PO Box 3262
Delta State University
Cleveland, MS  38733
662-846-4240

Scholarships for Science Majors



A number of scholarships are available to Delta State students who major in the sciences. Students of all majors are eligible for university scholarships. Division scholarships are designated for science majors and have specific requirements that vary with each award. These requirements are explained below.

To apply for any science-specific scholarship, download and print the scholarship application form, complete it, and return it to The Division of Biological and Physical Sciences, Box 3262, Delta State University, Cleveland, MS 38733. Special application procedures apply to some scholarships. Details are explained in the descriptions below. Scholarship applications must be submitted by March 1st to be considered for the upcoming fall semester.

Download a scholarship application...

University Scholarships

Delta State University is proud to recognize students who have achieved academic excellence. We offer a variety of competitive scholarships including: ACT, National Merit finalist and semi-finalist, Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and Phi Theta Kappa. Contact the Admissions Office for additional details on university scholarships. The award amounts listed below are for the 2008-2009 academic year.

Scholarships awarded to first-time freshmen

These scholarships do not require an application. Awards will be made once the final transcript has been received from the high school.

ACT/SAT scholarships
ACT range SAT range Total award Award per year
21-23 980-1080 $2,000 $500
24-25 1090-1160 4,000 1,000
26-27 1170-1230 5,600 1,400
28-29 1240-1310 7,200 1,800
30-31 1320-1400 10,400 2,600
32-36 1410-1600 14,400 3,600
National Merit scholarships
Finalist   $20,000 $5,000
Semi-finalist   $12,000 $3,000
Valedictorian/Salutatorian (One year only)
Valedictorian   $1000
Salutatorian   $500

Freshmen scholarship guidelines include:

  • A minimum 3.00 non-weighted cumulative high school GPA is required.
  • The ACT/SAT composite from a national test prior to enrollment is acceptable; super-scoring is not acceptable.
  • Scholarships are renewable for a maximum of four years.
  • Consecutive enrollment, a cumulative GPA of 3.00, and completion of 30 semester hours per academic year must be maintained.
  • Scholarships are not available for summer sessions.
  • Dismissal from the University for any reason will result in forfeiture of any University scholarship.
  • The number of available scholarships may be limited.

Scholarships awarded to community college students

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships

These scholarships are available to Phi Theta Kappa members transferring a minimum of 60 academic semester hours. Students who have attended a community college only will be considered for this scholarship. The PTK scholarship is a total award of $6,200, payable $1,550 for four consecutive semesters. This scholarship is renewable after the first year provided the student has completed 30 semester hours and maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.00.

Community College Department Chair Scholarships

One scholarship is available for each DSU major from each community college. To be eligible, students must be transferring a minimum of 60 academic semester hours, and must be recommended by the chair of their major department at the community college. Biology, chemistry, or environmental science majors may apply for this scholarship by requesting that their community college department chair submit a letter of recommendation to the Chair of the Division of Biological and Physical Sciences.

Science Division Scholarships

The following scholarships are available to majors in the sciences. Funds for these scholarships are provided by the generosity of former DSU science graduates, faculty, and other friends of the Division of Biological and Physical Sciences. Once awarded, students will continue to receive the scholarship in subsequent years, as long as they continue to maintain the specified qualifications. Award amounts may vary slightly from year to year.

Melvin F. Cohen Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1988 as a memorial tribute to Melvin F. Cohen, a 1950 graduate of Delta State University by his Dr. Cohen's sister, Louise Cohen Chiz of Shaw, Mississippi, and her three children.
Qualifications: Awarded to an outstanding biology major who demonstrates excellence in scholarship (3.0 GPA or higher).
Number awarded: 1/year, Typical amount: $500/year.

Dr. Robert L. Elliott and Dr. Mary C. Elliott Scholarship

Established by Dr. Robert L. Elliott and Dr. Mary C. Elliott in 1992 to as one component of their "Excellence in Science" program. Recipients, known as "Elliott Scholars", receive a supplementary scholarship in an amount necessary to assure full coverage of tuition, fees, room and board, and a book allowance.
Qualifications: Awarded to a full time biology or chemistry major with good character and GPA of 3.5 or higher. Nominees must be recommended to the Elliott Committee by a biological or physical science faculty member. There is a special application procedure for this scholarship. Contact the Division office for details.
Number awarded: varies, Typical amount: varies

Ferretti-Karnstedt Premedical Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2004 by Mr. and Mrs. John Feretti, and is designated for pre-medical students majoring in the sciences.
Qualifications: Awarded to full-time premedical majors in the Division of Biological and Physical Sciences who displays excellent academic potential (GPA 3.0 or higher).
Number awarded: 1/year, Typical amount: $500/year.

Dr. R.T. and Kathryn M. Hollingsworth Scholarship

Dr. R.T. and Kathryn M. Hollingsworth established this scholarship to support pre-medical students.
Qualifications: Awarded to a junior or senior pre-medical student from the North Bolivar County School district who demonstrates excellence in scholarship (3.0 GPA or higher). North Bolivar School district includes Shelby, Duncan, Alligator, Hushpuckena. If no students from that district meet the requirements, the award will be presented to another qualifying student.
Number awarded: 1/year, Typical amount: $250/year.

Melbourne Miller Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1998 in memory of Melbourne Miller, a former professor in the Department of Biological Sciences.
Qualifications: Awarded to a full-time biology education major in good academic standing (3.0 GPA or higher).
Number awarded: 1/year, Typical amount: $400/year.

Johnny Drew Ouzts Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Johnny Drew Ouzts, former professor and chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, Associate Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, and Delta State alumnus.
Qualifications: Awarded to a biology or environmental science major demonstrating excellence in character and scholarship (GPA 3.0 or above) with a sincere interest in agricultural applications of biology.
Number awarded: 1/year, Typical amount: $500/year.

Jimmy Sanders Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1975 by Jimmy Sanders, an alumnus of Delta State.
Qualifications: Awarded to full-time undergraduate students from the following majors: biology, chemistry, environmental science, accounting, computer information systems, general business administration, management, or marketing. Candiates must have demonstrated academic achievement and leadership ability and be of good moral character.
Number awarded: 2/year, Typical amount: $1000/year.

I. Dean Spradling Science Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2001 by I. Dean Spradling, a science alumnus of Delta State, and is supported through the Excellence in Science Fund which was initiated by Mr. Spradling.
Qualifications: Awarded to a science major on the basis of need, initiative, character, and scholarship (3.0 GPA or higher).
Number awarded: 2/year, Typical amount: $500/year.

W. Wayne Walley Premedical Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2001 by DSU science alumni who completed medical degrees at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. It was established in recognition of Dr. Walley's 20 years of service as Pre-health Advisor, Professor, and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences.
Qualifications: Awarded to a full-time premedical biology major who displays good character, and excellent academic potential (ACT of 29 or higher or GPA of 3.6 or higher).
Number awarded: 2/year, Typical amount: $500/year.

Thelma Blount Wells Pre-Medical Scholarship

Established in memory of Thelma Blount Wells, a Cleveland resident and registered nurse, to support female pre-medical students
Qualifications: Awarded to female pre-medical students in good academic standing (3.0 GPA or higher).
Number awarded: 1/year, Typical amount: $500/year.

Jesse White Science Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1979 by alumni and friends in honor of Dr. Jesse White who served on the Delta State faculty as Professor of Biology and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences. This scholarship may be used as an annual scholarship or stipend for advanced study.
Qualifications: Awarded to a current science major on the basis of scholarship, character, and need.
Number awarded: 2/year, Typical amount: $500/year.

Download a scholarship application...



Delta State University > Arts and Sciences > DSU Sciences > Scholarships

Division of Biological and Physical Sciences
Delta State University, Cleveland, MS 38733

This page is maintained by John Tiftickjian
and was last modified February 19, 2009


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