alumni Association Deans' Scholarship is funded by the generous contributions of Alumni Association members and donors. It is awarded to students only once during their academic careers at SJSU. This scholarship will be disbursed next fall and spring so it is only available to students enrolling at SJSU next academic year. This scholarship is based on academic excellence, financial need, and demonstrated community service.

• Gerald Wheeler Scholarship

  • Dr. Gerald Wheeler is remembered as a superb and versatile teacher and an excellent scholar. In his tenure at SJSU, Dr. Wheeler served as Chair of the History Department, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Dean of the College of Social Sciences, and Assistant Academic Vice President. The Gerald E. Wheeler scholarship was established by family and friends. This scholarship is based on academic excellence and demonstrated financial need.

• Charles Burdick Scholarship (1-2)

  • Dr. Charles Burdick was an internationally-known military history scholar, former Chair of the History Department and Dean of the College of Social Sciences. He earned SJSU’s two highest awards for faculty—President’s Scholar and Outstanding Professor—and he twice received CSU’s system-wide Outstanding Professor Award. This scholarship is based on academic excellence and demonstrated financial need.

• Inez and Donald Burdick Scholarship (2-4)

  • The Inez and Donald Burdick Scholarships were established by Charles Burdick in honor of his parents. Offered every year by the College, this scholarship is based on academic excellence and demonstrated financial need.

Scholarship Recipients, 2020 - 2021

Join us in applauding College of Social Sciences students whose accomplishments have been recognized with awards and scholarships.