College of Arts and Sciences

Liberal Arts

  • For liberal arts majors who have been accepted into or are applying to a graduate program in accounting. Must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and leadership and intend to become a CPA.  For U.S citizens or permanent residents.
  • Award: 10 awards provide $5,000, with another $5,000 for an additional year of study if satisfactory progress is maintained.
  • Eligible for students studying art, art history, and design who are looking to pursue careers or advanced study in architecture.
  • Award: Varies by scholarship.
  • For classical studies or archaeology majors who have an interest studying in Athens.
  • Award: Up to thirteen fellowships are available for the School's Regular Members. Fellowships provide a stipend of $11,500 plus room and board at Loring Hall on the School grounds and waiver of School fees.
  • For U.S. and Canadian citizens who are native English or French speakers and have at least an intermediate level of Spanish language ability. Applicants must be current college students or college graduates. Participants work as language and cultural assistants at elementary or secondary schools in Spain to provide support to English or French teachers in language and culture classes, and also have the opportunity to learn about Spanish language and culture.
  • Award: Monthly stipend of 700 euros, paid winter and spring holidays, and benefits. No support for transportation or housing.
  • Junior and Senior students can apply for a scholarship to begin graduate studies in the humanities. The program encourages highly motivated students to pursue opportunities and to be courageous in the selection of a graduate course of study in the arts, humanities and social sciences.

  • Award: Each scholar receives $4,000 immediately prior to entering graduate school and an additional $30,000 while attending graduate school.
  • For U.S. citizens, male or female, pursuing a major in either political science, history, government, or economics.
  • Award: $1,000
  • For graduate students and outstanding undergraduates in a range of fields, such as economics, philosophy, law, political science, anthropology, and literature. Applicants are evaluated based on three primary criteria: academic or professional performance, potential for success in chosen field, relevance of work to the advancement of a free society.  Although IHS considers applications from outside the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, fellowships are generally awarded to applicants who live or study in those countries.
  • Award: Up to $15,000 for graduate or undergraduate study. 
  • For U.S. citizens and nationals planning to become a teacher of American history, American government, or social studies at the secondary level (grades 7 - 12). Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree or plan to receive a bachelor's degree no later than August 31 of the year in which they are applying, and wait at least three years from the time that any previous graduate degree was awarded before applying. After receiving a master's degree funded through the fellowship, each fellow must teach American history, American government, or social studies in grades 7–12 for one full year for each academic year of funding received under a fellowship, preferably in the state from which the recipient won the fellowship.
  • Award: Up to $24,000 of tuition funding towards an MA, MS, MAT, or MEd degree. (Must be in education, American history, political science, or a closely related subject. See website for more details).
  • Graduating seniors or recent graduates with an interest in becoming an Assistant Language Teacher in Japan.  Must demonstrate excellence in written and spoken English. Some knowledge of Japanese an advantage. For U.S. citizens.
  • Award: Provides a teaching position in Japan for one year and a stipend of 3,600,000 yen.
  • For students of any ethnic background majoring or minoring in Italian language, Italian studies, Italian American studies or a related field OR Italian-American students of any major who have at least one ancestor who immigrated from Italy. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in college for the fall 2012 semester with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
  • Award: Range from $2,000 to $12,000.
  • For all current students majoring in the social sciences, including anthropology, communication, criminal justice, cultural studies, economics, education, history, political science, psychology, sociology, and social work. Applicants must submit two commentaries, each no more than 4000 characters (~500 words) in length, and one photo. One commentary must be based on one or more of the photos by Rachel Tanur and one must be based on an original photo taken by the applicant. Each commentary is expected to give a sociological analysis of the selected visual material, based on theoretical and applied social science methods. See the page of past winners for examples.
  • Award: 1st prize: $2,500; 2nd prize: $1,500; 3rd prize: $500.
  • Minority undergraduates whose academic and career goals are relevant to the research conducted at Smithsonian museums, research institutes, and offices. Check online for a full listing of research areas. Minimum GPA: 3.0.
  • Award: Summer, fall, and spring internships last for 10 weeks and stipends provide $500/week plus some travel expenses.
  • For graduate students in the fields of public policy, public affairs, economics, social work, public health, or related fields who have recently completed their Master's degree, or will complete it before the start of the program. International students may apply, but they must be eligible to work in the U.S. for the duration of the 2-year fellowship. Applicants should have a strong academic record, an interest in state fiscal policy, and a commitment to improving the welfare of low- and moderate-income households. Preference will be given to applicants who have experience with, or demonstrate a strong interest in, working with diverse communities. Participants serve 2-year fellowships in independent, highly respected think tanks located in state capitals, analyzing the impact of state budget and tax policy choices on low-income residents and promote positive reforms.
  • Award: A salary of $45,000 - $50,000 per year, and health benefits. Also includes a career development program.
  • Juniors, seniors, graduates who are at least 20 years old and interested in teaching English in France. Must have studied at least three semesters of French, or  the equivalent.  For U.S. citizen or individuals with Green Cards.
  • Award: 1,500 teaching assistant positions with a monthly stipend of 945 Euros/month.  Teach 12 hours of English conversation per week for 6 to 9 months in a French primary or secondary school, or a French teaching college.