Department of Physics Scholarships
The Department of Physics offers departmental scholarships as well as NASA scholarships.
An up-to-date list of scholarships available to physics majors can be found here.
You can apply for Department of Physics scholarships on the FHSU scholarships page here. By filling out the FHSU scholarship application, you will be considered for our departmental scholarships, as well as for any other FHSU scholarship for which you qualify. Note that the priority deadline is November 15, and the final deadline is February 15. Be sure to read the requirements for each scholarship.
The Department of Physics also offers NASA Scholarships to multiple recipients each year. Explore the information below, or print an information sheet (PDF). Applications from physics majors, as well as 2+2 and 3+2 pre-engineering students, are welcome! The NASA scholarship is not available for transfer students.
NASA Scholar Program
$12,000
The Department of Physics at Fort Hays State University is pleased to announce the NASA Scholar scholarship program. This scholarship is made possible through the Kansas Space Grant Consortium* and is intended to promote the study of physics and engineering by outstanding undergraduates.
The NASA Scholar grant is in the amount of $3000 per year ($1500 per semester) in addition to any other scholarships received at Fort Hays State University. This scholarship will be renewable for up to four years for students who choose to study physics, pre-engineering, or physical science at FHSU. A NASA Scholar must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a four-point scale. NASA Scholars will also be required to enroll in at least one physics course, which counts toward their major each semester after their freshman year, and they will be expected to engage in undergraduate research during their junior and senior years, if not earlier.
Students with outstanding academic records are encouraged to apply for this scholarship.
The application consists of:- A letter describing the student's future career plans and academic goals within the fields of physics, engineering, or physical science teaching.
This is a competitive process, as the number of scholarships available is limited. Please email your application letter to: physics@fhsu.edu
Further questions regarding the NASA Scholar program, research opportunities, or general questions about the Department of Physics should be directed to:
Dr. Gavin D. BuffingtonDepartment of Physics
Phone: (785) 628-4271
Email: physics@fhsu.edu
*Scholarship funding contingent upon KSGC grant status
Robert N. Munsell Pre-Engineering Scholarship
$5000
The Robert N. Munsell scholarship is a $5,000 scholarship established in 2019. The scholarship aims to support up to two* students majoring in the Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics, preferably majoring in pre-engineering. Students receiving the award must meet the qualifications below and may re-apply for the scholarship.
Minimum Qualifications
- Full-time, an on-campus student in the Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics majoring in Physics.
- 3.0 GPA or above
Preferred Qualifications
- Pre-engineering major
- Graduated from a Kansas High School
To apply for the scholarship, the student should write a short letter (no more than 1 page) addressing the following:
- What are your future career plans?
- What is the greatest challenge(s) you have faced majoring in a difficult field?
- If majoring in pre-engineering, what are your plans for transferring to an engineering school?
- Apply online by completing the General Application at https://fhsu.academicworks.com/users/sign_in
Email your application letter to physics@fhsu.edu with the subject line: “Robert N. Munsell Scholarship Application"
Caprez Family Physics
$500 (typically contingent on available funds)
Applicants must major in physics, be citizens of the United States, have a 3.0 GPA, and qualify for financial assistance. There is the first preference for a graduate of a Kansas high school in western Kansas (west of US Highways 81, 135, and 35).
- Supplemental Questions
- Are you a Kansas high school graduate in western Kansas (west of US Highways 81, I-35, and 35)?
- Apply online by completing the General Application at
Harvey A. Zinszer Physics
$500 (typically contingent on available funds)
Applicants must be majoring in Physics.
- Must major in Physics
- Apply online by completing the General Application at
Roger & Ruth Pruitt Physics
$1,000 (typically contingent on available funds)
Criteria for scholarship recipients will include a preference for deserving students with a minimum 3.0 grade point average. The scholarship shall be renewable if the recipients maintain the criteria.
- Must be a Physics or Pre-Engineering major
- Must have a 3.0 GPA
- Apply online by completing the General Application at
Dr. Maurice Witten Memorial Scholarship
$500 (typically contingent on available funds)
- Must be junior or senior
- Must have a 3.0 GPA
- Preference is given to a student working to become a Physics teacher
- Apply online by completing the General Application at