Scholarships and Financial Support
UH GCSW makes every effort to assist students in obtaining financial support for their graduate education. We offer a number of scholarships, stipend programs, assistantships and fellowships to students. Any non Texas resident who receives a scholarship of $1,000 or more or is employed as a Graduate Assistant will receive in-state (resident) tuition rates.
FELLOWSHIPS
Agencies for Gerontology Intercultural Field Training (AGIFT)Fellowships, funded by the John A. Hartford Foundation of New York City, prepares graduate social work students for competent, culturally sensitive practice in gerontological and geriatric social work. Fellowships are available during the semesters in which the student is enrolled in designated field practicum courses and placed in designated AGIFT agencies. The number of fellowships available is limited. Students will be selected for fellowships through a competitive application process administered by the Office of Field Education. AGIFT Consortium agencies include ARISE—University of Texas Center on Aging, Associated Catholic Charities, Baylor College of Medicine Geriatric Center, Better Business Bureau Silver Sleuths, Harris County Hospital District, Housing Opportunities of Houston, Optimum Personal Care, Sheltering Arms Senior Services, Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services/Adult Protective Services, and Veteran’s Administration Medical Center.
Amount of Fellowship: AGIFT students receive up to $2,000 each semester they are enrolled in advanced field practicum courses (up to two semesters).
How to Apply: New students will receive an AGIFT application in the mail after they are admitted. Application deadlines, along with instructions, will be included with the fellowship application.
Contact:
UH Field Office
Phone: 713-743-8088
Email: mswfield@sw.uh.edu
Presidential/Cullen/Erhardt Fellowships are awarded to entering full-time students of exceptional caliber demonstrated by their academic record and experience.
Amount of Award: Varies
How to Apply: Click here for more information on Presidential/Cullen/Erhardt Fellowships
Florence Clemenger Presidential Fellowships are awarded to entering full-time Advanced Standing students who have not previously attended UH and who show evidence of strong academic ability, as reflected by competitive Grade Point Averages and standardized test scores.
Amount of Award: Varies.
How to Apply: Advanced standing students who show strong evidence of strong academic ability are nominated for awards.
Contact:
Amber Mollhagen, GCSW Office of Admissions
Phone: 713-743-8082
Email: amollhagen@uh.edu
Graduate Assistant Tuition Fellowships (GATF) are available to full-time students admitted unconditionally to the MSW Program. Students must apply and interview for GATF positions in the GCSW; if awarded a GATF, students must enroll for a minimum of nine hours each Fall and Spring semester (six hours in the summer). Mandatory fees charged by UH remain the responsibility of the student and are not included in the GATF.
Amount of Fellowship: In exchange for 20 hour a week employment in the GCSW, students receive $4,342.50 per semester (Fall and Spring), plus an amount equal to resident tuition for 12 credit hours. Non-residents benefit additionally by receiving in-state tuition rates.
How to Apply: Once applicants have received their acceptance letter for admission to the M.S.W. program, they may apply for a GATF. Send a resume with the GA Applicant Profile Form (click here to get form - www.sw.uh.edu/documents/alumni/GACandidateProfile.pdf or call number below) to Ann Liberman.
Contact: For the MSW Program, once applicants have received their acceptance letter for admission, they may apply for a GATF. Send a resume with the GA Applicant Profile Form indicating your interest to:
Ann Liberman
Graduate College of Social Work
110 HA Social Work Building
University of Houston
Houston, TX 77204-4013
Phone: 713-743-8071
Email: aliberman@uh.edu
For the PhD Program, contact Carolyn Brooks at cbrooks@uh.edu for additional information about GATF opportunities.
STIPENDS
Child Welfare Education Project (CWEP) Stipends are awarded to incoming and current GCSW students. CWEP’s focus is to prepare master's level social work students for challenging and rewarding work in children's protective services. The CWEP program provides stipends for full- and flex option students. CWEP applicants must 1) be accepted into the M.S.W. program; 2) be eligible for employment by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services; 3) undergo a criminal background and driving record check; 4)Stipend recipients are chosen by a committee composed of GCSW and CPS representatives.
Amount of Stipend: Full-time students will receive a stipend of $3,500 a semester for up to six semesters; part-time students receive a stipend of $2,500 a semester for up to ten semesters. Financial support received by students through CWEP requires re-payment through professional social work employment in Children’s Protective Services. For each semester the student receives a stipend, eight months employment at CPS is required. Current CPS employees who attend school on a part-time basis pay back four months for each semester that a stipend is received.
How to Apply: Most students apply soon after they’ve been admitted to the MSW Program, but students can apply anytime during their enrollment at the GCSW. To begin an application, contact Brunessia Wilson.
Contact:
Brunessia Wilson, CWEP Student Affairs Coordinator
Phone: 713-743-8147
Email: bwilso2@central.uh.edu
MSW PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships for Bilingual Student are available for entering full-time MSW students who are fluent in English and Spanish. Current opportunities include funding from the Hogg Foundation and the George Foundation.
The Hogg Foundation requires a commitment to working in a clinical setting with Spanish speaking populations in Texas for a minimum of two years after graduation from the MSW Program.
The George Foundation requires a commitment to working in a clinical setting with Spanish speaking populations in Fort Bend County for a minimum of two years after graduation from the MSW Program. It also requires students to be residents of Fort Bend county throughout the application, education, and working experiences.
Amount of Award:
Scholarships cover the majority of tuition and fees.
When to Apply:
Application instructions will be sent to admitted bilingual students in the month of May. Applicants are required to interview with the scholarship committee.
Contact:
Amber Mollhagen, GCSW Office of Admissions
Phone: 713-743-8082
Email: amollhagen@uh.edu
The Charlotte Campbell Scholarship Award is awarded annually by the UH GCSW Alumni Association to a continuing student in Social Work who has completed at least 28 semester credit hours and has a GPA of 3.25 or higher. The recipient of this award is honored at the annual Social Work Awards Breakfast held in March.
Amount of Award: $750.00
How to Apply: The GCSW Alumni Association will send out an email announcement to continuing students sometime during the Fall semester. The email will include application instructions and deadlines.
Contact: UH GCSW Alumni Association
Gerson David Scholarship in Gerontology is awarded to one student each year. The recipient must demonstrate a commitment to Gerontological Social Work gerontology as a field of practice and maintain a GPA of 3.25 or higher.
Amount of Award: $1,000
How to Apply: An email announcement with application instructions and deadlines will be sent in the Spring Semester
Contact: Gerontology Program faculty
R.J. DeBottis Scholarship is awarded annually to a continuing student who has demonstrated activism and advocacy for older adults while maintaining a GPA of 3.33 or higher.
Amount of Award: $1,000 initially, and another $1,000 upon employment in Gerontological or Geriatric Social Work. The total award is $2,000.
How to Apply: An email announcement with application instructions and deadlines will be sent in the Fall Semester.
Contact: Gerontology Program faculty
OTHER MSW PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS
A number of scholarships are awarded through a general GCSW scholarship committee . Only one application is needed for the following opportunities.
Dean's Advisory Council (DAC) Scholarships are awarded each academic year, and are based on academic scholarship and financial need, with preference given to full-time students.
Henley Academic Scholarships in Social Work are awarded to one or more entering full-time students with excellent academic skills, as evidenced by ranking in the top quartile of GRE scores.
Ruth Goldman Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate a commitment to advancing peace and social justice.
George Magner Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate interest in a career in and the enhancement of public social services.
Mark Magaziner Scholarships are given to full-time students with excellent academic skills as evidenced by high GPA and GRE scores, have a financial need, and a strong interest in research.
Mollie Nadelman Awards are offered each semester to MSW students to help cover the costs of textbooks.
Josephine Stewart Scholarships are awarded periodically to students who demonstrate interest in either research or a career in the field of women’s issues.
William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students focusing on gerontology.
The Make a Difference Scholarship is awarded to a first or second year student that is in good academic standing, has financial need, and has potential to make a difference in their community.
Amount of Awards: Varies
How to Apply: An application for the scholarships listed here can be found online. The deadline for new students is June 1 st. Application instructions and deadlines will be emailed in the Spring semester to continuing students.
Contact:
Amber Mollhagen, GCSW Office of Admissions
Phone: 713-743-8082
Email: amollhagen@uh.edu
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR AMERICAN HUMANICS PROGRAM
The Flanakin American Humanics Scholarship is awarded to a graduating American Humanics student to help with the costs of post graduate transition expenses or graduate school.
The Gary Nichols Scholarship for Leadership and Service is awarded to an undergraduate student who is participating in the American Humanics Program, has extensive community involvement, and a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Amount of Award : $500.00 for each of these awards
How to Apply: The application deadline for the AH Awards is April 1st. Contact the AH Office for an application. Scholarships can be applied to the Summer or Fall semester.
The Raymond Oeland McCall Award is awarded to an American Humanics student interning at Spaulding for Children.
Amount of Award: $500.00
How to Apply: Students apply in the semester prior to start of the AH internship. Contact the AH Office for an application.
Contact for all American Humanics Scholarships:
Lori Godwin, American Humanics Interim Program Director
Phone: 713-743-8018
Email: lgodwin@uh.edu
UH FINANCIAL AID OPTIONS
A variety of grants and loans are available through the University of Houston Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid located in the Welcome Center, at corner of University Avenue and Calhoun. For additional information, visit them at www.uh.edu/enroll/sfa/. To apply for federal student loans and grants, visit www.fafsa.ed.gov or call 1-800-433-3243. The UH school code for FAFSA is 003652. You may also review the on-line UH Graduate and Professional Studies Bulletin regarding financial aid options. If needed, short term loans are also available.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR PHD STUDENTS
The GCSW places a high priority on doctoral student support and makes every effort to assist students throughout their educational endeavor. Students requiring financial assistance should consult with the Doctoral Program Director and/or with the appropriate UH office. Applicants are advised to apply early to be considered for financial assistance.
Sources of financial assistance available to doctoral students may include: teaching fellowships; Title IV-E assistantships; and graduate research assistantships. Minority scholarships are available through the CSWE Minority Fellows Program. Small grants are also available to help defray the costs of dissertation research. Information is available on the Council on Social Work Education website (www.cswe.org).