Scholarships

Explore scholarship and award opportunities available to College of Charleston chemistry and biochemistry students.

From entering first-year students to accomplished juniors and seniors, these scholarships offer valuable opportunities tp help you pursue your educational and professional goals in chemistry and biochemistry.

Scholarships for Chemistry/Biochemistry Majors

Numerous scholarship opportunities are available for students in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. To apply for College of Charleston scholarships, visit the Cougar Scholarship Award System at cofc.academicworks.com. Please note that the scholarships - including those listed below - may not appear in the system once the application deadline has passed.
  • GEL Scholarship (First-year students)

    Funded by GEL Laboratories in Charleston, the GEL Scholarship is awarded by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry to Chemistry and Biochemsitry majors based on need and merit.

    Deadline: March 1

    Eligiblity:

    • application and acceptance to the College of Charleston
    • declaration of chemistry or biochemistry as a major
    • an outstanding high school record, as evidenced by high school class rank and/or high SAT/ACT score
    • a copy of the high school transcript
    • a strong interest in science, as evidenced by advanced science courses and science related extra-curricular activities
    • a letter of recommendation from the student's high school chemistry teacher. Note: Letters of recommendation can be emailed directly to the Chair at forconim@cofc.edu, or can be included in a sealed/signed envelope with the student’s materials.
    • a demonstration of financial need (Note: Financial need is considered in consultation with the Financial Aid office. For financial need to be considered, FAFSA paperwork must be on file with the College.)

    For more information, contact Department Office, 843.953.5587 or the Chair at forconim@cofc.edu.

    Apply for the GEL Scholarship
  • Edward Emerson Towell Chemistry Scholarship (First-Year students)

    The Edward Emerson Towell Chemistry Scholarship is available to an entering first-year student at the College of Charleston who has chosen to major in chemistry or biochemistry.

    The Towell Chemistry Scholarship has been established in honor of Dr. Edward E. Towell (1913-2003), Professor of Chemistry, by his former students and colleagues. Professor Towell received his B.S. in chemistry from the College in 1934 and his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina in 1944. He joined the faculty of the College of Charleston in 1943 and served until his retirement in 1976. In addition to his service as Professor of Chemistry, Dr. Towell served as Dean of the College and as acting President during his career. The Towell Library building on campus was named in his honor.

    Value
    The Towell Scholarship is approximately $2,000 per year and is renewable for four years as long as standards for continuation are met.

    Deadline: March 1

    Eligibility

    Criteria for consideration for this scholarship include:

    • application and acceptance to the College of Charleston
    • declaration of chemistry or biochemistry as a major
    • an outstanding high school record, as evidenced by high school class rank and/or high SAT/ACT score
    • a copy of the high school transcript
    • a strong interest in science, as evidenced by advanced science courses and science related extra-curricular activities
    • a letter of recommendation from the student's high school chemistry teacher. Note: Letters of recommendation can be emailed directly to the Chair at forconim@cofc.edu, or can be included in a sealed/signed envelope with the student’s materials.

    For more information, contact Department Office, 843.953.5587 or the Chair at forconim@cofc.edu.

    Apply for the Towell Scholarship
  • American Chemical Society Scholars Program

    Presented by the American Chemical Society (ACS), scholarships are awarded based on academic record, career objective, leadership ability, participation in school activities and/or academic research, and community service.

    Value

    The amount of each individual award depends upon the availability of funding, the number of scholarships awarded, and evidence of financial need. Scholarship recipients receive up to a maximum of $5,000 per year. Scholarship awards are renewable as long as Scholars maintain academic performance requirements.

    • $2,500 for first-year students
    • $3,000 for sophomores
    • $5,000 for juniors and seniors

    Eligibility
    To be considered for a scholarship through the ACS Scholars Program, candidates must:

    • Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.
    • Be African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, or American Indian
    • Be a graduating high school senior or college freshman, sophomore or junior. Seniors can apply for their fifth year.
    • Intend to major or already major in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical technology, or another chemistry-related science AND plan to pursue a career in a chemistry-related science as well (please see below for more details)
    • Be a full-time student at a high school or accredited college, university, or community college
    • Demonstrate high academic achievement in chemistry or science (Grade Point Average 3.0 or higher)
    • Demonstrate financial need according to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA) and the Student Aid Report (SAR)
    Apply on the ACS Website
  • Brewer Scholarship

    The scholarship recipient is selected by the Faculty of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry from among the junior and senior chemistry majors who are South Carolina residents and have demonstrated ability in chemistry, are of honorable character, and show promise for future excellence.

    The scholarship is a donation of Mr. and Mrs. O. W. Brewer in appreciation for the education received by their son and daughter-in-law, Drs. Greg and Cindy Brewer, B.S. chemistry majors at the College of Charleston.

    Value: Varies

    Deadline: March 1

    Eligibility:

    • Full-time, junior or senior Chemistry major.
    • South Carolina resident
    • Preference given to students with demonstrated financial need.
  • Gadsden Scholarship

    Provided in memory of Dr. Richard Gadsden by his family and is alternately awarded with the Department of Mathematics. It is given to a rising senior in the awarding department.

    Value: Varies

    Apply for the Gadsden Scholarship
  • Frank Lense Scholarship

    This full tuition scholarship was given endowed in 1998 in honor of the late Dr. Lense by his friends Mr. and Mrs. Howard Iserman.

    It is awarded to an outstanding chemistry or biochemistry major who normally is a rising senior.

    Amount: Varies

    Deadline: March 1

    Apply for Frank Lense Scholarship
  • Summer Research Scholarships

    Several summer stipends are usually awarded to biochemistry or chemistry majors, and the recipients work with a mentor and other students on one or more research projects.

    The number of stipends depends upon the level of in-house and extramural funds available. Students are selected by the mentors, and the selection is usually based on interests, goals, and grades (especially in laboratory courses).

  • Additional Chem/Biochem Scholarships

    Additional scholarship opportunities may be available through the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

    Please check the Cougar Scholarship Award System at the link below. Also, please note that scholarship opportuniites will not appear in the listing once the application deadline has passed.

    View More Chem/Biochem Scholarships