With a grant from the National Science Foundation, UNC Asheville’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Department has established the Chemistry Scholars Program. The program offers excellent student support services for Chemistry majors from the beginning of their freshman year through graduation and scholarships for Chemistry majors.
Current UNC Asheville undergraduates can complete their Chemistry Scholarship profile here.
Current applicants to UNC Asheville can apply to the Chemistry Scholars Program here.
Scholarships for Chemistry Majors
- The Chemistry Scholars Program has scholarships available for chemistry students who demonstrate academic merit and financial need.
- Scholarships can fund up to 100% of a student’s demonstrated financial need and are renewable for 4 years (based on continuing academic merit).
Academic merit is evaluated by:
- Academic performance in high school (or UNC Asheville, if applicable), GPA, SAT, class rank
- Chemistry and math course grades
- Essay answering question “Why do I want to study chemistry?”
- Optional reference letter
Financial need is determined by:
Strict Federal guidelines dictated by the National Science Foundation, based on information provided in the FAFSA form.
Chemistry Scholars Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Pursue a chemistry major
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees
- Degrees tailored to focus areas in pure chemistry, biochemistry, or environmental chemistry; or combine degree with teacher licensure
Demonstrate academic merit and financial need:
- Scholarship amount depends on student’s individual financial need and the total amount of scholarship dollars available
- Scholarship funding continues for four full academic years if the following requirements are met:
- Continue to demonstrate financial need
- Advance in the curriculum of the chemistry major
- Complete at least 30 credit hours per academic year
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in UNCA Asheville science and math courses during the freshman year (increasing to a GPA of 2.7 in sophomore through senior years).
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in all UNC Asheville courses
Comprehensive Educational Support Services
The Chemistry Scholars Program provides the best possible undergraduate education in chemistry. These support services are for all chemistry majors, not just scholarship recipients.
Phase-One: Bonding and Structure
Phase One is designed to prepare you for success as a chemistry major at UNC Asheville. Educational support designed for new college students include:
- An Liberal Studies Introductory Colloquia (LSIC) course specially designed for the chemistry and science majors will create a Chemistry Learning Community and help with the transition to university life.
- Supplemental course support for introductory chemistry courses (General Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I)
- Faculty and peer mentoring
Every class I have taken as a Chemistry student has been challenging and extremely beneficial. When I leave UNC Asheville I know I will be prepared for whatever field I go into. – Lyle Lawrence, Class of 2012
Phase-Two: I Am a Chemistry Major
Phase Two begins after the freshman year to guide you into becoming a scientist. Educational support includes:
- Field trips to chemical industry, special luncheons and seminars to help you explore career opportunities in chemistry and identify your chosen career path as a chemistry professional.
- Faculty and peer mentoring
- Opportunities to apply for funded summer undergraduate research experiences
The UNC Asheville Chemistry Department is not a department, but one big family. The professors and staff know their students by name and will go out of their way to help you. Being part of this family has been a blessing and I am forever grateful for the wonderful people who made me feel at home. – Brittany Funderburke, Class of 2012
Phase-Three: Transition into the Workforce
Phase-Three, Transition into the Workforce, prepares you for a career in chemistry (such as direct entry into the chemical industry, graduate-level education, or additional professional training in medical, dental or pharmacy schools) and to develop as a professional chemist for life after UNC Asheville. This is accomplished through:
- In-depth undergraduate research experiences
- Professional development (in cooperation with UNC Asheville’s Career Center)
- Seminars and field trips
The Chemistry Department at UNC Asheville is many things, including knowledgeable, available, personable, helpful, fun and challenging. At some point everyone in the department has played a role in preparing me for a future in chemistry. Lastly, I feel I have made bonds with faculty, staff and students here that will last a lifetime, whether they like it or not. – Britt Tyler, Class of 2012