Undergraduate Scholarships and Awards

The Department of Physics at Â鶹´«Ã½ offers a variety of scholarships and awards for undergraduate Â鶹´«Ã½s.

Donors in support of our scholarship programs. Search for Physics and select a fund of your choice.

Presidential Scholar

Each year, the Department of Physics names one outstanding graduating physics major as its Presidential Scholar. The recipient is recognized at a dinner hosted by the presidents of Â鶹´«Ã½ and the Faculty Senate.

Haym Kruglak Student Teaching Excellence Award

Dr. Haym Kruglak was a WMU professor of physics from 1954-77. He established this fund to recognize a senior physics with secondary education major who demonstrates outstanding effort in practice teaching.

Nathan L. Nichols Physics Scholarship

Dr. Nathan Nichols was a WMU professor of physics from 1955-80. This scholarship was established by his family and friends to recognize high-achieving physics majors. The undergraduate committee will review all registered physics majors to determine scholarship awardees.

Dr. Larry Oppliger scholarship in physics

Dr. Larry Oppliger was a WMU professor of physics from 1963-93 and department chair from 1974-80. He also served as chair of the Department of Science Studies from 1993-2001. This scholarship was established to support undergraduates seeking a secondary education teaching track in physics or a physics major or minor.  The undergraduate committee will review all registered physics majors and minors to determine scholarship awardees.

Paul Rood Physics Scholarship

Dr. Paul Rood was chair of the WMU Department of Physics from 1944-64 and a professor here for 48 years. Established through a generous gift from the Rood family, these scholarships are awarded to outstanding physics Â鶹´«Ã½s. The undergraduate committee will review all registered physics majors to determine scholarship awardees.

Charles J. Wilcox Memorial Award
(part of the department of physics quasi endowment)

Made possible by donations from family and friends in memory of former graduate Â鶹´«Ã½ Charles Wilcox, this award is given annually to an outstanding graduating physics major at WMU.

Physics course awards

Physics award recipient with Dr. Kirk Korista
The Department of Physics recognizes Â鶹´«Ã½s in its undergraduate courses with a congratulatory letter and popular science book awarded to the top performer in each section of PHYS 1000, 1020, 1040, 1060, 1070, 1130, 1150, 2050, 2070, 2500, 3090, 3250, 3300, 3420, 4200, 4220, 4400, 4600 and 4660 in the fall and spring semesters. It is not necessary to be a physics major to be eligible.

College of Arts and Sciences International Study Scholarships

The WMU College of Arts and Sciences invites qualified undergraduates to apply for funds to help support their study abroad experience. See the College of Arts and Sciences scholarship page for an application and more information.

Other financial aid

Please check the Office of Financial Aid for additional awards.