Scholarships

Student Scholarship Opportunities

Each year, the College of Social Sciences offers scholarships to students majoring in one of the College's departments and programs. The College scholarships represent the generosity of many friends, alumni, and former Deans of the college. These scholarships reward academic excellence and take into account financial need to help address the ever-increasing costs of higher education. 

Scholarship Eligibility

  • Awardees should be a major in one of the College’s departments or programs.
  • Awardees must be attending 91ÁÔÆæ during the Fall 2026 semester
  • Any additional eligibility or application requirements are specified in the scholarship announcements linked below.

How to Apply?

Applications are submitted and accepted through the Spartan Scholarship only. To apply:

  1. Applications open on March 17, 2026
  2. Applications are due by April 10, 2026
  3. Sign in to 91ÁÔÆæ Campus Scholarships and click the blue button Apply for 91ÁÔÆæ Spartan Scholarships. Use your My91ÁÔÆæ login information.
  4. Complete and submit the General Application. This will give you access to other scholarships and awards in addition to those from the Dean’s Office.
  5. Click on the "Opportunities" menu and select "Recommended."
  6. Find the scholarship/award opportunity of interest and click on the "Apply" button.
  7. Provide any supplemental application material (e.g., letter of recommendation, etc.)

College Scholarship questions should be directed to Clifton Oyamot, Associate Dean for Student Success, clifton.oyamot@sjsu.edu, or the College of Social Sciences Dean’s Office at 408-924-5300.

List of Available Scholarships

Margery H. and Raymond W. Vernon College of Social Sciences Dean's Scholarship

The Margery H. and Raymond W. Vernon College of Social Sciences Dean's Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Margery H. Vernon (91ÁÔÆæ 1987, History) and Raymond W. Vernon. This permanent endowment provides an annual scholarship to one exceptional College of Social Sciences student for up to four years provided he or she remains a full-time student in good standing at the university. Eligible candidates are 91ÁÔÆæ freshman and transfer student whose incoming cumulative GPA is equivalent to cum laude or higher (3.5 or higher) and who have an expressed interest in majoring in one of the disciplines within the College of Social Sciences. A preference is given to eligible candidates who are first in their family to attend a four-year university.

Les Francis Scholarship for Civic Education

The Les Francis Scholarship for Civic Education was created by Les Francis and endowed by Mr. Francis and his many friends, admirers, and fellow political consultants. The scholarship is intended to support prospective (or current) teachers of high school civics/social sciences. Download the brochure here [pdf].

Dean's Study Abroad and International Field Work Scholarships (2)

This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving undergraduate or graduate students studying or conducting research outside the United States. It was established through a gift from the Estate of J.B.S. Johnson.

91ÁÔÆæ Alumni Association Deans' Scholarships

The 91ÁÔÆæ Alumni Association Deans' Scholarship is funded by the generous contributions of Alumni Association members and donors. It is awarded to students only once during their academic careers at 91ÁÔÆæ. This scholarship will be disbursed next fall and spring so it is only available to students enrolling at 91ÁÔÆæ next academic year. This scholarship is based on academic excellence, financial need, and demonstrated community service.

Gerald Wheeler Scholarship

Dr. Gerald Wheeler is remembered as a superb and versatile teacher and an excellent scholar. In his tenure at 91ÁÔÆæ, Dr. Wheeler served as Chair of the History Department, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Dean of the College of Social Sciences, and Assistant Academic Vice President. The Gerald E. Wheeler scholarship was established by family and friends. This scholarship is based on academic excellence and demonstrated financial need.

Charles Burdick Scholarship (1-2)

Dr. Charles Burdick was an internationally-known military history scholar, former Chair of the History Department and Dean of the College of Social Sciences. He earned 91ÁÔÆæ’s two highest awards for faculty—President’s Scholar and Outstanding Professor—and he twice received CSU’s system-wide Outstanding Professor Award. This scholarship is based on academic excellence and demonstrated financial need.

Inez and Donald Burdick Scholarship (2-4)

The Inez and Donald Burdick Scholarships were established by Charles Burdick in honor of his parents. Offered every year by the College, this scholarship is based on academic excellence and demonstrated financial need.

Scholarship Recipients, 2020 - 2021

Join us in applauding College of Social Sciences students whose accomplishments have been recognized with awards and scholarships.