NSF committees look for high GPA and GRE scores. Approximately five hundred awards are made nationwide. Entering graduate students with no more than twenty graduate semester hours. Disciplines in the mathematical, physical, biological, engineering, and social sciences, including the history and philosophy of science. These grants are awarded for support of doctoral dissertation research in the environmental, behavioral, and social sciences, and in the studies in science, technology, and society programs, in order to improve the overall quality of research in these sciences.
Grants allow doctoral candidates to conduct research in field settings away from the home campus.
Awards will be made only when it is clear that the dissertation to be produced will be of the highest scientific merit. A proposal must be submitted through regular university channels by the dissertation advisor on behalf of a graduate student who is at the point of initiating dissertation research. A proposal may be submitted while the student is completing other requirements for the doctorate. Proposals should be submitted by The University to NSF at least six months prior to the requested start date. Grants are intended to provide funds for items not normally available from the student's university or other sources.