Academic Scholarships

Awards and scholarships are available to students in Crop and Soil Sciences who show outstanding scholarship, character, leadership and involvement in department activities. They are presented annually at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Honors Banquet during Spring semester. Scholarship application deadlines vary; a few are in the fall and many are in April.

Contact your academic advisor for more information.

ASA Outstanding Senior Award

The American Society of Agronomy Outstanding Senior Award is chosen by a faculty committee. The recipient is a senior in Crop and Soil Sciences who combines leadership in the Spartan Agronomy Club and other departmental activities with a high level of academic success. The recipient receives an engraved plaque and key.

Burt Bradshaw Award

The Burt Bradshaw Award of Lawn Equipment Inc. is selected by a faculty committee. The recipient is an outstanding student in turfgrass science and has demonstrated leadership qualities. Plaque and a cash award are presented.

Osterman Scholarship

The Charles E. and Frances M. Osterman Scholarship is awarded to one of more undergraduate students majoring in Crop and Soil Sciences with an emphasis in turfgrass management. Applications are submitted in the spring of each year and awarded the following Fall and Spring semesters. Selection is made by the Department Scholarship Committee.

CSS Faculty Award

Cash awards are given annually to students who have completed at least two semesters of study at MSU and who demonstrate outstanding leadership and scholarship. The recipients are chosen by a faculty committee.

Elmer C. Rossman Endowed Scholarship

Scholarship presented annually to an undergraduate student who has completed at least two semesters of study at MSU and who demonstrates outstanding leadership and scholarship. The recipient is chosen by a faculty committee.

GCSAA Scholarship

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Scholarship recipient is chosen by the Association on the basis of scholarship, aptitude, achievement, character, attitude, professed interest in golf course management as a career, and a need for financial assistance. Applications for the scholarship are accepted upon the recommendation of the turfgrass advisor or turfgrass faculty only. Interested students should contact their turfgrass advisor, for additional information. The recipient receives a plaque, cash award, and a trip to the GCSAA national meeting.

Leyton V. Nelson Endowed Scholarship

Scholarship presented annually to an undergraduate student who has completed at least two semesters of study at MSU and who demonstrates outstanding leadership and scholarship. The recipient is chosen by a faculty committee.

Robertson Conservation Scholarship

The L. S. Robertson Soil and Water Conservation Endowed Scholarship is presented to a CSS undergraduate student emphasizing soil and/or water conservation and related fields. The recipient is chosen by a faculty committee.

Michigan Crop Improvement Scholarship

Sponsored by the Michigan Crop Improvement Association, the scholarship is given to incoming freshmen students. All of the departmental requirements are eliminated and the student, along with his/her academic adviser, will set up a preliminary 4-year set of courses directed by the career interests of the student. The student will have a range of paid work experiences available in research laboratories, field research, teaching assistant, and/or a Michigan Crop Improvement Association laboratory worker and field inspector. A senior honors thesis will be written from research executed during the junior-senior years' work experience.

MTF Hancock Award

A committee of faculty members and the Board of Directors of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation annually chooses a two-year or four-year student, based on character and potential to make a meaningful contribution to the turfgrass industry. The recipient receives a plaque and a cash award.

North Michigan GCSA Award

This award is based on attitude and potential as a golf course superintendent and is given to a resident of northern Michigan enrolled in the two-year or four-year turfgrass program. The award is a certificate and cash.

TMGA Scholarship

The Trans-Mississippi Golf Association Scholarship of $1000 is awarded to a student who demonstrates scholarship, outstanding attitude, and potential as a golf course superintendent. Selection is made by turfgrass faculty members.

Western Michigan GCSA Award

A committee of industry representatives and turfgrass science faculty chooses a resident of western Michigan who demonstrates leadership, scholarship, and an interest in turfgrass management. A certificate and cash are awarded.

College Awards and Scholarships

Several awards and scholarships are granted by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Office of Academic and Student Affairs. Students interested in applying for these should contact Dr. Rick Brandenburg (branden4@msu.edu) in Room 121 Agriculture Hall for award descriptions and applications. These include the CANR Distinguished Scholarships, the Bayer Scholarship, and others. The deadlines for these scholarships vary.

Other Opportunities for Scholarships

Many companies and organizations offer scholarships to students in agriculture-related fields. Sometimes these scholarships are for students attending Michigan State University; others are competitive on a national basis. Examples include MABA (Michigan Agribusiness Association), Michigan Farm Bureau, and Michigan Centennial Farms. Contact your advisor or these organizations for more information.

The state of Michigan also provides help to Michigan college students through the:

In addition to these scholarships offered by the department, college, and other organizations, students seeking financial assistance should obtain financial aid information from the Office of Financial Aids, 259 Student Services Building.