The science of sport in academia is the expert merging of two fields of high interest: competitive game and the reasoning behind it.
There are sports science scholarships for those going for the popular sports science major.
Sports science is still gaining momentum at many athletically-charged colleges and universities.
Topics such as nutrition and health, the psychology of competition, and the psychology of team-playing to fitness strategies are the spectrum of topics that might be covered under the umbrella of the sports science range.
The sports science field yields professionals who are interested in working with athletes at all levels in order to enrich the competitive experience and make them the best they can be.
The most sought after professionals you know work closely with elite athletes in order to increase and improve performance through an array of physical and psychological means.
The degree holders in sports science go on to jobs in everything fitness training and professional coaching.
There are sports science scholarships for thoughtfully and athletically minded students who are dedicated to the pursuit of sports science.
In this article, we will be looking at the top sports science scholarships.
The List of Schools for Sports Science Scholarships
- University of Kansas
- United States Sports Academy
- Texas Tech
- University of Southern Maine
- University of North Carolina – Greensboro
- Ohio University
- Clemson University
- Ithaca College
University of Kansas
The University of Kansas awards a couple of gender-specific prizes to those pursuing the study of sports.
Among some others offered both generally and in the department, the following scholarships are available to students in the Sports Sciences major:
1) Earl Falkenstein Scholarship, this scholarship is for students with superior academic records and who have demonstrated leadership abilities.
2) Joie Stapleton Scholarship is a scholarship awarded to female students in the sports sciences program.
High academic standards, strong character and leadership abilities are required.
3) Jack Wolfe Scholarship is a scholarship that is awarded to male students in the sports sciences program.
Eligible candidates are required to have superior academic records and must be active in extracurricular activities.
United States Sports Academy
With a tagline of “America’s Sports University” the US Sports Academy located in Daphne, Alabama has a mass of sports-related programs, which they deliver through classroom and distance learning, and that includes Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Sports Science.
Their listing of outside sports science scholarships is a useful resource for a student putting together their financial aid package for their degree.
The Academy is known to offer a few awards of its own, and that includes the Myles Brand Scholarship for full tuition in the Master’s level sports management program.
Those who apply for this award must turn in three letters of recommendation as well as a personal essay.
The Academy Wounded Warrior Scholarship pays fully for any program at the school, as long as the recipient served on active duty and was then honourably discharged someday after September 11, 2001.
Texas Tech University
The Department of Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences at Texas Tech University is a big-time pursuit for students.
At Texas Tech University, there are departmental scholarships both in the undergraduate and graduate departments.
Potential students can apply for all of these sports science scholarships at the same time, as well as a plethora of overall Texas Tech scholarships.
Eight awards are available to undergraduate students in the department, while four are available to graduates.
These scholarships generally:
- Must have at least a 3.0 GPA
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must demonstrate leadership capabilities
These there will be their strongest qualifiers. There is one scholarship just for females in the department – the Zella Riegal Hurffman Endowed Scholarship which is given to any woman studying Sports Sciences and who is an outstanding head of her field with top-notch academics.
University of Southern Maine
The University of Southern Maine is located in three cities as well as having a strong online presence as its campus, the University of Southern Maine seems almost ubiquitous to the state.
It has a robust and very broad Exercise, Health, and Sports Sciences department, with students going into careers ranging from nutritional research to physical therapy.
The department gives away three different sports science scholarships for its best students in Sports Sciences in amounts ranging from $500 to $1000.
Those who display remarkable prowess in the department and who keep a 3.0 GPA will receive a Departmental scholarship in varying amounts.
Also, students who agree to work in Maine to develop an understanding of the healthy physical body are eligible for the Blue Cross Anthem Health Professions award for $1000 if they keep a 3.25 GPA.
Finally, the Jesse Garbacik Memorial Scholarship for $500 is designed for those who show excellence in the area of Exercise Physiology.
These awards and scholarships can be applied for through the University of Southern Maine’s website.
University of North Carolina – Greensboro
The University of North Carolina-Greensboro provides many sports science scholarships for students in their robust Department of Exercise and Sports Science within its Kinesiology program.
The University of North Carolina – Greensboro is well equipped with both sports teams and sports and exercise-related academic pursuits.
Below is a selection of the awards for the department and they range from general to specific and vary in a monetary amount:
1) Kate Barrett Student Professional Development Award is an award given to a graduate student who has an outstanding academic record as well as a sincere dedication to sports science.
2) A senior student in the Department may qualify for the P.E. Class of ’75 Heilscher Teaching Scholarship, but, they must have plans to pursue teaching.
3) Mary Channing Coleman Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship that gives up to $1,000 to a notable graduating senior from the department.
4) Carol Jean Eiserer Memorial Scholarship is awarded to students who are from Montgomery County, Maryland. This award is given to a freshman.
5) Betty Flinchum International Study Award are for students to defray the cost of a study abroad program. The awards are up to $400.
Ohio University
Ohio University’s School of Recreation and Sports Pedagogy is a renowned department that holds the title of being the first graduate program in the country for sports administration.
They award a dozen different scholarships to students in the department.
Below is a selection from the list:
- Richard Wells Antle Memorial Scholarship
- Naomi Richey Parsons Memorial Scholarship
- Mrs J.E. Thackeray Memorial Scholarship
1) Richard Wells Antle Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship awarded to students based on all-around factors including financial need, individual character, and academic performance.
Naomi Richey Parsons Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship meant to recognize an outstanding female in the department.
Mrs J.E. Thackeray Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a student in the department and is based on the nominations of classmates. A student may not apply for this scholarship himself.
Clemson University
Once again, we turn to the southeast to find some of the best and most well-known sports sciences studies in the US.
The Markvan Bellamy Brooks Endowed Scholarship is funded by Clemson University in South Carolina through the Brooks Institute for Sports Science.
The prize is awarded to three undergraduate students and is $1000.
Applicants may be a major in any of the Institute’s degree programs but must have a GPA of 2.5 at least.
Ithaca College
The Dean William Koch Endowed Scholarship is a scholarship awarded to a student studying Sports Science at Ithaca College in New York.
This scholarship recognizes the top academic scholars in the program and is quite competitive.
While the demonstration of financial need is not necessary for this scholarship, a 3.5 GPA is.
Exercise Science Scholarships
1. AKA Undergraduate Scholar Awards
Deadline: March 1st
The American Kinesiology Association offers at least 30 Undergraduate Scholar Awards each year for varying amounts to bachelor’s students who are pursuing kinesiology-related degrees, including exercise science and exercise physiology. Eligible nominees must be seniors with 90+ college credits, attend AKA-member schools, display academic excellence with a 3.5 GPA or greater, and possess the personal qualities for professional leadership. Recent recipients study at Auburn, Seattle Pacific, SUNY-Brockport, and more.
Contact
AKA Undergraduate Scholar Awards
P.O. Box 5076
Champaign, IL 61825
(217) 351-1549
kims@hkusa.com
2. Betty Kimberling Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
At Colorado State University, the Betty Kimberling Memorial Scholarship awards $1,000 per year to three active Colorado 4-H members who are enrolled full-time in the Department of Health and Exercise Science. Suitable applicants will have finished their freshman year, carry a minimum “B” average, and contribute to public service. B.S. in Health and Exercise Science students could also snag the Attack Pack Scholarship or Ann Livingston Memorial Scholarship.
Contact
Betty Kimberling Memorial Scholarship
223C Moby B Complex
Fort Collins, CO 80523
(970) 491-7875
Barry.Braun@ColoState.edu
3. Carl V. Gisolfi Memorial Fund
Deadline: January 20th
Valued at $5,000, the Carl V. Gisolfi Memorial Fund honors the pioneer’s 50-year tenure with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) by supporting an outstanding doctoral student interested in exercise science. To qualify, current members must be attending accredited U.S. colleges full-time to complete Ph.D. dissertation research related to physical activity, such as thermoregulation, physiotherapy rehabilitation, blood dynamics, protein turnover, or fluid balance. Priority is given to proposals about minority health issues.
Contact
Carl V. Gisolfi Memorial Fund
401 West Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 637-9200
foundation@acsm.org
4. Clarkston Consulting Scholars Program
Deadline: January 15th
The Clarkston Consulting Scholars Program awards $5,000 per year for $10,000 total to college juniors and seniors with life sciences majors studying living organisms, including exercise science. Applying sophomores must attend an accredited four-year university in Pennsylvania, be U.S. citizens or nationals, sustain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and display merit at an in-person interview in Philadelphia. Applications are incomplete without a 500-word essay detailing an essay affecting the Keystone State’s health industry.
Contact
Clarkston Consulting Scholars Program
2655 Meridian Parkway
Durham, NC 27713
(800) 652-4274
scholarship@clarkstonconsulting.com
5. David McHugh BHH Scholarship
Deadline: April 30th, June 30th, and October 30th
Banner Heart Hospital in Mesa launched the David McHugh BHH Scholarship in 2006 after the gifted exercise physiologist died unexpectedly at age 29. Three times annually, the merit-based fund provides $1,000 to full-time students at any Arizona State University campus who are studying cardiac rehabilitation, exercise science, nutrition, and health promotion. Eligibility criteria requires holding a 3.0 GPA or higher, having unmet financial need, and displaying commitment to wellness.
Contact
David McHugh BHH Scholarship
6750 E. Baywood Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85206
(602) 747-7100
6. Dr. John H. Williams Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
At Appalachian State University, the Dr. John H. Williams Memorial Scholarship is one of six scholarships housed in the Department of Health & Exercise Science for full-time undergrads. The merit-based, $1,115 award suits rising juniors and seniors in the Exercise Science program with a major in health promotion. Upperclassmen should reside in North Carolina, excel with a 3.0 GPA minimum, exhibit unmet financial need, and show substantial involvement in clubs or professional organizations.
Contact
Dr. John H. Williams Memorial Scholarship
287 Rivers Street
Boone, NC 28608
(828) 262-8487
levydl@appstate.edu
7. EAAT Hippotherapy Scholarship
Deadline: December 1st
The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) offers the EAAT Hippotherapy Scholarship for $10,000 annually to support active members who are majoring in physical therapy, exercise science, kinesiology, speech-language pathology, sports studies, and similar fields. Qualified candidates must matriculate full-time at accredited four-year colleges, attain an overall GPA over 2.5, be committed to careers applying equine-assisted therapy, and have volunteer experience helping the handicapped.
Contact
EAAT Hippotherapy Scholarship
1600 Quarter Horse Drive
Amarillo, TX 79104
(806) 376-4811
foundation@aqha.org
8. Elsie Jobe & Jewell Nolen Scholarship
Deadline: December 15th
In the College of Education, Tennessee Technological University confers seven exercise science scholarships, such as the Elsie Jobe & Jewell Nolen Memorial Scholarship. Current graduate students fully admitted into the Online M.A. in Exercise Science, Physical Education and Wellness (MA-EXPW) program with 9+ credits and a minimum 3.5 QPA could qualify. Applications via ScholarWeb must include a curriculum vitae, transcript, goals statement, and record of public service.
Contact
Elsie Jobe & Jewell Nolen Scholarship
1 William L. Jones Drive
Cookeville, TN 38505
(931) 372-3467
CKillman@tntech.edu
9. Germaine G. Guiot Scholarship Fund
Deadline: December 5th
The College of Human Sciences at Iowa State University in Ames manages the Germaine G. Guiot Scholarship Fund to bestow $1,000 upon full-time undergraduate kinesiology majors in the exercise science concentration. Eligible sophomores and juniors must have at least three semesters remaining, achieve high academic standing with a 3.25 GPA or better, display service in departmental clubs, and need financial assistance. There’s also the Cheri Goslar/Cap and Tippy Timm Scholarship available.
Contact
Germaine G. Guiot Scholarship Fund
534 Wallace Road
Ames, IA 50011
(515) 294-8009
kinesiology@iastate.edu
10. Indiana Tech Exercise Science Scholarship
Deadline: January 15th
Worth $15,000, Indiana Tech University’s Exercise Science Leadership Scholarship is granted yearly to incoming freshmen or transfers who will be pursuing the traditional Exercise Science B.S. program full-time. Chosen applicants must be permanent U.S. residents, hold a high school diploma or GED, carry a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, score at least 1170 on the SAT or 24 on the ACT, and continue maintaining a minimum “C+” average.
Contact
Indiana Tech Exercise Science Scholarship
1600 E. Washington Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46803
(800) 937-2448 ext. 2334
financialaid@indianatech.edu
11. Joan Sanders Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
The Exercise Science Department at Fort Lewis College established the Joan Sanders Memorial Scholarship to gift $500 per year of $1,000 total to rising juniors who are completing the bachelor’s degree in exercise science with optional coaching certification. Eligible FLC Skyhawks must study full-time with 12+ credits, achieve a minimum “B” average, play intramural sports, and participate in departmental activities like the Annual 10K Race.
Contact
Joan Sanders Memorial Scholarship
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-7632
knightmalo_m@fortlewis.edu
12. Linda Craig Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Created by NBA athletic trainers David Craig and Dr. John Abrams, the Linda Craig Memorial Scholarship presents $2,000 annually through the Indiana Pacers Foundation, Inc. to support tomorrow’s leading sports medical staff. Declared majors in sports medicine, kinesiology, athletic training, exercise science, and physical therapy would be appropriate. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens, have completed at least one quarter at an accredited four-year college, obtain a 3.0 GPA or better, and display integrity.
Contact
Linda Craig Memorial Scholarship
125 S. Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 917-2864
Foundation@pacers.com
13. Mary and Bill Hill Leadership Scholarship
Deadline: August 1st
At West Texas A&M University, the Mary and Bill Hill Leadership Scholarship awards $1,000 annually to full-time sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are matriculated in the B.A./B.S. Sports and Exercise Sciences Major. Qualified recipients must be peer educators through PULSE, concentrate in exercise science or applied sport, practice holistic wellness in their lives, and possess a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or greater. Also consider the Ryan Strong Memorial Scholarship.
Contact
Mary and Bill Hill Leadership Scholarship
2501 Fourth Avenue
Canyon, TX 79016
(806) 651-2382
lstrong@wtamu.edu
14. NSCA High School Scholarships
Deadline: March 15th
The National Strength & Conditioning Association distributes $1,500 High School Scholarships to graduating fitness buffs who will choose college majors in relevant fields, such as exercise science or kinesiology. Current NSCA members must be accepted at accredited U.S. colleges, reach a minimum 3.0 GPA, display career interests in strength and conditioning, have a track record of community service, and be supported by three signed recommendation letters.
Contact
NSCA High School Scholarships
1885 Bob Johnson Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(800) 815-6826
nsca@nsca.com
15. Roger Kerns Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 1st
Pledged in 2013, the Roger Kerns Scholarship Fund is administered by the Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences (HNES) Department at North Dakota State University for $1,000. Each year, full-time upperclassmen pursuing their bachelor’s degree in dietetics, exercise science, health education, physical education, or sport management are selected. Eligible undergrads must take 12+ graded credits, hold a cumulative GPA above 2.7, participate in NDSU clubs, and attend the Honor’s Day celebration.
Contact
Roger Kerns Scholarship Fund
1310 Centennial Blvd.
Fargo, ND 58102
(701) 231-8211
Yeong.rhee@ndsu.edu
16. Ronald W. Hyatt Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 31st
Named for the former NCAAHPERD President who taught for 40+ years, the Ronald W. Hyatt Scholarship Program at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill awards $2,500 yearly to full-time exercise and sport science majors. Interested juniors must be United States citizens, have completed 27 or more credits in residence, have passed two EXSS courses with a “B” or better, maintain a minimum 3.6 GPA overall, and submit an original 500-word personal essay.
Contact
Ronald W. Hyatt Scholarship Program
209 Fetzer Hall, CB#8700
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
(919) 962-2021
ach@email.unc.edu
17. Scott and Kim Verplank Scholarships
Deadline: April 15th
The Scott and Kim Verplank Foundation was started by a PGA Tour veteran and his wife to award $10,000 scholarships graduating high school seniors who have been diagnosed with Type 1 juvenile diabetes. Exercise science majors could qualify if they successfully manage their blood sugar with proper diet and fitness. Other scholarship criteria includes being a U.S. citizen, gaining admission at accredited four-year schools, participating in organized athletics, and reaching a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Contact
Scott and Kim Verplank Scholarships
2401 Tee Circle Suite 103
Norman, OK 73069
(405) 360-2282
info@verplankfoundation.com
18. Thunderbird Community Sports Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
The Kent Community Foundation awards the Thunderbird Community Sports Scholarship for $1,500 to financially support Washington locals who are studying sports-related majors, such as exercise science, physical therapy, athletic training, and sports management. Residents of Kent County can use funding for tuition at any accredited two- or four-year U.S. college. Don’t forget to submit a signed application, official transcript, 500-word personal goals essay, and two recommendation letters.
Contact
Thunderbird Community Sports Scholarship
P.O. Box 5493
Kent, WA 98064
(206) 786-1546
scholarships@kentcf.com
19. Virginia Morris Merit Scholarship
Deadline: January 30th
At the University of Oklahoma, juniors and seniors matriculated full-time in the Department of Health and Exercise Science can compete for the $500 Virginia Morris Merit Scholarship. To succeed, eligible applicants must pursue a Bachelor of Science with the HES major, have completed at least 60 course credits, retained a minimum 3.25 GPA combined, pursue a career in exercise-related education, and submit a one-page, typed experience statement.
Contact
Virginia Morris Merit Scholarship
1000 Asp Avenue, Room 127
Norman, OK 73019
(405) 325-5539
mdenney@ou.edu
20. Y.T. Johnson Science Scholarships
Deadline: December 1st
Annually, two Y.T. Johnson Science Scholarships are presented by Augustana University in Sioux Falls to gift $1,500 to high school seniors interested in scientific majors, including exercise science, athletic training, and fitness management. Incoming freshmen should be offered Early Admission, present an academic average of 3.5 or higher, attain a minimum ACT score of 25 or SAT equivalent, be supported by a secondary science teacher, and upload a career objectives essay.
Contact
Y.T. Johnson Science Scholarships
2001 S. Summit Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57197
(605) 274-5516
admission@augie.edu
Athletic Scholarships Canada
In Canada, USport athletes are eligible to receive an athletic scholarship in September of their first year at a university provided they have a minimum entering academic average of 80% or its equivalent.
Athletes who do not meet those requirements, may earn an athletic scholarship at the end of the first year at a university in spring or summer, provided they satisfy CIS academic requirements, having at least a 65% academic average. Find out more HERE.
Note: There is an ongoing, 5-year, High-Performance Women’s Hockey pilot project going on.
Players may receive an athletic scholarship that can cover up to the cost of their tuition and compulsory fees, as well as room and board.
SO there is the POTENTIAL in the near future of full scholarships being available in Canada as they are in the NCAA.
More On Sports Science Scholarships
If you’ve exhausted this list of these sports science scholarships, you must know that these public and private sports sciences departments are not a comprehensive list of awards available to you, but just an example of what you can find through research and a thorough exploration of the offerings in the universities around the world.
There are other resources that you might want to keep in mind beyond these – be sure to take a look at the United States Sports Academy as one example of an information centre that will serve to bring you to other leads and funding.
The best step to take is to get in touch with the sports science department of the institution you plan to study, in to check the available sports science scholarships.
Nearly all universities in the United States and Canada have some form of sports science scholarships.
That’s not all, your local community centres, athletic associations and sports teams are getting in contact with.
Women, especially, may be able to find unique and valuable aids, like the award at Texas Tech or the Nix Health Foundation and Sports Medicine Center, because of their under-representation in the field.
Therefore, go all out, and see what opportunities are there for you. Do you know other sports science scholarships? Please share with our readers.
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