Department of Psychological Sciences

Undergraduate Scholarships

The Department of Psychological Sciences has several scholarships available for undergraduate students majoring in Psychology. Each scholarship is faculty-nominated, which means students cannot apply for these scholarships via an application process. All awards go through KSN (K-State Scholarship Network).

Leon Rappoport Memorial Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students

This award is funded by alumni, friends, and family of Dr. Leon Rappoport, whose legacy at K-State (beginning in 1964) still lives on in our department in so many ways (including in our Leon Rappoport Memorial Lobby, where you can find a picture of him on his motorcycle). The award is given to outstanding juniors or seniors in the Department of Psychological Sciences as judged by Psychological Sciences faculty members.

  • Typical Award: $500 each
  • Eligibility: Juniors and Seniors; academic excellence, and must go to individuals who are: a) 25 years of age or older; b) married; c) a parent; d) a veteran; or e) returning to school after an absence of 3 or more years.
  • Selection & Award Time-Frame: nominees are selected every spring

Sewell Undergraduate Research Scholarship

The Sewell Research Scholarship (established by K-State Psych alumnus Kenneth Sewell and his wife Beth in 2017; Ken is currently VPR at Oklahoma State University) is for a psychological sciences major who is involved in important research under the direct supervision of a K-State Psychological Sciences faculty member.

  • Typical Award: $1,000 each
  • Eligibility: Involved in psychological research; preference is given to first generation college students or students who transferred to K-State from a community/junior college.
  • Selection & Award Time-Frame: nominees are selected every spring

E. J. Phares Research Award

The E J. Phares Award, established in honor of K-State Psych faculty member and world-famous personality psychologist.

  • Typical Award: $500 each
  • Eligibility: Student who has shown exceptional promise in psychological research skills and abilities
  • Selection & Award Time-Frame: nominees are selected every spring

Peterson Prize for Outstanding Graduating Seniors

The Peterson Prize is given in honor Dr. J.C. Peterson, who retired from our department at K-State in 1954. This prize provides scholarships to psychology students in order to stimulate interest in the study of psychology at Kansas State University and to encourage promising students to study for advanced degrees in psychology.

  • Typical Award: $500 each
  • Eligibility: Graduating seniors judged outstanding not only in terms of academic performance, but also in terms of contributions to the department in areas such as service and research
  • Selection & Award Time-Frame: nominees are selected every spring

Curtis Lee and JB Gee Psychological Sciences Scholarship

This award was established in 2013 by Janet Gee, an esteemed alumna of Psych Sciences (1976, BS) who served on our alumni council for 2013-2018 and 2022-2024 (president in 2018).

  • Typical Award: $500 each
  • Eligibility: Exceptionally strong records of accomplishment & demonstrated financial need.
  • Selection & Award Time-Frame: nominees are selected every spring

Doreen Shanteau Undergraduate Research Fellowship

This award was established by former K-State Psych professor Dr. James Shanteau in 2009 to honor his wife Doreen. Students must present their ideas to a panel of faculty, who then judge which students, along with their research projects, will make the biggest impact in psychology.

  • Typical Award: $500 each
  • Eligibility: Juniors and Seniors conducting a faculty-approved research project
  • Selection & Award Time-Frame: nominees are selected every spring