Forensic Science and Investigation Scholarships in 2024

National Forensic Science Scholarships

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship & Excellence in Education Program

Established by Congress in 1986, this scholarship honors the legacy of Senator Barry M. Goldwater and his 56 years of service as a soldier and statesman. It is considered the most prestigious undergraduate award in America for research in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. While forensic science is not an explicitly stated pathway for this award, many related fields are chemistry and biology. The Foundation plans to award approximately 450 scholarships in 2024.

• Amount: $7,500 per year
• Deadline: January 2024 (estimated)
• Who Should Apply: Applicants must be fully matriculated sophomores or juniors, with a GPA of 3.0 or better, who are pursuing a research career in a major confirmed by the Goldwater Foundation. Applicants are nominated by a Goldwater campus representative at the academic institution they are currently attending.

Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program

This scholarship program was named after Larry Jennings and Tracy Ritchie, both members of the ACFE. They were among 5 people who were fatally wounded when terrorists in Karachi, Pakistan fired upon their vehicle. They were en route to Union Texas’ Karachi office. Through this scholarship, the ACFE Foundation supports the education of those interested in pursuing a career in fraud examination.

• Amount: $10,000, $7,500, $5,000 and $2,000
• Deadline: February 5, 2024
• Who Should Apply: Applicants must be enrolled full-time at an accredited, four-year college or university. They must have a declared major or minor in criminal justice, business administration, accounting, or finance and demonstrate a desire to pursue a career in fraud examination or a similar anti-fraud profession.

Sandy Jeffers Memorial Scholarship

University of Tennessee’s College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Anthropology offers the Sandy Jeffers Memorial Scholarship to honor Sandy Jeffers, who was admitted to the MA program in anthropology at the University of Tennessee, where she completed her undergraduate degree in 2003. Because of her interests, Sandy’s family established this award for supporting undergraduate students studying forensic anthropology or historic archaeology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline: April 2024 (estimated)
• Who Should Apply: To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be undergraduates enrolled in the University of Tennessee’s College of Arts and Sciences with a concentration of study in forensic anthropology or historic archaeology. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and academic achievement. Previous winners are not eligible to apply.

The AFTE Scholarship Program

The Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) is an international professional organization for firearm and tool mark examiners. It publishes a peer-reviewed scientific journal, hosts a variety of resources on its website, and holds an annual training seminar that acts as a forum for presentations, workshops, networking, and discussion. This scholarship is awarded annually to students seeking a forensic science career.

• Amount: Up to $2,000
• Deadline: April 1, 2024
• Who Should Apply: Undergraduate and graduate students worldwide working towards a forensic science degree may apply. Undergraduate applicants must be in their third year of study, and all applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or better. Preference will be given to candidates working on projects related to the examination of firearms and tool marks.

The Floyd E. McDonald Scholarship

The Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (SWAFS) is a nonprofit society of professionals who work in the scientific examination of physical evidence. Its goals are to connect forensic scientists, improve forensic techniques, exchange best practices, encourage academic research, and keep SWAFS members informed about innovations in the field.

The SWAFS Floyd E. McDonald scholarship encourages studies that prepare them for a career in forensic science.

• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline: April 1, 2024
• Who Should Apply: Applicants pursuing a career in forensic science through a chemistry, biology, or natural science degree can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be of at least junior standing and have a 3.0 GPA or better. It is not open to relatives of board or scholarship committee members.

SOFT Educational Research Award

Officially incorporated in 1983, the Society of Forensic Toxicologists is an organization composed of practicing forensic toxicologists and those interested in the discipline for the purpose of promoting and developing forensic toxicology. The SOFT Educational Research Award was created to encourage academic research and training in areas related to forensic toxicology and to recognize worthy student researchers. This award is to be used by students for travel expenses to attend the Annual SOFT Meeting for the purpose of presenting their research.

• Amount: $2,500 plus basic meeting registration
• Deadline: First Friday in April
• Who Should Apply: Applicants for this award must be enrolled in a master’s, pre-doctoral, post-doctoral, or medical residency academic program and performing toxicological research. The research should emphasize drug absorption/distribution/elimination, drug detection/quantitation, drugs and human performance, or related areas of forensic toxicology.

Johnson-Whyte Memorial Foundation Fund

The International Association for Identification (IAI) has established this charitable foundation fund to promote research and education in forensic identification. This scholarship was established in memory of Robert L. Johnson of the U.S. Secret Service. He was instrumental in forming the International Association for Identification (IAI) Latent Print Certification Board and served as its first Chairman.

• Amount: Varies
• Deadline: June 1, 2024
• Who Should Apply: Applicants for this scholarship must be enrolled in a full-time course at a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) accredited university or college. The degree must be related to employment in the field of Forensic Identification. Undergraduate applicants must be seniors or juniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The George H. Robinson Memorial Scholarship

The Chesapeake Bay Division of the International Association for Identification (CBD-IAI) is a nonprofit organization that acts as a regional arm of the world’s oldest and largest forensic association. They offer certification programs for various forensic science disciplines and host seminars and conferences in the area.

The George H. Robinson Memorial Scholarship is for recognizing criminal justice and forensic science students. It is awarded to selected students, who receive a certificate and a scholarship grant.

• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline: August 2024 (estimated)
• Who Should Apply: Students pursuing a degree in forensic science or criminal justice are the focus of this scholarship. Applicants must have a 2.5 or better GPA, and undergraduate candidates must be of sophomore standing or higher. Awards are presented annually at the CBD-IAI’s Spring Educational Conference.

Regional & School-Specific Forensic Science Scholarships

Jed Moses Fulmer Memorial Scholarship

The Jed Moses Fulmer Memorial Scholarship is offered by the Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF), which has been putting donor investments to work in Johnson County since 1991. Offering dozens of scholarships that benefit thousands of Johnson County students, the foundation currently funds more than $500,000 in scholarship benefits annually. In 2023, JCCF awarded 177 scholarships totaling $691,030.

Established to recognize a graduating senior planning a career in law enforcement (including criminology, forensics, and more) or in the Department of Natural Resources, the Jed Moses Fulmer Memorial Scholarship requires applicants to be residents of Johnson County, IN, or Owen County, IN.

• Amount: Varies
• Deadline: February 2024 (estimated)
• Who Should Apply: Graduating seniors or past graduates planning a career in law enforcement (such as criminology, forensics, and more) or in the Department of Natural Resources are the focus of this scholarship. Applicants must plan to enroll full-time at an accredited college or university and must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Special consideration will be provided to students pursuing a degree at Vincennes University.

Dr. Fred Jordan Endowed Scholarship

The University of Central Oklahoma has a scholarship portal that matches graduate and undergraduate students to qualifying scholarships. Incoming students will be able to view their scholarship options after they have received their admission decision.

One such scholarship is the Dr. Fred Jordan Endowed Scholarship, which is available to in-state, out-of-state, and international students currently enrolled as full-time graduate or undergraduate students in the forensic science program. This scholarship is presented during the Spring Presidential Partner’s Awards Banquet and was established by Oklahoma’s former chief medical examiner.

• Amount: Varies
• Deadline: February 2024 (estimated)
• Who Should Apply: This scholarship is for University of Central Oklahoma Students pursuing a forensic science degree. New students admitted to the MS in forensic science program with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or current MS in forensic science students with a minimum 3.5 GPA are eligible for this scholarship.

Boyd Forensic and Anthropological Sciences Scholarship

The Radford University Foundation offers this Boyd Forensic and Anthropological Sciences Scholarship. This foundation is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1973 to advance and further the purpose of Radford University. In 2022-23, nearly 900 students received scholarships, and roughly $three million will be awarded in 2024-25.

Dr. Cliff Boyd and Dr. Donna Boyd are both co-directors of the forensic science department at Radford University. They created this scholarship to provide financial assistance to students involved with forensic or anthropological science research.

• Amount: Varies
• Deadline: February 5, 2024
• Who Should Apply: Radford University students involved with forensic or anthropological science research. Applicants must exhibit an outstanding record of academic achievement and they should be actively engaged in collaborative forensic or anthropological sciences research with faculty in these disciplines. They should provide two letters of recommendation from RU faculty and submit a 500-word essay describing their research.

Dr. Paul B. Ferrara Scholarship in Forensic Science

This Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Paul B. Ferrara, who served as the director of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science, where, under his leadership, the Commonwealth of Virginia developed the first state laboratory capable of performing DNA fingerprint analysis. Dr. Ferrara was also a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he brought the forensic science program to national recognition. The scholarship is awarded to second-year students from the College of Humanities and Sciences, Department of Forensic Science every year.

Criteria for selection include conducting research in forensic science or making contributions to the field that impact a forensic science lab, forensic science professionals, or the field as a whole.

• Amount: Varies
• Deadline: March 15, 2024
• Who Should Apply: This scholarship specifically catered to second-year VCU forensic science graduate students. Applicants must demonstrate either significant research or service contributions to the field, as well as leadership experience or potential. A 700-word essay explaining such contributions will be used in the selection process.

The Emily R. Murphy Graduate Scholarship

Another scholarship offered by the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is the Emily R. Murphy Graduate Scholarship, established to memorialize Emily Murphy, a vibrant young woman with a promising future. Emily Murphy came to Richmond, VA to fulfill her young adult dream of becoming a forensic scientist, where she was awarded full tuition and a stipend to be the Department’s first graduate teaching assistant. Emily died in a car accident in Washington, DC at the age of 22.

This scholarship is available only to VCU graduate students in the Forensic Science Department.

• Amount: Varies
• Deadline: March 15, 2024
• Who Should Apply: First-year graduate student in the Department of Forensic Science in the College of Humanities and Sciences, who shows evidence of substantive service to the community.

Kristofer Boaz Claspill Memorial Scholarship

The Department of Justice Studies at San Jose State University’s College of Social Sciences offers several scholarships for graduates and undergraduate students studying justice studies. One such scholarship is the Kristofer Boaz Claspill Memorial Scholarship. Kristofer Boaz Claspill was an adventurous San Jose State University student, taking justice studies courses and working toward his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. In his last year of studies, his life was tragically cut short on September 16, 2006, and he did not have the opportunity to complete his final year at the university. The scholarship is intended to provide financial support to students who, like Kris, are majoring in justice studies or forensic science; are in or are entering their senior year; and are planning to pursue careers in law enforcement.

• Amount: $5,000
• Deadline: April 8, 2024
• Who Should Apply: Applicants must be upper-division undergraduate students majoring in justice studies or forensic science who have completed at least 80 units by the end of the Spring semester. This scholarship is intended to help pay for the senior year at San Jose State University. Applicants must be planning to pursue careers in law enforcement.

The George W. Chin Memorial Scholarship

The Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists (NEAFS) is a regionally-based professional society for forensic scientists. This scholarship honors George W. Chin, the self-proclaimed “God of Trace Evidence.” Dr. Chin co-founded the NEAFS Student Forum, where he taught students about the realities of the profession. He had a prolific forensic science career defined by his work in the field and his dedication to mentoring young forensic professionals.

• Amount: $2,000, as well as associate-level membership for one year in the NEAFS organization
• Deadline: April 30, 2024
• Who Should Apply: Applicants must be enrolled in a forensic science program at a university in one of the following states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania. Undergraduate applicants must be of junior standing or higher. Application requirements include two letters of recommendation and a letter from the student describing their personal goals in forensic science, achievements, and why they should be considered for the award.

The George W. Neighbor, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

This second NEAFS scholarship honors George W. Neighbor, Jr., a trace evidence examiner and microscopist whose work overturned wrongful convictions and reinforced the need for quality assurance in forensic science laboratories. A former president of the NEAFS, George W. Neighbor, Jr. left a legacy of mentorship—and many of his mentees have gone on to become laboratory supervisors and mentors themselves.

• Amount: $1,750
• Deadline: April 30, 2024
• Who Should Apply: Applicants must be enrolled in a forensic science program at a university in one of the following states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania. Undergraduate applicants must be of junior standing or higher. Application requirements include two letters of recommendation and a letter from the student describing their goals in forensic science, mentioning their achievements and why they should win the award.

Carol De Forest Student Research Grant

This is the third award in this list offered by the Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists. The NEAFS established this student research grant to honor the enthusiasm and spirit of Carol De Forest, wife of Dr. Peter De Forest, who lost her battle with cancer on October 3rd, 2011.

Always present at the NEAFS meeting, Carol greeted everyone with a huge smile and always had a kind word for everyone. Her influence and role went well beyond the Annual Meeting, as she became affectionately known as “The First Lady of Forensic Science”. This grant was designed to provide full-time graduate or undergraduate forensic science students with financial assistance to conduct research.

• Amount: $2,500
• Deadline: April 30, 2024
• Who Should Apply: Applicants for this scholarship must be full-time students completing their graduate or undergraduate degrees at a regionally accredited institution located in the Northeastern U.S. (New Jersey, New England, Pennsylvania, and New York). They must be majoring in natural, allied, or forensic science and must have a research advisor who is a faculty member at the student’s academic institution.

The Mike Byrd Science Scholarship

Founded in 1989, the Police Officer Assistance Trust (POAT) acts as a support organization for the law enforcement community of Miami-Dade, Florida. With a stated motto of “Serving Those Who Serve,” the organization assists officers and their families in times of need. This scholarship was designed for children of law enforcement professionals who want to pursue a career in forensics and crime scene investigation.

• Amount: $2,000
• Deadline: May 2024 (estimated)
• Who Should Apply: Applicants must be the son or daughter of a sworn officer working for a law enforcement agency within Miami-Dade County. They must be high school or college students in Miami-Dade, Broward, or Monroe Counties, planning to study or currently majoring in biology, chemistry, forensics, pathology, or another CSI-related field. Candidates must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Gary Boccia Memorial Scholarship

John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers institutional scholarships for new students and those continuing their studies. One such scholarship is the Gary Boccia Memorial Scholarship. Gary Boccia, who received his bachelor’s degree in forensic science, passed away unexpectedly in October 1998. His family, friends, and colleagues who worked with him at the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration’s Northeast Lab have established the scholarship.

This scholarship is awarded to a part-time or full-time forensic science student. It is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

• Amount: $500 to $1,000
• Deadline: November 2024 (estimated)
• Who Should Apply: This Scholarship is open to both undergraduate and graduate forensic science students. To be considered, the student must have completed or been in the process of completing an internship at an accredited forensic science laboratory.

Michelle Lee Memorial Scholarship

Another scholarship offered by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice is the Michelle Lee Memorial Scholarship. Michelle Lee, who grew up in Queens, NY graduated with a BS in forensic science. She is an alumnus of John Jay College. She passed away on April 27, 2009, at just 24 years old. Her family and friends established this scholarship for forensic science to celebrate her life, by providing students from underrepresented communities the opportunity to complete their education.

• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline: November 2024 (estimated)
• Who Should Apply: Forensic science undergraduate students who have earned a minimum of 12 credits with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Jeffrey and Regina Taussig Ohio Honors Scholarship

The Jeffrey and Regina Taussig Ohio Honors Scholarship is a full tuition and fees scholarship for four years at Waynesburg University. Qualified applicants should apply for admission to Waynesburg University. Students must be majoring in areas such as forensic science, forensic chemistry, forensic biology, environmental science, marine biology, mathematics, and pharmaceutical science to name a few.

• Amount: Full tuition and fees
• Deadline: November 1, 2024
• Who Should Apply: To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements: a cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.0, be Ohio residents, considerable co-curricular activities, and be majoring at Waynesburg University in areas such as biochemistry, biology education, biology, chemistry education, chemistry, environmental science, forensic chemistry, forensic biology, forensic science, mathematics, marine biology, pre-dental, pre-medical, pre-pharmacy and pharmaceutical science, and pre-veterinary.

Demographic-Specific Forensic Science Scholarships

CGCS-Bernard Harris Scholarship

Dr. Bernard Harris and the Council of the Great City Schools strongly believe that education is key to the country’s development, economic growth, and progress. This scholarship is part of their efforts to support students of color who plan to pursue math and science-related degrees. It was named in recognition of Dr. Bernard A. Harris (a former astronaut, physician, and businessman).

Four scholarships will be awarded to two Black and two Hispanic students currently completing their senior year of high school (in a member district of the Council of the Great City Schools).

• Amount: Four scholarships of $5,000 each
• Deadline: Applications for 2024 will be available in January
• Who Should Apply: To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be accepted for full-time enrollment at a four-year university or college pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. They must have a minimum 3.0 unweighted grade point average.

The Cheryl L. Wase Memorial Scholarship

The Society for American Archaeology is an international organization dedicated to research about and interpretation and protection of archaeological heritage. Cheryl L. Wase was an archaeologist who spent most of her career working in the high deserts of New Mexico.

This scholarship provides funding for undergraduate education in archaeology. It is specifically for women pursuing a bachelor’s degree in anthropology specializing in archaeology.

• Amount: Covers the cost of tuition or course fees and books for all classroom and field-based courses
• Deadline: January 31, 2024
• Who Should Apply: Women who are residents of New Mexico pursuing a bachelor’s degree in anthropology with a specialization in archaeology from a fully accredited university in New Mexico. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation

This Foundation is a charitable organization whose mission is to honor Joseph’s spirit. This foundation awards scholarships to students who, like Joseph, struggle with dyslexia (pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field), and empowers them to believe in themselves. Since 2014, the foundation has awarded hundreds of scholarships to deserving high school and college students.

• Amount: $500 to $2,500
• Deadline: February 25, 2024
• Who Should Apply: Applicants who are college or high school students with a learning challenge like dyslexia pursuing a STEM career are invited to apply for this scholarship. Applicants must pursue a degree in a STEM field and have a demonstrated learning challenge like dyslexia.

The ACS Scholars Program

Founded in 1876 and chartered by the U.S. Congress, the American Chemical Society (ACS) is the world’s largest scientific society. Its stated vision is to improve people’s lives through the power of chemistry, accomplished through public advocacy, scientific journals, community partnerships, continuing education, and scholarship programs. More than $1,000,000 in scholarship funds are awarded to over 300 students yearly.

The ACS Scholars Program was founded to support students from underrepresented minority groups who want to pursue a career in chemical science. Over 3,500 students have received funding from the ACS Scholars Program to date.

• Amount: Up to $5,000 annually
• Deadline: March 1, 2024
• Who Should Apply: Underrepresented minority groups (African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, or American Indian) who intend to major in chemistry or a related field (biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical technology, environmental engineering, toxicology, etc.) are the focus of this scholarship. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent U.S. residents enrolled full-time at an accredited college and have maintained a GPA of 3.0 or better. Financial need is taken into consideration.

The Out to Innovate Scholarship

The National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP) offers the Out to Innovate Scholarship to promote academic excellence and the visibility of talented LGBTQ students in STEM careers. It also intends to encourage students to be “out” in their professional lives and support diversity in the science and tech workforce. Two awards are granted annually.

• Amount: First place ($5,000); second place ($3,000)
• Deadline: June 2024 (estimated)
• Who Should Apply: Undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a STEM degree who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or an active ally of the LGBTQ community are eligible for this scholarship. Applicants must complete at least two years of higher education and maintain a 2.75 GPA.

Colonel Kathleen Swacina Scholarship

The Colonel Kathleen Swacina Scholarship has been established to honor COL Kathleen Swacina’s (USA – Ret.) accomplishments and her affiliation with AFCEA (An educational foundation committed to supporting STEM learning). It is funded by the generous donation provided by COL Kathleen Swacina and LTC Daniel Swacina, USA (Ret.).

This scholarship recognizes one outstanding female student who has shown a potential to excel in college studies in the areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and attends college full-time in the states of South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, and Florida, including community colleges.

• Amount: $1,500
• Deadline: November 2024 (estimated)
• Who Should Apply: Female applicants (undergraduate or graduate) enrolled as a full-time university or college students at an accredited institution in the states of South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, and Florida majoring in a STEM-related area (such as computer engineering, computer programming, computer forensics science, computer science, cybersecurity, and computer systems, among others) of study.