Scholarships

The University of Cincinnati Master of Social Work program has a variety of scholarship opportunities. 

The mission of the Albert C. Yates Fellowship Program at the University of Cincinnati is to enrich the educational environment for all graduate students by supporting the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with high potential for academic success to graduate programs at the University of Cincinnati.

This award requires program nomination; students cannot directly apply.

Established by Timothy B. and Terri A. Hollenkamp, a speech-language pathology alumna and owner of REHAB on the Run and Rehab Resources, as well as Scott and Tina Whalen with matching funds from the University of Cincinnati Health.  Recipient(s) must be enrolled in the College of Allied Health Sciences, and have a diverse background, based upon factors including, but not limited to, socio-economic status (family income, wealth, etc.), parental education, cultural awareness, and history of overcoming adversity.  Recipient(s) must have and maintain at least a 3.2 GPA.  Preference shall be given to a first-generation student. Scholarship is awarded based on program director nomination of eligible students.

The Graduate Incentive Scholarship is funded by the Graduate School. The appointing program sends scholarship offers to students who apply to the program, including information about the amount and duration of the award and the terms of the offer. Students must maintain all of the required eligibility requirements in their offer letter to maintain their tuition scholarship.

Graduate assistants (GAs) are, first and foremost, graduate students pursuing an education. The opportunity to work closely with faculty members and undergraduate students in teaching, research, or administrative environments is an integral part of that education.

Graduate students who hold assistantships benefit educationally and professionally. They gain further expertise in their field; enhance their research skills and develop pedagogical skills; acquire experience in leadership, interpersonal effectiveness, and performance evaluation; acquire academic administrative experience; and enjoy collegial collaborations with advisors that may result in joint publications and other professional activities. Skills learned in assistantships prepare students not only for the academy, but also for corporate, government, and nonprofit organizations.

Assistantships also provide graduate students with the financial resources necessary to pursue their degrees. This financial support stipend, tuition remission, and benefits' are part of the university's commitment to the success of our graduate students. Tuition remission and the stipend award cover the first year of coursework. 

Graduate assistantship (GA) recipients must register for at least 12 graduate credit hours for fall and spring semester of the year they are working. The GA will work with their advisor for 10 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters of the first year of coursework.

The department will award assistantships to exemplary graduate students that meet the high end of the requirements to get into the program. These student should also have research and/or teaching experience.

Established in 2016 by an anonymous donor in honor of Dr. Jeannette C. Taylor. Provides tuition assistance for students enrolled in the Masters of Social Work (MSW) program in the School of Social work.  Recipient(s) must have a diverse background, based on factors, including, but not limited to, socio-economic status (family income, wealth, etc.), parental education, cultural awareness, and history of overcoming adversity.  Scheduled for first award in 2020. This scholarship will be awarded based on the faculty nominations of eligible Master of Social Work students. 

Established in 2012 by Jean Sepate and Peter E. Djuric, Pharm.D.  Provides tuition assistance awards to students enrolled in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program. The fund will support students with a 3.0 grade point average and the desire to continue to serve as a role model in areas where the need for mentorship is greatest. Preference will be given to male African-American students enrolled in the MSW program. If there are no qualified candidates, then preference will go towards other minority students. Recipients may use the scholarship for such things as tuition, books, fees, room and/or board, and relevant costs related to the progression towards the MSW degree. Department faculty nominate eligible students in the fall semester; the scholarship committee selects the recipient and the award is made prior to spring semester.

Established in 2023 by Jennifer’s mother, Ms. Pamela Wheatley, this scholarship is in loving memory of the 2012 MSW graduate. Provides tuition assistance awards to students enrolled in the MSW program who are from a diverse background, based on factors including but not limited to socioeconomic status (family income, wealth, etc.,) parental education, cultural awareness and history of overcoming adversity. The scholarship shall be awarded to a new recipient each year. This scholarship will be awarded based on the faculty nominations of eligible Master of Social Work students.

Established by the Children's Home of Greater Cincinnati to a student in field placement at that agency. Provides for scholarships to full-time, preferably minority students admitted to the graduate School of Social Work at the College of Allied Health Sciences. The scholarship generally goes to a first-year student and is renewable for the second year. Interested students may apply at the beginning of fall semester during the field education orientation program. To be eligible, students must be selected for placement by the Children’s Home. Prior to the fall semester, Master of Social Work students will be able to apply for the placement at the Children’s Home at field orientation. A committee made up of staff from the Children’s Home and the University of Cincinnati Field Education Director will then select the recipient based on eligibility and interest. 

Utilized to support student international experiences. Given to undergraduate BSW and graduate MSW students. Funds vary year to year. 

Established in 2016 by UC Health.  Recipient(s) must be enrolled in the College of Allied Health Sciences, entering their professional program. Eligible programs are: Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) (seniors), Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist Program (juniors), Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Advanced Medical Imaging Technology (AMIT) (juniors), Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Master of Arts in Communication Sciences & Disorders, Audiology, Master of Social Work (MSW).  Recipient(s) must have a diverse background, hold a 3.2 GPA or better and must have desire to practice in a hospital setting.  Available funds dependent on annual contributions. Scholarship is awarded based on program director nomination of eligible students. 

Provides emergency funds for currently enrolled CAHS students who are in good standing and experiencing financial need. Recipient(s) can be undergraduate or graduate students.  Submit online Emergency Scholarship Application

Questions? Contact Lauren McCants at lauren.mccants@uc.edu

Other opportunities

The Veterans Affairs Scholarship Program also offers MSW students the opportunity to their tuition and fees paid for. 

We have curated a list of national Social Work scholarships for you to review and apply for if you meet the criteria. National Social Work scholarships (PDF)