Doctoral scholarships for African American females and doctoral scholarships for African American males are becoming more numerous in an effort to close the racial gap.
At the highest educational level, doctoral programs can lead to a PhD, PsyD, EdD, PharmD, MD, JD, or other field equivalents. According to the NSF’s Survey of Earned Doctorates, universities in the United States conferred a total of 52,749 doctoral degrees in 2013. Only 6.4 percent of these doctoral degrees were granted to African Americans.
Although African Americans only represent a small slice of PhD candidates, their presence in graduate schools is rising. The number of doctorates awarded to African Americans has reached an all-time high by increasing around 5.3 percent each year. The majority, 65 percent, are received by African American females.
If you’re embarking on the doctoral path, consider the following 20 great PhD scholarships for African Americans for funding.
Top Doctoral Scholarships for Black Women and Men
1. AAA Minority Dissertation Fellowship
Deadline: March 14th
The American Anthropological Association (AAA) offers a Minority Dissertation Fellowship annually for racialized minorities. These include African Americans who are completing a PhD program in anthropology. The fellowship is valued at $10,000. Eligible applicants must:
- be U.S. citizens or legal residents
- attend an accredited university
- be admitted to degree candidacy
- have AAA membership
- have a record of outstanding academic achievement
Online applications must include a 1,000-word anthropological research proposal and an endorsement letter.
Contact
AAA Minority Dissertation Fellowship
2300 Clarendon Blvd. Suite 1301
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 528-1902
jmartin@americananthro.org
Scholarship Link
2. Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship is funded by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The $2,000 scholarship goes to African American graduate students attending accredited U.S. colleges. They must be earning a master’s, professional, or doctoral degree. To qualify, candidates must:
- be current NAACP members
- have U.S. citizenship
- be 25 years old or younger
- demonstrate financial need based on federal poverty guidelines
- maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Contact
Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship
4805 Mt. Hope Drive
Baltimore, MD 21215
(410) 580-5760
education@naacpnet.org
Scholarship Link
3. Barrow Minority Doctoral Student Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
African Americans pursuing a PhD in journalism or mass communications could qualify for $2,500 through the Barrow Minority Doctoral Student Scholarship. It’s presented by the Communication Theory & Methodology Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. Eligible recipients must:
- be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- enroll full-time at an accredited graduate school
- submit two letters of reference
- have research interests in print or digital media.
Contact
Barrow Minority Doctoral Student Scholarship
234 Outlet Pointe Blvd.
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 798-0271
aejmcmemsub@aol.com
Scholarship Link
4. Beinecke African Scholarship Program
Deadline: February 19th
The Beinecke African Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious PhD scholarships for African American males and females interested in studying wildlife ecology or conservation. To qualify for the $4,000 scholarship applicants must:
- be from Africa
- be admitted to an accredited university in the United States
- enroll full-time
- qualify for financial aid
- demonstrate superior standards of research ability
- maintain good academic standing.
Contact
Beinecke African Scholarship Program
8240 Peach Lane
Fogelsville, PA 18051
(610) 395-5560
BeineckeScholarship@earthlink.net
Scholarship Link
5. CVS Caremark Pharmacy Scholarship
Deadline: May 2nd
The CVS Caremark Pharmacy ScholarshipIn is in partnership with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The $5,000 scholarship is for African American scholars who are pursuing a PhD or PharmD in the pharmaceutical sciences. Eligible recipients must:
- be enrolling full-time
- have unmet financial need
- be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Applications are only accepted from students at:
Chicago State University
- Florida A&M University
- Howard University
- Texas Southern University
- Xavier University of Louisiana.
Contact
CVS Caremark Pharmacy Scholarship
One CVS Drive
Woonsocket, RI 02895
(401) 765-1500
customercare@cvs.com
Scholarship Link
6. Dr. Richard Allen Williams Scholarship
Deadline: March 4th
Through the American Medical Association the Association of Black Cardiologists has funded the Dr. Richard Allen Williams Scholarship. The $5,000 award goes to African American men and women pursuing a doctoral or medical degree. Qualified nominees must:
- be current first or second year students
- have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
- show an interest in cardiovascular medicine
- exhibit promise for contributing to medical research.
Contact
Dr. Richard Allen Williams Scholarship
6849-B2 Peachtree Dunwoody Road
Atlanta, GA 30328
(678) 302-4222
mcarter@abcardio.org
Scholarship Link
7. Eastman Kodak Dr. Theophilus Sorrell Award
Deadline: December 31st
The National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers offers the Eastman Kodak Dr. Theophilus Sorrell Award. The $13,500 award is given to outstanding African American scholars. They must be pursuing a doctoral degree in:
- chemistry
- chemical engineering
- a related life science
For consideration, candidates must:
- be U.S. citizens
- attend an accredited graduate school full-time
- have made significant contributions to scientific research.
Contact
Eastman Kodak Dr. Theophilus Sorrell Award
P.O. Box 255
Blue Bell, PA 19422
answers@nobcche.org
Scholarship Link
8. Frederick Douglass Scholars Fellowship
Deadline: February 5th
The Frederick Douglass Institute offers the Scholars Fellowship Program. It honors leader of the national abolitionist movement. The scholarship supports African American students who are entering the final year of their PhD program. Applicants must:
- be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- have a master’s degree
- enroll full-time at an FDI partner university
- have attained teaching experience
- wish to become college or university faculty members.
Contact
Frederick Douglass Scholars Fellowship
210 South 10th Street
Indiana, PA 15705
(724) 357-4072
fdi-iup@iup.edu
Scholarship Link
9. Fredrikson & Byron Minority Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
The Minneapolis-based law firm Fredrikson & Byron P.A. offers the Minority Scholarship. The $15,000 scholarship is awarded annually to outstanding graduate students. They must be earning obtaining a JD or PhD from an accredited U.S. law school. Priority is given to African American, American Indian, Hispanic, or Asian students interested in private law practice in the Upper Midwest. Applications must include:
- two written recommendations
- one writing sample
- official transcripts
- a current resume.
Contact
Fredrikson & Byron Minority Scholarship
200 South Sixth Street Suite 4000
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 492-7000
cokerson@fredlaw.com
Scholarship Link
10. GlaxoSmithKline Science Achievement Award
Deadline: April 30th
The GlaxoSmithKline Science Achievement Award is another PhD scholarship for African American females and males granted through the UNCF. For this $3,000 award, applicants must be enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. graduate school to study:
- biochemistry
- organic chemistry
- pharmacology
- genetics
- microbiology
- botany
- zoology, or a related scientific field
The student must maintain with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students who are medical interns and nurses aren’t eligible.
Contact
GlaxoSmithKline Science Achievement Award
1805 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 810-0258
Girmu.Habte@uncf.org
Scholarship Link
11. Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: December 31st
The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship was Inspired by the founder of the Institute for Women and Technology. It awards $7,000 annually to minority female students, including Africans and African Americans. They must be studying computer science or engineering at the PhD level. Eligible applicants must:
- be at least 18 years old
- enroll full-time or part-time at any accredited university worldwide
- demonstrate a passion for computing
Recipients will also be invited to attend the Google Scholar’s Retreat.
Contact
Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship
1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Mountain View, CA 94043
(650) 253-0000
Scholarship Link
12. Hubertus W.V. Willems Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
The Hubertus W.V. Willems Scholarship is sponsored by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). It provide at least 25 awards for $3,000 to male African Americans at the undergraduate or graduate level, including doctoral. Eligible applicants must:
- be U.S. citizens
- enroll full-time or part-time at an accredited non-profit college
- have NAACP membership
- have a minimum GPA of 3.0
- demonstrate financial need
Eligible are majors in:
- engineering
- chemistry
- physics
- mathematical sciences.
Contact
Hubertus W.V. Willems Scholarship
4805 Mt. Hope Drive
Baltimore, MD 21215
(410) 580-5760
education@naacpnet.org
Scholarship Link
13. Koch Scholars Program Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: July 15th
The Koch Scholars Program Graduate Scholarship is one of the most lucrative PhD scholarships for African American males and females. They must permanently reside in the United States. The scholarship is valued at $20,000. Qualified recipients must be enrolled full-time in a doctoral program in:
- accounting
- business
- economics
- engineering
- history
- philosophy
- political science
They must attend a historically black college or university (HBCU). Required are:
- a resume
- official transcript showing a minimum 3.0 GPA
- three recommendation forms.
Contact
Koch Scholars Program Graduate Scholarship
1805 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 810-0258
scholarships@uncf.org
Scholarship Link
14. Jeanne Spurlock Research Fellowship
Deadline: March 31st
The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) offers the Jeanne Spurlock Research Fellowship. It provides $4,000 to minority PhD or MD students. They must be conducting research related to substance abuse and addiction. Eligible U.S. fellows will spend 12 consecutive weeks working full-time under a child and adolescent psychiatrist researcher during the summer. To apply, candidates must submit:
- a one-page statement of interest
- curriculum vitae
- letter of support.
Contact
Jeanne Spurlock Research Fellowship
3615 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 587-9663
training@aacap.org
Scholarship Link
15. Johnson & Johnson Minority Nurse Faculty Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
Aspiring African American nurse educators could receive the Johnson & Johnson Minority Nurse Faculty Scholarship. It’s from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing for up to $18,000 in financial support. Eligible candidates must:
- enroll full-time at a university accredited by the CCNE
- pursue a clinically focused DNP or PhD in nursing
- be registered nurses
- have U.S. citizenship
- demonstrate a commitment to teaching nurses at the college level after graduation.
Contact
Johnson & Johnson Minority Nurse Faculty Scholarship
1 Dupont Circle NW Suite 530
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 463-6930
mokoniewski@aacn.nche.edu
Scholarship Link
16. Merck Graduate Research Dissertation Fellowship
Deadline: December 11th
The Merck Graduate Research Dissertation Fellowship is awarded for up to $53,500 through the UNCF. Eligible are African American scholars who are pursuing a PhD or ScD full-time. They must major in one of these disciplines:
- engineering
- physical science
- life science
- Qualifying recipients must be United States citizens or legal residents, have completed all pre-dissertation requirements, be within three years of completing their dissertation, exhibit academic merit, and submit a two-page research summary.
Contact
Merck Graduate Research Dissertation Fellowship
1805 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 810-0331
uncfmerck@uncf.org
Scholarship Link
17. McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program
Deadline: January 15th
The McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program offers a $5,000 tuition waiver and $12,000 stipend annually. It’s provided by the Florida Education Fund to African American doctoral candidates who plan to teach college coursework. Eligible candidates must:
- have at least a bachelor’s degree
- hold U.S. citizenship
- attend one of the nine participating Florida institutions full-time
Fellowships are especially encouraged in:
- agriculture
- biology
- business
- chemistr
- engineering
- math
- physics.
Contact
McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program
201 East Kennedy Blvd. Suite 1525
Tampa, Florida 33602
(813) 272-2772
mdf@fefonline.org
Scholarship Link
18. Robert D. Watkins Graduate Fellowship
Deadline: May 1st
The American Society for Microbiology awards the Robert D. Watkins Graduate Fellowship. The stipend is worth $63,000 over three years. It’s open to minority doctoral students, including African Americans, who are pursuing a PhD in the microbiological sciences full-time at an accredited U.S. university. Along with the application, candidates must submit:
- three letters of recommendation
- official graduate transcripts
- a research proposal
- a brief statement of professional career goals.
Contact
Robert D. Watkins Graduate Fellowship
1752 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 942-9283
fellowships@asmusa.org
Scholarship Link
19. Stephen C. Rose Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 4th
Administered by the Association of Black Psychologists the Stephen C. Rose Scholarship Fund will give $1,000 to doctoral students of color. They must be devoting their dissertation research to studying psychological challenges confronting African American youth, especially racism. Eligible applicants must:
- be ABPsi members
- attend an accredited U.S. institution
- pursue a PhD in the social sciences
Recipients also earn a travel stipend to present at that year’s ABPsi Convention.
Contact
Stephen C. Rose Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 9070
Providence, RI 02940
(310) 449-3082
abpsi@abpsi.org
Scholarship Link
20. Valuing Diversity PhD Scholarships
Deadline: April 30th
The Valuing Diversity PhD Scholarships are distributed by the American Marketing Association Foundation to outstanding students from underrepresented minority groups, including African Americans. They must be are pursuing a PhD degree in marketing or advertising. Qualified applicants must:
- be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- attend an AACSB-accredited business school full-time
- have completed at least one year
- write a 500-word essay reflecting on their research efforts.
Contact
Valuing Diversity PhD Scholarships
311 South Wacker Drive Suite 5800
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 542-9015
jschnidman@ama.org
Scholarship Link
Going the extra mile to earn a doctorate is certainly expensive, but it can pay off. Georgetown’s Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) reports that graduates with a doctoral degree have average lifetime earnings of $3.3 million. Investing in a PhD can provide a 61 percent salary increase from the bachelor’s level! African American students may sidetrack their doctoral dreams due to rising tuition costs. However, scholarships, grants, and fellowships can provide enough money to cover your schooling and dissertation expenses. Apply to some of these doctoral scholarships for African American females and males to afford your degree.
GCD Staff
See also: 20 Great PhD Scholarships and Doctoral Grants for Minorities
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