Chemistry

Chemistry Scholarships & Awards

WIU Scholarship Resources

How to Apply for Chemistry Scholarships & Awards

  • Application Deadline: All inquiries and/or applications are due by March 15. Please apply on the University Scholarship Portal.
  • Number of Awards/Scholarships: Dependent upon the number and quality of applications received.
  • Award Amounts: Vary based on avalable funds.
  • Selection: The Chemistry Department's Curriculum Committee selects receipients.

Awards & Scholarships

Please contact the Department of Chemistry if you have interest in being considered for the following awards and scholarships. They do not require an application.

Incoming Freshman Award
  • Award: One to five (1-5) award(s). Recipients receive ($100) and certificate.
  • Criteria: Must be chemistry major, ACT scores, high school class rankings.
Chairman's Award (Freshman)
  • Award: One to two (1-2) award(s). Recipients receive their name on plaque and certificate, and a copy of the “Handbook of Chemistry and Physics” from the publisher, Chemical Rubber Company.
  • Criteria: Freshman standing and class performance in Chemistry 201 & 202.
Organic Chemistry Award (Sophomore)
  • Award: One to two (1-2) award(s). Recipients receive their name on plaque and certificate.
  • Criteria: Class performance in Chemistry 331 & 332.
Physical Chemistry Award (Junior)
  • Award: One to two (1-2) award(s). Recipients receive a certificate.
  • Criteria: Class performance in CHEM 374 and CHEM 375.
ACS Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry (Senior)
  • Award: One to two (1-2) award(s). Recipients receive a certificate from ACS and an 8-month honorary membership and subscription to the “Analytical Chemistry” journal (16 issues).
  • Criteria: Class performance in Analytical Chemistry 442.
Departmental Special Recognition Award
  • Award: One to two (1-2) award(s). Recipients receive their name on plaque, certificate, and $50.
  • Criteria: Outstanding performance which does not fit into any other category.
Frederick H. Currens Memorial Award
  • Award: One to two (1-2) award(s). Recipients receive a monetary award, depending on how much money is in the account at the time of the award, name on plaque, and certificate.
  • Criteria: Forensic Chemistry major, junior standing at time of award in the Fall, and a 3.5 GPA.
Richard Hardin Scholarship
  • Award: One to two (1-2) award(s). Recipients receive a monetary award, depending on how much money is in the account at the time of the award, name on plaque, and certificate.
  • Criteria: Chemistry major, senior standing, and a 3.5 GPA.
Dr. Norbert Goeckner Scholarship in Chemistry
  • Award: One to two (1-2) award(s). Recipients receive a monetary award, depending on how much money is in the account at the time of the award, name on plaque, and certificate.
  • Criteria: Forensic or M.S. Chemistry major or graduate student (3.5 GPA). Preference will be given to a Burmese student. If there is none eligible, the award will be open to all chemistry majors.
Dr. Benjamin Hughes Memorial Scholarship
  • Award: One to two (1-2) award(s). Recipients receive a monetary award, depending on how much money is in the account at the time of the award, name on plaque, and certificate.
  • Criteria: Preference is given to Chemistry Education major with GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Research Inspiring Student Excellence (RISE) Awards and Grants

RISE is a program of the WIU College of Arts and Sciences that provides students with unique research and academic experiences to help them become tomorrow's leaders.

Learn more about the RISE program and the available awards and grants.

Maurice Peterson Awards

The Maurice Peterson Awards are available for students pursuing a B.S. with a major in either chemistry or forensic chemistry. Financial need is not a consideration. This scholarship is non-renewable, however, recipients are encouraged to apply for other scholarships within the Department of Chemistry for the following years.

Download the Maurice Peterson Award Application (pdf) .

Applications along with any specific requirements for each award, should be returned to:
The Department of Chemistry, Western Illinois University
Currens Hall 214, One University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455

Outstanding Incoming Freshman
  • Award: One (1) award ($500 - $1000) applied to tuition and fees on the recipient’s account, half for fall and spring semester
  • Criteria: Must be enrolled as a freshman at WIU. Preference will be given to students who have a composite ACT score of 30 or greater and rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
  • Application: A letter of recommendation from a high school counselor and a copy of high school transcript should be attached to the completed application.
Outstanding Sophomore
  • Award: One (1) award ($500 - $1000) applied to tuition and fees on the recipient’s account, half for fall and spring semester
  • Criteria: Must be enrolled as a sophomore at WIU. Preference will be given to students who have a composite ACT score of 30 or greater and rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
  • Application: A letter of recommendation from CHEM 201/202 instructor(s) and a copy of college transcript should be attached to the completed application.
Outstanding Junior
  • Award: One (1) award ($500 - $1000) applied to tuition and fees on the recipient’s account, half for fall and spring semester
  • Criteria: Must be enrolled as a junior at WIU. Preference will be given to students who have a composite ACT score of 30 or greater and rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
  • Application: Preference will be given to students who have a grade point average of 3.50 or greater and rank in the top 10% of their CHEM 331/332 class at the time of application.
Outstanding Senior
  • Award: One (1) award ($500) applied to tuition and fees on the recipient’s account for the fall semester.
  • Criteria: Must be enrolled as a senior at WIU. Preference will be given to students who have a composite ACT score of 30 or greater and rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
  • Application: Preference will be given to students who have a grade point average of 3.50 or greater and rank in the top 10% of their upper level chemistry courses at the time of application.

Margaret and Jack Stites Pre-Pharmacy/Pharmacy Scholarship

  • Award: One to two (1-2) award(s). Recipients receive a monetary award, depending on how much money is in the account at the time of the award.
  • Criteria: Students must be enrolled at WIU and be pursuing the pre-pharmacy option in the Department of Chemistry and must have completed 30 semester hours by the conclusion of the spring semester. Preference will be given to applicants that have actual pharmacy experience. A minimum grade point average of 3.5 is required. Financial need is not a consideration.

Download the Margaret and Jack Stites Pre-Pharmacy/Pharmacy Scholarship Application (pdf) .

Applications along with any specific requirements for each award, should be returned to:
The Department of Chemistry, Western Illinois University
Currens Hall 214, One University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455