Scholarship Options
If you are an incoming physics student you can apply for the Physics Merit Scholarship. For upper level students there are several scholarships available. For more information, expand the item below.
Research Fund
The department has also a fund to support students in research. We use this, for example, to support summer students, to subsidize travel cost to conferences, or to compensate transportation expenses for students who do research at a nearby national lab (Fermilab and Argonne National Labs). For more information about how to apply for this fund, please contact the department chair at physics@wheaton.edu.
Each year, the Physics Department awards a $6,250 scholarship to four of our majors: typically a freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior. This is a merit-based scholarship rather than a need-based scholarship. Majors are given the opportunity to apply for it each year, and the selection is made by the department. It was established in order to help and encourage students who are majoring in physics and intend to go on within the field of physics.
To apply for this scholarship, please compose a 1-2 page essay that addresses the following questions:
1. Why have you decided (or planned) to major in physics?
2. What extracurricular or service activities have you been involved in that relate to physics or technology (clubs, competitions, etc.)?
3. Describe any physics research or internship experiences you have had.
4. What are your anticipated career plans after you graduate from Wheaton?
Please send your essay by email attachment to office coordinator, mary.carrington@wheaton.edu no later than February 20, 2024. For questions and more information about the scholarship contact Dr. Darren Craig at darren.craig@wheaton.edu.
Physics Merit Scholarship Recipients
- 2022-2023 - Logan Grove, Daniel Humphrey, Curtis McLennan
- 2021-2022 - Ruby Burgess, Logan Grove, Daniel Humphrey, Curtis McLennan, Genevieve Nelson
- 2020-2021 - Rachel Barron, Nathaniel Bowden, Stephen McKay, Genevieve Nelson, Tamara Watson
- 2019-2020 - Ahnika Boring, Stephen McKay, Michael Vieceli, Tamara Watson
- 2018-2019 - Rachel Barron, Genevieve Nelson, Austin Richardson, Elizabeth Tan
- 2017-2018 - Sierra Barone, Courtney Baer, April Futch, Jennifer Ruda
- 2016-2017 - April Futch, Jennifer Ruda, Elizabeth Tan, Nicholas Varberg
- 2015-2016 - April Futch, Matt Robertson, Jennifer Ruda, Brayden Schott
- 2014-2015 - Alex Armstrong, Madeline Baltzer, David Broaddus, Caleb Cochrum
- 2013-2014 - Matthew McMillan, Michael Morken, Emily Willson, Claire Carlson
- 2012-2013 - David Martin, Cole Adams, Peyton Finley, Mindy Cartolano
- 2011-2012 - Emily English, Mindy Cartolano, Matthew McMillan, Patrick Farley
- 2010-2011 - David Blasing, Joel Carini, Mindy Cartolano, Ben Sawyer
- 2009-2010 - Mindy Cartolano, Emily English, Andrew Keeler, David Stapleton
- 2008-2009 - Emily English, Elliot Nelson, David Stapleton, Jim Schroeder
- 2007-2008 - Dylan Coster, Benjamin Kietzman, Ellen Kunzeman, Elliot Nelson
- 2006-2007 - Andrew Golter, Ryan Stegink
- 2005-2006 - David Felker, Martin Gonzalez
- 2004-2005 - Ryan Beams, Melissa Brown
- 2003-2004 - Geoffrey Poore, Benjamin Noonan
- 2002-2003 - Jonathan Osgood, Geoffrey Poore
- 2001-2002 - Coral Christensen
- 2000-2001 - Nathaniel Wentzel
- 1999-2000 - Randall Miles
This merit-based award is given annually to a senior physics major.
Joseph Spradley Outstanding Physics Award Recipients:
- 2021 – Andrew Backer
- 2020 – Stephen McKay
- 2019 – Michael Vieceli
- 2018 – Zachary Davis, Nathan Taylor
- 2017 – April Futch
- 2016 – David Barbalas
- 2015 – Matt Robertson
- 2014 – David Martin
- 2013 – Matthew McMillan
- 2012 – Mindy Cartolano
- 2011 – Jaclyn Baker
- 2010 – David Blasing
- 2009 – Joel Dahlin
- 2008 – Elliot Nelson
Outside Scholarships
Several students have successfully applied for outside scholarships and grants. We are always willing to help you to prepare your application for these outside sources.
ROTC
Several of our students have received scholarships through the Rolling Thunder ROTC program. More information about the ROTC Scholarships can be found at the ROTC page.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Teacher Scholarship
The AFCEA Educational Foundation is offering 50 scholarships of $5,000 each to students actively pursuing an undergraduate degree, graduate degree or credential/licensure for the purpose of teaching STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) subjects at a U.S. middle or secondary school. More >>
SMART Scholarship
The Department of Defense is proud to offer scholarships and post-graduation career opportunities to our nation's research leaders of tomorrow. More >>
American Physical Society Minority Scholarship
The American Physical Society Committee on Minorities in Physics has created this scholarship program for minority undergraduate physics majors. The purpose of this program is to significantly increase the level of underrepresented minority participation in physics in the United States. Underrepresented minorities in this context are defined as African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans.
Each scholarship consists of $2,000 for new students and $3,000 for renewal students for tuition, room, board or educational materials. More >>
BluePay STEM Scholarship
Payment processing is already driven and enabled by technology. Successful execution in the future of payments requires educated minds that focus on both business goals and cutting-edge innovation. As an industry leader, BluePay is continuing our support of students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines.
Each scholarship is $1,000 (1 winner), with $250 for (2 runner ups). More >>