Sociology

Department of Sociology
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5257 USA
(269) 387-5270

Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities

The Department of Sociology at Western Michigan University recognizes the importance of a quality education and is dedicated to helping you find a way to achieve your higher education goals.

Georgia E. Doles Walker Emergency Grant

To be apply for funds from the Georgia E. Doles Walker Emergency Grant you must:

  • Submit a statement of purpose in writing to the Chair of the Department, Dr. David Hartmann, 3245 Sangren Hall, Department of Sociology.
  • Preference shall be given to students who enhance WMU's diversity and multiculturalism.

The grant money is to provide emergency funds to students who are seeking a degree in the Department of Sociology. These funds may be used to purchase books, school supplies, or payment for travel expenses related to school and/or other emergency occurrences. The funds may not be used for tuition, fees, or other income owed to the University.  An applicant may apply for and receive funds (up to $500) only one time during a semester.

Lanny Wilde Scholarship

To be eligible for the Lanny Wilde you must: 

  • Be a currently employed WMU Public Safety Officer
  • Be currently enrolled in a Criminal Justice Program, either undergraduate  or the Criminal Justice Masters.
  • Have the recommendation of the Director of WMU Public Safety. 

The Director of WMU Public Safety  will forward nominations to the Director of Criminal Justice Program, Dr. Zoann Snyder.  This should occur by February 1st of the year preceding the award. 

The amount is $500.00 for each fall and spring semesters. Placed into the successful applicants student account.

Lloyd Braithwaite Scholarship

To be eligible for the Lloyd Braithwaite Scholarship you must:

  • Be an undergraduate and a full time criminal justice student with a 3.0 GPA in your criminal justice core classes.
  • It is highly recommended that you have at least one year of an internship or experience in the corrections field, or plan to in the next academic year.
  • Provide a resume and three letters of recommendation by a faculty member or someone with academic connections.
  • Submit your resume and letters of recommendation to:  Anna Lee Miller, 3235 Sangren Hall, Department of Sociology, Mail Stop: 5257, Western Michigan University.
  • Please apply by February 1st to receive the award for the following fall and spring semesters.

This scholarship is not based on financial need or whether a student qualifies for student financial assistance. The selected student will receive $1,000 for the next academic year, with $500 awarded in the fall semester and $500 in the spring semester.

Stanley S. and Helenan S. Robin Scholarship

To be eligible for the Stanley S. and Helenan S. Robin Scholarship you must:

  • Be a sociology or Social Psychology major.
  • Be of junior status when applying.
  • Plan to pursue a graduate degree in sociology.
  • Apply online at Scholarship Universe by February 1 at this link: wmich.scholarshipuniverse.com.

Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Grant

The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Grant in the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Michigan University is provided to support opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in hands-on research or creative activities with faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences beyond the classroom.  This grant is intended to recognize and foster academic excellence and potential. 

Deadlines for Applications

  • October 18 for spring disbursement 
  • February 17 for summer and fall disbursement

Applicant Eligibility 

  • Proposals from students and faculty in any discipline within the College of Arts and Sciences are welcome. 
  • Students funded to work with a faculty member for an Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Grant must: 
  • Have a declared major or minor in a department or program within the College of Arts and Sciences, 
  • Have completed or be enrolled in at least 9 credit hours at WMU, 
  • Be enrolled during the semester (fall, spring, summer I, and/or summer II) for which they are requesting funds, and 
  • Be in good academic standing. 
  • Applications must also include a faculty mentor in the College of Arts and Sciences who will supervise the student’s research or creative activities. 

Funding may be used to:

  • Provide up to $1500 for materials and supplies for research and creative activity.
  • Provide a student stipend (up to $1,500 can be used for hourly wages, using a rate of $12-15 per hour)
  • Travel to conduct research or creative activity
  • Cover other expenses related to carrying out the project

Read more about this opportunity and apply online here.

Work-study Opportunities

The Department of Sociology hires student workers who have work-study financial aid. If you have received a work-study award, contact the department at (269) 387-5271 or stop by 3311 Sangren Hall to find out more about this opportunity.

Work Opportunities for Undergraduates

Faculty members may request undergraduate students to assist them for 5 hours a week, providing research or classroom support.