Scholarships and Grants for Masters in Science Students

As a masters in science student, there are a number of scholarships and grants you can use to help pay for your education. Both of these options award students with “free” money for school – unlike student loans, you don’t have to repay scholarships or grants. Let’s take a look at some of the options available if you want to earn an advanced degree:

Science, Mathematics, And Research for Transformation Defense Scholarship for Research Program (SMART)

The SMART scholarship program awards 300 students in undergraduate and graduate programs money to completely pay for tuition, along with up to $41,000 as a stipend to pay for expenses. This program also provides money for medical insurance, books, and more, and any masters in science student is eligible to apply (math, engineering, and technology students are also eligible).

NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program (GSRP)

If you’re entering a masters in science program that focuses on space, the NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program might be a good option for you. Given to 180 students annually, this program awards students with $30,000 per year and is renewable for up to three years. As part of this program, you’ll also participate in a 10 week NASA Center research program.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Fellowship

If you’re interested in environmental science, you can apply for one of the 120 annual awards from the EPA, which funds master’s degree students for up to two years (and doctorate students for up to four years). If awarded this money, you’ll be given $37,000 per year for tuition, school-related expenses, and a stipend.

Other Funds for Science Students

Because science is such a large field and organizations want to encourage students to choose this educational route, there is virtually no limit to scholarships and grants available for students. In addition to the popular programs listed above, some other scholarships and grants you can consider include the following: Hertz Fellowship, National Science Foundation Alan T. Waterman Award, Georgia Engineering Foundation Scholarship, National Physical Science Consortium (NPSC) Fellowship, U.S. Department of Energy Global Change Program (GREF), M.W. Welch International Scholarship, American Society of Naval Engineers Scholarship, Raymond Davis Scholarship, and Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship. You can also find scholarships and grants directly from your college in many cases.

Top Online Master's Degrees in Science

The master's of science degrees listed below are offered by the top online colleges that have received official accreditation. Degrees confered through 100% online study are available in the subjects of computer science, engineering, biotechnology, aviation, science education, space studies, and more. Peruse the list below to request additional information from each school.

Master of Natural Resources MS: Science & Math Edu.	Oregon State University – Oregon State's Master of Natural Resources degree and Master of Science degree in science & mathematics education both explore the examination and education of complex natural resource issues. Join an award winning science community at one of the nation's preeminent scholarly centers studying fisheries, wildlife, forestry, rangeland, and water resources.
Master of Aviation Science	Everglades University – The Master of Aviation Science degree from Everglades University offers aviation specialists an opportunity to significantly augment their knowledge of the aerospace industry and aviation community. Students will gain a mastery of the field of aviation in the broad-based program that centers on technical aviation coursework that will include analysis of transportation systems, airport operations, aerospace communications systems, aerospace logistics, aircraft simulation, advanced crew resource management procedures, aerospace systems safety, and advanced security and safety program management.
MS: Imaging Science	Rochester Institute of Technology – RIT's MS in Imaging Science degree prepares its students for positions in research in the imaging industry or in the application of various imaging modalities to problems in engineering and science. The program emphasizes a systems approach to the study of imaging science. The course work comprises of the physics and chemistry of radiation-sensitive materials and processes, the applications of physical and geometrical optics to electro-optical systems, the mathematical evaluation of image forming systems, and the statistics of experimental design and quality control.
MS: Science Education	University of Massachusetts – This MS degree in Science Education combines the expertise of educators ranging from science faculty from the University of Massachusetts to K-12 teachers in establishing a pro-science curriculum that is inquiry-based and has strong hands-on components. The degree was created jointly by UMass Amherst and UMass Lowell faculty in Education, Science, and Engineering. Upon completion of this program, participants will earn a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree, and may be eligible for Massachusetts Professional Licensure.
MS: GIS & Technology	University of Southern California – Southern Cal offers an MS in Geographic Information Science & Technology (GIST) through their online program. This degree equips its students with the fundamntal skills to cope with increasing GIST data complexity and more robust computer applications for GIST analysis, suitable for professions in real estate, telecommunications, government, infrastructure development, and more.
MS in Electrical Engineering MS: Computer Science	DeVry University – DeVry University prides itself in giving its students a competitive edge in such complex fields as engineering and computer science. The MS in Electrical Engineering will further your engineering education in analyzing, designing and developing computer and electronic systems. The MS in Computer Science is another program that provides for flexibility with onsite and online learning, and also 10 choice concentrations ranging from Information Security to Health Management Systems.
MS: Space Studies	American Military University – Space technology and advancements have made great impact on today's world. This degree will explore how space is connected to politics, economics, commercial industry, law, and various scientific and operational issues associated with space. The Master of Science in Space Studies Program gives students the education and tools to make further breakthroughs and overcome future challenges in the field of space exploration and technology.
MS: Biotech Mgmt MS: Biosecurity MS: Bioinformatics MS: Environmental Mgmt	University of Maryland University College – The University of Maryland offers several different Masters degrees pertaining to Biotechnology including Biotechology Management, Biosecruity & Biodefense, Bioinformatics, and Environmental Management. In Biotechnology Management, students will get a broader understanding of how their managerial and executive roles are an integral part of shaping their industry while teaching them the skills to make the indispensable to their respective companies. Biosecurity & Biodefense focuses on homeland security and how information technology can be used to deter the threat of bioterrorism. Bioinformatics is geared towards learning the broader application of analysis and managerial skills needed to climb the ranks in business or working in government. Students in the Environmental Management program are given the opportunity to learn managerial skills of how to function in various environments and to be successful in each situation.
MS: Software Engineering	University of Liverpool – This MS in Software Engineering program is designed for give students a comprehensive understanding of the engineering principles required to develop the correct application first time. The degree will cover all the classical aspects of the software development process which include concept, design, testing, QA and implementation. Ranking among the top 10 eLearning institutions in the world, University of Liverpool provides flexibility and reputable education that is completely accessible online.
MBA: Computer Science	Northcentral University – This MBA in Computer Science degree program presents prospective managers with practical abstract modern theory and practice in each of the key areas of managerial responsibility. Students are encouraged to apply the theory learned in the classroom and problem solve via the use of computers in practical business situations for a uniquely rewarding and educational experience. The curriculum is designed to provide preparation for professional careers in the areas of Software and Network Administration. A bachelor's degree or its equivalent is necessary to apply to this program.
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