Who wouldn’t want to follow clues, solve crimes? Or, bring crooks to justice for a living?
Academically, criminology majors mix psychology, forensics, and law courses to prepare themselves for their careers. For example, you can go to work in law enforcement or criminal law. With so many aspiring criminologists out there, the major can get very competitive. Therefore, some students might find themselves looking for ways to stand out.
One way to separate yourself from the pack is through a scholarship or award. In particular, showcasing your academic potential. Here are a few criminology major scholarships:
Gene Carte Student Paper Competition
Amount: $1,000
Deadlines: April 15, 2020
The American Society of Criminology is one of the nation’s premier organizations that promote the field as an area of academic study. The ASC sponsors a yearly writing contest to reward the best and the brightest. The association named the scholarship after the late Gene Carte. Carte was a former ASC chair who was tragically killed during a robbery in the seventies. Prior to this, he dedicated his life to crime-solving technique development. To honor him, the ASC awards $500 (plus an additional $500 travel grant) to a student each year.
Papers are capped at 7,500 words. Additionally, the paper needs to be directly related to criminology. Furthermore, essays are judged on “the quality of the conceptualization, significance of the topic, clarity and aptness of methods, quality of the writing, command of relevant work in the field, and contribution to criminology.”
Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadlines: June 1, 2020
Many scholarships and awards are named for Dr. King. Similarly, this scholarship also honors his lifelong commitment to peace and nonviolence. Thus, the American Correctional Association offers the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship to rewards students who demonstrate the strength of character and academic achievements.
Open to minority students who plan to study criminal justice, the scholarship has a few requirements. First, the scholarship application asks for a 250-word essay that explores Dr. King’s ideals and how each student honors his mission of peace. Additionally, current ACA members need to nominate students and “sponsor” their efforts.
Paul Janosky Criminal Justice Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadlines: May 1, 2020
Available to those in Miami-Dade, Broward or Monroe Counties in Florida, this scholarship rewards aspiring students of criminal justice. Specifically, those who are law enforcement officials’ children in those counties. These students are eligible to apply for a $1,000 scholarship. The scholarship will help pay their way through college. However, they must maintain a 2.5 GPA and include a transcript.
The award is sponsored by the Police Officer Assistance Trust (POAT), which supports the greater Miami law enforcement community and their families. Thus, this scholarship helps a new generation of Floridians pursue their interests in criminal law.
Want to find more criminology major scholarships? For starters, look on the internet and through scholarship databases. Alternatively, ask your high school counselor or college’s financial aid office. As another potential source, check to see if there are local scholarship opportunities. There are plenty of criminology major scholarships out there for you to find! Remember, there’s no such thing as applying for too many scholarships. Of course, make sure the scholarships fit you.
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