The Department of Psychology offers undergraduate scholarships and awards for psychology and neuroscience majors, with funding from $100 to more than $5,000.
These awards support students at different stages of their academic journey and recognize excellence in coursework, research, leadership and engagement both inside and outside the classroom.
Department of Psychology opportunities
Most Department of Psychology undergraduate scholarships use a single online application. Submit the application once to be considered for all department awards listed in this section.
What you'll need to apply
- General academic information, including cumulative GPA, total credit hours completed and anticipated graduation date.
- Background and eligibility information.
- Relevant experiences, such as research or teaching assistantships, internships, lab involvement, community engagement and honors thesis work.
- Short essays responding to specific prompts.
- A current CV and an unofficial transcript.
Questions?
Email [email protected].
Undergraduate scholarship application
- Deadline: February 20 at 5 p.m. (Arizona time)
Open to psychology and neuroscience majors in ASU’s Department of Psychology enrolled full time during the following fall semester.
Applicants are notified by email in late March, and recipients are recognized at the department’s annual awards ceremony in April.
Named department awards
Established in memory of Carlo Cefalu, a Department of Psychology student remembered for his kindness, generosity and desire to make the world a better place. This scholarship honors his dream of earning a PhD and serving underprivileged children. Endowed by Andrew McMillan in honor of his dear friend and life partner.
Recognizes a senior psychology major whose research best represents the field of biopsychology. Established in memory of Ernie Lindholm, a longtime Department of Psychology faculty member. Selection considers academic achievement, leadership and financial need, with preference given to returning students.
Awarded to an undergraduate psychology major whose research reflects Emeritus Professor John W. Reich’s approach to applied social psychology — testing theory in real-world settings and addressing meaningful social issues using scientific methods. Applicants must be sophomores or above with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Established by psychology alumnus Joshua E. Zantek, this scholarship supports meritorious undergraduate students with financial need by helping them dedicate more time to coursework, research and ASU-related activities, including community outreach.
Endowed by ASU alumnus and PGA champion Phil Mickelson, this award recognizes outstanding psychology majors entering or currently in their senior year who are also student-athletes. The award honors former The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean Gary Krahenbuhl.
Six scholarships awarded to rising sophomores, juniors and seniors who demonstrate strong academic performance and meaningful engagement in research or community-based applications of psychology or neuroscience.
Awarded in memory of Dariel “Rusty” Overby, a psychology major whose life was tragically cut short just days before graduating from ASU. Open to psychology majors, with consideration given to academic achievement, leadership, financial need and a preference for returning students. Endowed by her husband, this scholarship honors Dariel’s commitment to education and her passion for helping others.
Awarded to one or two psychology majors each year, this scholarship supports underrepresented students with financial need pursuing a degree in psychology. Eligibility highlights include:
- U.S. citizenship
- Demonstrated financial need as defined by ASU Financial Aid and Scholarship Services
- Attendance at an Arizona high school (preference given to K–12 education in Arizona)
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
Selection is based on financial need, merit, adversity factors, geography and other criteria that are neutral as to protected characteristics.
Awarded to a psychology major pursuing a career working with young children. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.2 and have completed at least one upper-division course. Endowed in honor of Zita M. Johnson, former director of the Child Study Laboratory and a lifelong advocate for children and families.
Other scholarships and awards
Review individual award applications and deadlines carefully, as requirements and timelines vary.
Jenessa Shapiro Undergraduate Research Scholarship
This award supports students with a strong interest in research and preparation for graduate or professional school. The scholarship provides hands-on research experience in psychology and neuroscience while reducing the need for outside employment. Open to ENERGIZE students enrolled at ASU for the duration of the award period. Recipients volunteer as research assistants in an ASU Department of Psychology lab.
Reserved for students in the Psychology Honors Thesis Sequence. No formal application is required. Three finalists from the honors cohort are selected each year to re-defend their thesis at the spring Honors Symposium, with awards determined by a panel of external examiners.
The Dean’s Medal is the highest honor awarded to one graduating student in the Department of Psychology each semester. While no monetary award is attached, recipients receive a medal and carry the Department of Psychology flag at The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences convocation.
Looking for additional funding?
All admitted ASU students can explore Scholarship Universe, which includes both ASU and external scholarship opportunities. Many psychology and neuroscience students find additional funding options that complement department-level awards.