Sociology Student Resources

Established in 2012 by Brigitte H. Bechtold and Donald E. Socha '95, '00 both professors at Central Michigan University, to support learning and research about human poverty with the intent of enlightening both government policy makers and the general public.

Scholarship awarded to an undergraduate student in Sociology to support activities that enhance the understanding and eventual alleviation of both life-threatening and relative human deprivation. It employs a broad conceptualization of poverty that includes threats to human dignity, social inclusion, quality of life, and environmental sustainability.

Requirements: Write 500-700 words describing how your current activities, studies and goals align with the
study and research to help society in the prevention and reduction of human poverty.

To apply, log in to our scholarship matching tool: Scholarship Universe.

Scholarship awarded annually to a junior or senior majoring in anthropology, social work, sociology or family studies. The scholarship was established in memory of Leslie and Leonard Lieberman, former faculty members in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work.

Applicant must have a minimum 3.4 GPA. Recipients are chosen on the basis of excellence in academic performance and writing skills as demonstrated in an essay describing career goals.

To apply, log in to our scholarship matching tool: Scholarship Universe.

Scholarship awarded annually to a junior or senior majoring in sociology majors. It was established in 1998 in memory of Edward E. McKenna, a dedicated teacher, scholar and unionist.

Recipients are chosen on the basis of research paper(s) submitted with the application as well as overall achievement in sociology.

To apply, log in to our scholarship matching tool: Scholarship Universe.

Established in 1988, the Bernard N. Meltzer Scholarship at Central Michigan University was created by family and friends to provide awards to students in Sociology. Dr. Meltzer was a professor and chairperson in the CMU Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work.

This scholarship is awarded annually to a sophomore, junior or senior majoring in sociology, youth studies and social & criminal justice with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

To apply, log in to our scholarship matching tool: Scholarship Universe.

The Honorable Fred M. and Lynne M. Mester Family Endowment was established to recognize 1959 CMU graduate Judge Fred Mester's legacy as a respected friend, colleague, and mentor. Judge Mester's distinguished judicial career spans more than 26 years with the Oakland County Circuit Court. He also is a former prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney's Office. As a chief of the Civil Division, prior to his judicial career, Judge Mester served in the Military as a Captain in the United Sates Army. This endowment also honors Judge Mester's wife, Lynne, a 1959 CMU graduate holding a degree in Education with a major in Social Studies and minors in Biology and English.

This award provides scholarship support to full-time CMU undergraduate students with a major or minor in the following departments: English Language and Literature; Political Science; and Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work. In addition, ROTC cadets, regardless of area of study, are eligible.

DEADLINE: TBA Spring 2026

CLASS Scholarships website

Established in 2014 by friends and family of Nancy Stebbins to recognize the impact of her educational experience at Central Michigan University, and to provide for those who pursue the goal of helping others.

Eligibility:

• Fulltime undergraduate student having earned junior or senior status
• Student who has elected the field of social work
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5
• Applicant must have financial need as demonstrated by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
• The applicant’s primary residence must be in Michigan
  

For more information, contact the social work office at swk@cmich.edu or 989-774-2690. 

The scholarship was established to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the formerly named Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work and to support international endeavors by students majoring in sociology, anthropology or social work (SASW).

To apply, log in to our scholarship matching tool: Scholarship Universe.

The John E. Warriner Scholarship was established through an estate gift from the late Dr. John E. Warriner. Dr. Warriner was the author of Warriner's Handbook of English and the six-volume series English Grammar and Composition. He was the son of former Central Michigan University president Eugene C. Warriner.

Several scholarships are awarded annually to undergraduate and graduate students majoring in anthropology, cultural & global studies, economics, English, foreign languages, history, journalism, museum studies, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, speech, social work, or sociology. Applicants must have a minimum 3.25 GPA.

DEADLINE: Spring 2026

CLASS Scholarships website

An international experience is an invaluable part of a student's education and will provide an international perspective that cannot be fully recreated within the classroom. To promote international study, the School of Politics, Society, Justice and Public Service has created a Study Abroad Grant to assist students with costs related to study abroad. Please note that the maximum award amount is $100 and is dependent upon the amount of funding available. For additional information, please email SPSJPS@cmich.edu.

Please contact the CMU Study Abroad office at 989-774-4308 for additional scholarships.

Study Abroad Grant

Central Michigan University’s School of Politics, Society, Justice and Public Service considers undergraduate and graduate students’ research to be a vital part of their education. This Student Travel Grant is to assist and encourage student presentations at Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology and Social Work professional conferences. For additional information, please email SPSJPS@cmich.edu.

Award Amount: Awards are limited to no more than $100 and are dependent upon the amount of funding available.

Student Travel Grant

An international experience is an invaluable part of a student's education and will provide an international perspective that cannot be fully recreated within the classroom. To promote international study, the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences has created a small fund to assist students with costs related to studying abroad.

At the time of study abroad, undergraduate students must reach sophomore standing or above with a signed major​ in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Graduate students must complete a minimum of one semester of study within a College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences' program.

Deadline: Ongoing. Requests will be reviewed and applicants notified via e-mail in 2 to 3 weeks.

Contact Karen Wixson at wixso1ka@cmich.edu with any questions. 

CLASS Student Study Abroad Grant