Navigating the Mizzou Scholarship Universe: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Missouri (Mizzou) offers a wide array of scholarship opportunities to support students in their academic pursuits. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of various scholarships available at Mizzou, including departmental honors programs, study abroad scholarships, and general financial aid resources. Understanding the landscape of these opportunities is crucial for students seeking to finance their education and enhance their academic experience.

Departmental Honors Program in English

For English majors with a strong academic record, the Departmental Honors Program offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into their field of study. To be eligible, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better.

Requirements for Earning Departmental Honors

Earning departmental honors requires completing a two-course sequence: English 4995W: “Honors Seminar in English” and English 4996: “Senior Honors Thesis.” The “Honors Seminar in English” (4995W) is offered in the Fall semester. This seminar-style course equips students with the necessary skills to successfully complete their honors thesis while encouraging reflection on the value of being an English major. This course is Writing Intensive (WI) and fulfills the Capstone requirement for graduation. The subsequent course, English 4996, involves working closely with a faculty advisor to produce a thesis of approximately 25-40 pages. Students typically take 4996 in the spring semester following 4995W, although exceptions can be made. It is important to note that 4995W and 4996 cannot be taken simultaneously. Graduation with departmental honors is contingent upon the successful completion of both courses.

Thesis Options: Creative or Critical

Honors Theses can be creative or critical (or both) in category. Students interested in pursuing a creative thesis should complete the three-course sequence in their chosen genre (fiction, non-fiction, or poetry) before enrolling in 4995W, though exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Application Process

To apply to the Honors Program, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better and submit an application packet by February 1 of their junior year. The application packet includes:

Proposal: A 500-word, double-spaced description of the intended thesis topic. For critical theses, the proposal should identify a specific and complex topic suitable for a 25-40 page thesis. It should also outline the possible authors and texts to be studied, key themes to be explored, and the significance of the topic to the student as a thinker and writer. For creative theses, the proposal should describe the concept, themes, and forms of artistic inspiration, as well as how the work will be contextualized within a larger intellectual and writerly framework.
Advisor: A list of at least three faculty members who would be suitable advisors for the project. While the department tries to accommodate student preferences, securing a specific advisor cannot be guaranteed.
Writing Sample: A 7-10 page writing sample that showcases the student's best critical or creative work. This can be a combination of previous papers or creative pieces. Students pursuing creative theses should submit examples in the genre/form of their proposed thesis, if possible. An excerpt of a longer piece is also acceptable.
Unofficial Transcript: A complete and up-to-date transcript of courses from MyZou. Applications without a transcript will not be considered.

Applicants will be notified of the decision regarding their application around February 15th. Accepted students will also be informed of their assigned advisor. Following acceptance, the English department advisor, Ms. Mary Moore, will provide a permission number to enroll in 4995W for the fall semester. A second permission number will be issued before enrolling in 4996 the following spring.

Petitioning to Apply

Students whose overall GPA falls below 3.5 can petition to apply to the Honors Program. This requires submitting a letter of petition to the Director of Undergraduate Studies, explaining any problem areas on the transcript and the reasons for wanting to participate in the Honors Program. An up-to-date course transcript and a 7-10 page writing sample must be submitted along with the petition by January 16.

Honors Senior Essay

The Honors Senior Essay is a significant independent project that serves as the culmination of the undergraduate career.

Critical Thesis: Typically 25-40 pages in length, the critical thesis involves substantial research. The topic should be specific enough for deep inquiry but broad enough to justify the length. The thesis should reflect the student's individual perspective and scholarly identity.
Creative Thesis: The creative honors thesis comprises a 5-10 page critical, introductory essay and a 20-30 page creative work in fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction. The introductory essay should demonstrate critical skills and complement the creative work, exhibiting a spirit of deep critical inquiry.

Whether writing a critical or creative thesis, students should cite a minimum of eight sources on a Works Cited page following MLA format.

Meeting Schedule and Grading

The timeline for writing the thesis is determined by the student and their thesis advisor. In the fall, students should meet with their advisor at least twice to discuss and refine their topic. By December 15th, a 500-word proposal and a tentative list of sources must be submitted. In the spring, students should meet with their advisor at least once a month, establishing a schedule for submitting drafts and revisions. The thesis advisor assigns a grade for 4996 at the end of the spring semester, reflecting the quality of work throughout the semester and the final product. A grade of B or above in both 4995W and 4996 is required to be awarded departmental honors in English.

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Honors Thesis Prizes

The English department recognizes the hard work of honors students by awarding Honors Thesis Prizes. Beginning in 2023, two prizes of $500.00 each are awarded: one for the best thesis in Creative Writing and one for the best thesis in Criticism. These prizes are open to all students completing English 4996 in the fall and writing an Honors Thesis the following spring.

Accelerated Graduate Degree Application

The Accelerated Graduate Degree program offers exceptional English majors the chance to earn an MA in English with just one additional year of study. Students in this program complete 108 undergraduate credits and 31 graduate credits, totaling 139 credits. Currently, this program is only available for students concentrating in Creative Writing.

Program Structure

Completing the accelerated program results in a BA in English with honors and an MA in English. Unlike a traditional Master’s program, which typically takes two additional years and involves teaching undergraduates, this program allows students to finish in one extra year without teaching responsibilities.

Coursework

During the first year of the accelerated program (the student’s senior year), students take a minimum of 18 hours in English, including 6 hours for the honors thesis (4995W and 4996) and 12 hours of 7000-level graduate courses that count towards both the BA and MA degrees. In the second year, after receiving their BA, students take an additional 19 graduate credit hours, 15 of which are at the 8000-level. Three of these hours are dedicated to the MA thesis, which can be based on the honors thesis written in the first year.

Eligibility and Application

Only junior English majors who are qualified and applying for the Honors Thesis are eligible for the Accelerated Graduate Degree Program. The application due date is February 1 (extended to February 6 for the 2026 cycle).

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Application Materials

In addition to the materials required for the Honors Thesis application, students applying for the Accelerated Graduate Degree Program must submit:

Statement of Purpose: A 1-2 page (double-spaced) statement expressing their specialization within Creative Writing (fiction, poetry, and/or creative nonfiction), their readiness for graduate-level study (previous academic experience, scholarly experience beyond the classroom, related work experience), and their goals for pursuing the degree.
Letter of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation from an MU faculty member, preferably in the English Department and within the student's concentration (Creative Writing), commenting on their past performance and potential for success in graduate classes.
Faculty References: Names of two faculty references (separate from the letter of recommendation). The committee may contact these references during the application review.
Writing Samples: Two writing samples.

Advising and Course Planning

Students interested in the Accelerated Graduate Degree Program should consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies and the Academic Advisor. It is recommended that students meet with the DGS to discuss their 7000-level course selection for the first year and before signing up for 8000-level courses for the second year.

Year 2

In the second year, students become graduate students, and their primary advisor is the Director of Graduate Studies, who assists them in selecting a master's advisor and committee if they have not already done so.

Study Abroad Opportunities and Scholarships

Mizzou encourages students to broaden their horizons through study abroad programs, offering various scholarships and financial aid options to support these experiences.

Trulaske College of Business Study Abroad Program

The Trulaske College of Business offers a study abroad program in Frankfurt and Amsterdam, providing students with an introductory international business course.

Course Overview: This course emphasizes understanding various issues in international business, with a focus on Europe and its trading relationships in the global economy.
Course Codes:
- Undergraduate: MGMT 3901: Special Topics in Management - International Business, Frankfurt and Amsterdam (3 credit hours; graded S/U)
- Graduate: MGMT 8001: Special Topics in Management - International Business, Frankfurt and Amsterdam (3 credit hours; graded S/U)
Academic Advisor Consultation: Students should consult with their academic advisor to determine how this course satisfies their degree requirements. Graduate students will complete additional requirements for the elective credit.
Course Structure: The course is conducted in two parts:
- Five pre-departure classes at MU, laying the groundwork for principles of international business with a focus on the business strategies and cultural dimensions of Germany and the Netherlands.
- An international travel experience, including experiential learning exercises, group discussions and presentations, and company visits. Company visits are an essential part of the learning experience, allowing students to discuss international business strategies with company managers. The schedule also includes free time for sightseeing and visiting local cultural and historic sites.
Pre-Departure Classes: Pre-departure classes will be held beginning October 28, 2025, in Cornell Hall. Enrollment in these classes is required before participating in the program.
- Undergraduates: Business Administration (BUS_AD) _0553
- Graduates: Business Administration (BUS_AD) _0582
Meeting Schedule: Tuesdays, October 28 - December 9, 2025, from 6:00-8:30 pm in Cornell Hall. There will be no class on November 11, 2025 (Veterans Day) or November 25, 2025 (Thanksgiving Break).
Requirements: Students are required to attend all pre-departure courses and all company and cultural visits. They must also be in good academic and disciplinary standing at MU and have a valid passport with an expiration date more than six months after the program return date.
Application Process: Students must complete the online application process, including all necessary risk and release forms, and meet the minimum health insurance requirements set by the University.
Fees:
- Program Fee: \$3,950* (subject to change due to market adjustments)
- MU International Center Study Abroad Fee: \$245
- Visa: \$8
- Airfare (estimated): \$1,500
- Estimated Cost: \$5,703

A&S Scholarships for Study Abroad

The College of Arts and Science (A&S) is dedicated to student success and provides scholarships to support academic pursuits, particularly for study abroad programs.

SLLC Scholarships: For study abroad on faculty-led programs run by professors in the School of Languages, Literatures & Cultures (SLLC), scholarships are available for majors and minors of language programs. Award amounts vary by year and applicant pool. In 2023, \$1,500/student was awarded.
French Studies Scholarship: This scholarship supports students participating in a practical learning experience or activity in a French-speaking country. It is open to current French majors and minors. Awards are granted in March, and travel must occur within the following 12 months. The evaluation committee considers academic excellence, need, and the relevance of travel to academic and career goals. Priority is given to applicants participating in a faculty-led program in a francophone country. The minimum award is \$500, and the maximum is \$2500.

Campbell Prizes and Scholarships

The School of Languages, Literatures & Cultures offers a variety of Campbell Prizes and Scholarships to support students in various language programs.

Campbell Prize for Undergraduate Excellence in Chinese: \$200.00 awarded to a Chinese minor with outstanding academic work, consistent participation in Chinese cultural activities outside of class, and commitment to the study of Chinese language and culture. No application is required; Chinese Section faculty will nominate and vote on award recipients.
Campbell Scholarship for Chinese Study or Experience Abroad: \$1,000.00 awarded to a Chinese minor planning to study abroad or engage in service learning, an internship, or other experience in a Chinese-speaking country. Preference is given to students enrolled in faculty-led study abroad. Students must submit a brief letter of intent, including a description of their motivations for studying Chinese and ways they have engaged with Chinese language and culture outside of class by February 15.
Campbell Prize in Undergraduate Excellence in French: Awards of \$1,000 and \$250.00 are given to a French major (\$1000) and a French minor (\$250.00), respectively, with outstanding academic work, consistent participation in French section activities, and commitment to the study of French and Francophone language and culture. No application is required; French Section faculty will nominate and vote on award recipients.
Best French Studies Paper: \$500.00 awarded for the finest essay written for a 3000-level French studies course. Essays are judged on originality, organization of ideas, and writing quality.
Campbell Scholarship for French Study or Experience Abroad: \$1,250.00 awarded to a French major or minor planning to study abroad or engage in service learning, an internship, or other experience in a francophone country. Students must submit a brief letter of intent and request a recommendation from a French faculty member by February 1.
Campbell Undergraduate Research Assistantship: Maximum 6 awards per year at \$500 each, awarded to undergraduate students majoring in German for research undertaken with German faculty. Application includes an essay (500 words) explaining how the study abroad program will support the student’s academic and/or career goals, and unofficial transcripts.
Mullikin Award for Undergraduate Study Abroad: Maximum of 2 awards per year at \$1000 each, awarded to undergraduate students majoring in German who will participate in SLLC’s summer study-abroad program in Germany. Application includes an essay (500 words) explaining how the study abroad program will support the student’s academic and/or career goals, and unofficial transcripts.
Campbell Prize for Undergraduate Excellence in Italian: \$200 awarded to an Italian Minor with a record of outstanding academic work. No application is required; Italian Section faculty will nominate and vote on award recipients.
Campbell Study Abroad Scholarship for Italian Study or Experience Abroad: \$1,000.00 awarded to an Italian minor planning to study abroad or engage in service learning or an internship in Italy. Preference is given to students enrolled in faculty-led study abroad programs. Applicants should submit a brief letter of intent describing their motivations for studying Italian and for enrolling in a study-abroad program and how it fits into their educational (and possibly career) trajectory.
Campbell Prize in Undergraduate Excellence in Japanese: Two prizes of \$600 each awarded for the best writing assignment on Japanese.
Campbell Prize in Undergraduate Excellence in Korean: Two prizes of \$600 each awarded for the best writing assignment on Korea.
Campbell Prize in Undergraduate Excellence in Portuguese: Two prizes of \$600 each awarded for the best writing assignment on Brazil.
Campbell Prize in Undergraduate Excellence in Russian: Awards are given to students enrolled in the Russian program.
Campbell Study Abroad Scholarship: \$2,500 awarded to students participating in an educational program in a Russian-speaking part of the world. Application due by January 15th; applicants should send the Director of Undergraduate Studies in Russian an updated CV and a brief (1 to 2 page) description of the program and how it fits into the student’s educational trajectory.
Campbell Prize in Undergraduate Excellence in Spanish: Ten scholarships of \$500.00 each awarded to students who have declared their major or minor in Spanish.
Campbell Recruitment Prize for Graduate Study: Two scholarships of \$1250 each awarded to incoming MA students in French, German, or Spanish.

Other SLLC Scholarships

Carrie Wilkins Fellowship in Romance Languages: Two competitive summer fellowships of \$4,000 each are offered to graduate students studying French and Francophone cultures & literatures. Stipends may be used for travel to remote research sites as well as for on-campus summer research.
Barnstorff Book Award for Academic Achievement: Awarded to all German M.A students in good academic standing. The award covers the cost of all German-language materials assigned in German M.A seminars.
Campbell Prize for Excellence in Graduate Research in German Studies: Up to five prizes will be awarded each academic year to MA students in the German program who will present their research at conferences hosted outside central Missouri.
Friedel C. Maasdorf Scholarship for Future Language Teachers: Funds an immersive summer language program in Germany.
Campbell Prize for Teaching and Academic Excellence in Spanish Studies: Five scholarships of \$1,000.00 each. A Spanish faculty committee will evaluate the applicant's commitment and excellence in both academic performance and teaching.

General Financial Aid Information

Mizzou provides a range of financial aid resources to assist students in funding their education.

Types of Financial Aid

Students can explore various types of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Financial Aid Resources

Financial Aid Website: The Mizzou Financial Aid website offers comprehensive information on applying for financial aid, types of aid available, and frequently asked questions.
FAFSA Information: Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for federal and state aid.
Financial Aid Portal: The financial aid portal allows students to track their financial aid status, view awards, and complete required documents.
Loan Repayment and Financial Literacy: Resources are available to help students understand loan repayment options and improve their financial literacy.
Net Price Calculator: The Net Price Calculator provides an estimate of the cost of attendance after factoring in financial aid.

Moberly Area Community College (MACC) Scholarships

Moberly Area Community College (MACC) also offers a variety of institutional and private scholarships to assist students with their educational expenses.

General Scholarship Guidelines

Students shall receive no more than two (2) institutional scholarships and/or awards per semester.
Scholarships and awards are applied to educational expenses charged at MACC.
Cash refunds cannot be given for institutional scholarships.
Developmental courses do not apply toward grade point average.
Student scholarship recipients may re-apply for the same scholarship for subsequent award terms.

MACC Institutional Scholarships

Academic Department Scholarships: One scholarship will be awarded from each Academic Department (Communication, Education, Fine Arts, History, Math, Psychology/Sociology, and Science) to students pursuing an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts in Teaching, or Associate of Science degree. These scholarships are valued at \$500 each and are renewable for one consecutive semester if a cumulative 2.50 grade point average is maintained and nine college-level credit hours are completed.
Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Scholarship: Available to those who have completed an accepted high school equivalency examination with a score of 2650 points or above on GED or 50 or above on HiSET. This scholarship is valued at \$500 per semester and is renewable for one consecutive semester if a cumulative 2.50 grade point average is maintained and nine college-level credit hours are completed.
Art Award: Given to outstanding art students at Moberly Area Community College. Five \$500 Art Awards are granted on a semester basis.
Citizenship and Academic Excellence Scholarship: A maximum of eight awards will be made each year to graduating high school seniors demonstrating citizenship and academic excellence, and having a 3.0 (or equivalent) high school GPA. This scholarship is valued at \$500 per semester and is renewable for one consecutive semester if a cumulative 3.00 GPA is maintained and twelve college-level credit hours are completed.
Cheerleader Award: Awarded on a competitive basis. The number and amount of individual awards may vary each semester, ranging from \$250 - \$1,000, and will be determined by the needs of the Cheerleading squad.
Graduating Seniors Summer Start Program: Allows graduating high school seniors to enroll in up to three credit hours during the summer immediately following high school graduation. A waiver of tuition and all fees (excluding lab fees and online course fees), for up to three credit hours is granted upon documentation of high school graduation.
Health Science Program Scholarships: Scholarships will be awarded from each Health Science program as follows: one student per program who is actively pursuing one of the specified programs. These scholarships are valued at \$500 each semester and are renewable for one consecutive semester if a cumulative 2.50 grade point average is maintained and nine college-level credit hours are completed.
Honors Scholarship: A maximum of two awards will be made each semester to qualified applicants participating in the Honors Program. This scholarship is valued at \$500 and is non-renewable.
New Traditions Scholarship: Awarded to a student who is a member of a special population actively pursuing a degree or certificate at MACC. This scholarship is valued at \$500 per semester and is renewable for one consecutive semester if a cumulative 2.50 grade point average is maintained and nine college-level credit hours are completed.
Presidential Ambassador Award: A special recognition awarded at the discretion of the President of Moberly Area Community College. This award is valued at \$500 per semester and is renewable for one consecutive semester. Recipients of the Presidential Ambassadors Award will be required to work a minimum of ten service hours per semester.
Superintendent’s Scholarship: Awarded by area high school superintendents to graduating high school seniors with a minimum 2.50 high school grade point average. This scholarship is valued at \$300 per semester and is renewable for one consecutive semester if a cumulative 2.50 grade point average is maintained and nine credit hours are completed.
Theatre Award: Given to outstanding theatre students at Moberly Area Community College. The number and amount of individual awards may vary, ranging from \$250 to \$1,500.

Essay Prompts for Scholarship Applications

Some scholarship applications may require essays. For example, junior and senior students may be asked to reflect on a specific General Education experience that helped them see their major in a broader social, ethical, cultural, or scientific context.

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