Feature

Scholarships, Awards & Financial Support for Undergraduates

Undergraduate

Graduate

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Scholarship Opportunities

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has two endowed departmental scholarships. These are the Barrentine Memorial Scholarship and the Will D. Carpenter Scholarship (see below). These scholarships are usually awarded in May or June for the upcoming academic year (Fall-Spring) and are open to all Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors (including incoming freshman and transfer students that declare Biochemistry as their field of interest). Criteria for selection include GPA, ACT scores (for incoming freshman), financial need, and/or students that exhibit a commitment to the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major through involvement in departmental activities, internships, research experiences, etc. Scholarships generally range from $250 to $1,000. There is no formal application process, as student recipients are selected by the Biochemistry Head in consultation with the Biochemistry Faculty based on the criteria indicated previously. However, students are encouraged to send a letter or e-mail to the Department Head during the Spring semester expressing interest in obtaining a scholarship for the upcoming academic year along with any information that might be helpful in determining a student's financial need, experiences and interests in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, future goals, etc.

The curriculum leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. The objective of this curriculum is to provide the student with a strong background in science as part of a liberal education and also to prepare the student for professional work and/or graduate study. We have sufficient flexibility in our requirements such that a student can choose any of several areas of specialization by appropriate use of elective hours.

Dr. Benjamin F. Barrentine Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Benjamin F. Barrentine received his B.S. in Chemistry from Mississippi State University, and an M.S. in Nutrition and Biochemistry and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Cornell University. He became Head of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry at Mississippi State University in 1958, which later was re-named and re-organized into the Department of Biochemistry (effective July 1, 1969). Dr. Barrentine was instrumental not only in the creation of the Department of Biochemistry, but also in Biochemistry becoming a full-fledged degree program (Bachelors of Science) at Mississippi State University (effective July 1, 1973) - the only undergraduate Biochemistry degree program in the State of Mississippi at that time.

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology extends its sincere appreciation to the Barrentine Family for the establishment of this Memorial fund in honor of Dr. Barrentine and his service to the Department of Biochemistry. We appreciate their continued giving to the Benjamin F. Barrentine Memorial Scholarship in support of our undergraduate students.

Dr. Will D. Carpenter Scholarship

Dr. Carpenter is retired vice president and general manager of Monsanto Company's Agricultural Technology Division. For many years he was Director of Product Development for Monsanto's Agricultural Products Company in St. Louis, Missouri. A native of Moorhead, Mississippi, he received a B.S. degree in Agronomy from Mississippi State in 1952, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in 1956 and 1958, respectively, both in Plant Physiology from Purdue University. He joined Monsanto in 1958 as a research biochemist and enjoyed a most distinguished career with the company.

Dr. Carpenter is the author of articles published in physiology and biochemical journals and has remained very active in his fields of expertise even after retirement. As late as 1998, he was involved for the United States government in monitoring procedures for critical chemicals. He served as representative for The Chemical Manufacturers Association to the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. In 1992, Dr. Carpenter was co-recipient for the Hilliard Roderick Prize in Science, Arms Control and International Security from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has held membership and has served in various leadership capacities for many national, international, scientific and agricultural organizations.

In 1991, Dr. Carpenter was named the Alumni Fellow for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Mississippi State University. He was an Executive in Residence at Mississippi State from 1992-95 and was named the Alumnus of the Year for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 1997. As a continuation of his many MSU accomplishments, Dr. Carpenter was named the 2003 National Alumnus of the Year. In 2005, he served as commencement speaker at the December graduation where he was also given an Honorary Doctorate from the university.

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Carpenter and the Carpenter Family for the establishment of this fund and their continued giving to the Will D. Carpenter Scholarship in support of our undergraduate students.

[ back to top ]

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Scholarships

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has several scholarship opportunities for students pursuing majors within the College. Inquiries can be made through the Office of the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Deadlines for scholarship applications are usually in February, but consult the CALS website for updates and details throughout the year.

[ back to top ]

Other Mississippi State University Scholarship Opportunities

Mississippi State University has a number of scholarships available for entering freshman, transfer students, students with superior academic performance, competitive scholarships in subject areas, etc. There is something for everyone to apply for, so check out the scholarships link in the Office of Admissions and Scholarships

Mississippi Agricultural Industry Council (MAIC) Scholarships

Each year the Mississippi Agricultural Industry Council (MAIC) awards two, $1,000 scholarships to deserving, needy students majoring in a curriculum related to the agricultural chemical and fertilizer industry. The deadline for applications is usually in April, however check the website for updates and an electronic copy of the application form is available at www.maicms.org

Mississippi State University Shackouls Honors College Scholarships

The Shackouls Honors College assists MSU students with the Honors designation in preparing to compete for prestigious national and international scholarships; such as the Goldwater Scholarship (see “Distinguished Scholarships”).

The Honors College also administers the Honors Undergraduate Research Program and has available a limited number of summer research fellowships. The program will pay up to $2000 for students to work on research projects with MSU faculty on campus. Any area of study is allowed. Students MUST be members in good standing of the Shackouls Honors College. Consult the website for program eligibility and availability of funds for this program.

[ back to top ]

Distinguished Scholarships

Goldwater Scholarship

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater, The purpose of the Foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields. Each scholarship covers eligible expenses for undergraduate tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,500 annually. The Goldwater Scholarship is the premier undergraduate research scholarship. Only 300 are awarded each year across the country. Since 2002, universities in Mississippi have had nine Goldwater Scholars; Mississippi State University is proud to have had five of that group - four of those have been from Biochemistry. The Honors College at MSU can assist students with their applications for the Goldwater Scholarships. The following link will take you to the Goldwater Scholarships homepage for more information:

Gamma Sigma Delta Undergraduate Scholarships

The Mississippi State University Chapter of the Honor Society of Agriculture, Gamma Sigma Delta, encourages high standards of scholarship in all branches of agricultural science and education and a high degree of excellence in the practice of agricultural pursuits and its closely related disciplines. To be eligible for Scholarships students must be members of Gamma Sigma Delta (or join at the time scholarship applications are submitted). For undergraduate membership, students must be members of the junior or senior class, have high moral character, be in resident in the department of their discipline at least one year, rank in the upper 15% of their classmen and have a minimum 3.25 GPA. Eligibility for scholarships includes membership in Gamma Sigma Delta, and for juniors to have completed 74 to 85% of total hours towards their program with at least 30% earned at MSU and for seniors to complete requirements for graduation the Spring semester the scholarship is awarded and have at least 25% of coursework completed at MSU.

[ back to top ]

Other Scholarship Opportunities

Undergraduate Scholarships Available for Chemical Science and Chemical Technology Majors

The American Chemical Society (ACS) Scholars program is targeted at minority groups considered to be under-represented in the sciences- African American, American Indian and Hispanic or Latino students. Award amounts are based on financial need and can be up to $2500 per academic year for college freshmen, up to $3000 per year for college sophomores, and up to $5000 per year for college juniors and seniors.

Graduating high school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. The number and amount of awards are subject to available funding. Applications are generally due March 1. Students in pre-med, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, and veterinary medicine programs are not eligible for this scholarship. For more information or to apply online, go to www.acs.org/scholars.

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Academic Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship

The NCGA Academic Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship Program awards five (5) $1,000 one-year scholarships to deserving, qualified second-year undergraduate students (or later) or graduate students enrolled in an agriculture, agribusiness, or ag vocation program at a 2-year or 4-year program of study at an accredited junior college, college or university. Applicants must be members or dependents of a member of the National Corn Growers Association. Employees and the families of employees of any division of BASF or their subsidiaries are not eligible for the scholarship. The application deadline is usually in January, however check the website for updates and to download the application packet and guidelines, please visit www.ncga.com or email scholarship@ncga.com

[ back to top ]