Speech Communications Scholarships
Earn Some Extra Cash
The field of speech communications is concerned with the methods associated with verbal and non-verbal communication. The subject area falls under general communications studies and students who choose to either major in speech communications, or concentrate in related curriculum, are tracked for good careers across a wide range of professions. Graduates may go on to work in business, advertising, politics, or the arts and within the public or private sectors; anywhere speech skills are of high importance.
Professional Organizations
The National Speakers Association encompasses the vast field of speech professionals, particularly those whose talent lies in the spoken word. The NSA Foundation was established to promote the future of speech communicators by providing generous scholarships for college students in the major. The Scholarships Fund Program is designed for upperclassmen in a Bachelors program or for Masters students. Eligible applicants compete for $3,000 awards. These highly competitive funds are given based on academic merit and commitment to the field of study.
The Springfield, Illinois Chapter of the Association for Women in Communications established a very competitive and generous scholarship fund for female students majoring in the communications field, including speech communications. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a college degree program in the immediate region. Awards are $2,000.
College Scholarships
Ithaca College in New York provides a highly targeted Bachelors degree in Speech Communications. Students in the program are exposed to an interdisciplinary curriculum. Because department majors spend a good bit of time learning the ins and outs of speech making, it comes as no surprise that the department sponsors an annual “oratory contest” in which students pit themselves against their peers. Winners of the Perialas Prize receive $500 and the recognition of their department.
Illinois State University School of Communication sponsors the following scholarships for speech communications majors:
- James L. Golden Outstanding Student Essay in Rhetoric award recognizes the exemplary written work by a student in the major. The scholarly article must be on the topic of historical or contemporary issues in rhetoric. Awards are $1,000.
- John J. Hopkins Scholarships are modest awards given to students in the department for their extracurricular involvement and leadership potential. Awards are around $200.
- Ralph McGinnis Scholarships go to Speech Communications majors based on various criteria. Awards are up to $300.
Albion College in Michigan offers an endowed scholarship in speech communication that exemplifies the work of a former college president. The Bernard T. Lomas Scholarship in Speech Communication awards generous scholarships to outstanding students in the major. Scholarships are up to half the college tuition and are awarded based on academic motivation and financial need. Candidates must undergo an interview process, which means critical speech and language skills must already be honed.
Colorado State University Department of Communication Studies is designed to educate students in media, speech and contemporary cultural communications. Speech communications students are engaged in a varied curriculum designed to offer a broad survey of possible applications for their skills in the real world. Scholarships available to speech comm majors include:
- Alumni Scholarships are doled out to students with an uncanny ability in the major in combination with economic need.
- Harris/Morrill Memorial Scholarships go to speech communications majors whose career interests are in broadcasting.
- Top academic students are most qualified for the Irvine Scholarship. Preference is given to those who are motivated to go onto higher studies in the field.
- Majors focusing on the field of telecommunications may be eligible for the MacLauchlin Scholarships. Students are not necessarily recognized for academic merit, but for those motivated in the field.
- Stahl Scholarships recognize economic need combined with academic potential.
