Graduate Student Scholarships and Funding
Table of Contents
Graduate Scholarship
2026-27 Application is Closed
Note: All awards are variable amounts; recipients are determined by our Scholarship Committee. For questions, please contact history@wwu.edu.
Established in 1998 to honor former Western professor Bernard L. Boylan. A collection of his papers held at the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies represent an important contribution both to History as an academic topic and the History of the Bellingham area. This scholarship provides funding for both undergraduate majors and graduate students studying History who have demonstrated academic achievement.
Note: All awards are variable amounts; recipients are determined by our Scholarship Committee.
Established in 1991 to honor the memory of Western graduate student and teaching assistant John F. Bullman. This scholarship provided support to graduate students focused on History with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above and interest in pursuing a History-related career or continuing to engage in their research after earning their degree.
Note: All awards are variable amounts; recipients are determined by our Scholarship Committee.
Established in 1990 in the memory of Western professor for Archival and Records management Paul Kohl and his daughter, Catherine Kohl MacSlarrow. While its purpose was initially to provide support for students of the Archives and Records Management Program, this scholarship now supports students pursing a Master of History.
Note: All awards are variable amounts; recipients are determined by our Scholarship Committee.
Established in 1998 to support students in the Archives and Records Management Program, formerly housed within the History Department at Western. This scholarship memorializes the dedication of James B. Rhoads to archival excellence and to his work as founding director of this program. Since the dissolution of this program, this scholarship provides support for students pursuing a Master of History.
Note: All awards are variable amounts; recipients are determined by our Scholarship Committee.
Paying for Graduate School
For more financial support, visit Western's Scholarship Center and the Graduate School Website.
Graduate Research and Creative Opportunities Grant
The Graduate Research and Creative Opportunities Grant Program (RSP) provides graduate students with up to $1,500 in funding to engage in research, scholarly and creative work that has the potential to significantly impact the student’s educational goals. If you are planning to travel to archives, this is a great opportunity.
To apply, work with your thesis advisor to draft a competitive application. The criteria and process are laid out on the Graduate Research and Creative Opportunities Grant site.
Chesley Graduate Student Research Grant
Established in 1997 by Ted and Caryl Hinckley to support research-related travel for Master of History candidates. Ted Hinckley was a resident of Whatcom County after retiring from a long and accomplished career of teaching History throughout the world.
Each year, the History Department’s Chesley Graduate Student Research Grant is awarded up to two outstanding proposals by students who have had their thesis topics approved. The grant supports off-campus research.
2027 Application
To apply, send a one-page application to Rebecca Hutchins by (date to be announced). You must include the following:
- Summary of your research.
- How your research is important to the historiography.
- How you intend to use the funds (including collections to be consulted).
- Brief plan for public dissemination (i.e., presenting your research at Phi Alpha Theta).
Your Support Makes it All Happen
Help bolster our future educators, government workers and political leaders, lawyers, journalists, executives, archivists, and non-profit organizers. Every gift enables our students to meet their graduation goals and pursue their passions!