Doctoral Research Scholars

The Doctoral Research Scholarship program provides funding for full-time or part-time doctoral students who have completed a minimum of 48 credits of coursework. This opportunity provides support for doctoral students to advance their research to progress in 998 or 999 requirements towards completion of their degree and are awarded on a competitive basis. Applicants must submit materials to the Graduate Division by 5PM, February 23, 2026. Recipients will be notified by April 24, 2026.

For more details on the application process or any questions, please contact Akitta Robertson, gescholr@gmu.edu

Application Process

Students must complete their application and submit the following materials through the online application portal by 5 pm, February 23, 2026. 

• Personal statement (1 page)
• Research statement (2 pages) – targeted to a broader audience
• Requested funding tier and justification (including program funding constraints) 
• Plan of study
• Timeline to degree completion
• Current internal or external funding towards doctoral studies (when applicable)

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be Doctoral students.
• Applicants can be part-time (minimum of 4.5 credits) or full-time; however, if awarded, they must be able to enroll full-time at the start of the award.
• Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above at the time of the application and throughout the award.
• Applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of 48 credits of coursework by the start of the award.
• Applicants must be registered for either 998 or 999 by the start of the award

Award Requirements

• Term of award: AY 2026-2027 (Fall 2026-Spring 2027)
• Types of awards:

• Post-award report that summarizes research and scholarly activities and progress made towards degree completion during the period of the award