The Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies Program offers two endowed scholarships, four scholastic achievement awards, and membership in the Phi Sigma Tau Philosophy Honor Society. Majors in Philosophy are also encouraged to apply for Owen W. Parker, Sr. and Merrily Parker Endowed Scholarships.
Each scholastic achievement award is given annually at the end of the Spring term. The recipients are selected by a majority vote of the Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies faculty. Preference will be given to those students who have completed at least nine hours of coursework in the department, as well as to those who are pursuing a major or minor in Philosophy, a major in Interdisciplinary Studies, or a minor in Religious Studies – but it is not limited to these students.
Students can apply by using a universal form on the Scholarships website. See Award Recipients for a list of students who have won these awards and scholarships.
Scholarships
Lee Asbill Johnson Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship provides assistance for any education-related expenses, including but not limited to tuition, books, fees, and room and board for full or part-time majors in the Department of Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies. Preference will be given to junior- and senior-level students. Selection will be based on academic accomplishment, though financial need may be considered. The scholarship will be awarded at the end of each spring term for use in the next academic year.
Annie L. Harrison Endowed Scholarship
The Annie L. Harrison Scholarship provides up to $3,000 per academic year and is to be used to provide financial assistance to students majoring in Philosophy or Interdisciplinary Studies who have demonstrated superior scholastic achievement so that they can complete their college education at UA Little Rock.
Owen W. Parker, Sr. and Merrily Parker Endowed Scholarships
Two Owen W. Parker, Sr. and Merrily Parker Endowed Scholarships in the amount of $5,000 ($2,500 per semester) are awarded annually. The funds may be used for any education related expense. These scholarships are renewable but recipients must reapply annually. Renewal applications will be approved automatically subject to the recipient’s continued eligibility and contingent upon the availability of funds. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher; both academic accomplishment and financial need will be considered. These scholarships are open to any student, but strong preference is given to philosophy or music majors.
Department Awards
The Socratic Award for the Most Outstanding Student in Philosophy
This award recognizes the most outstanding student in either Philosophy or Religious Studies. The purpose of the award is to encourage students to strive for excellence in their course work.
Richard Frothingham Achievement Award for Excellence in Philosophy and Religious Studies
This award was established to recognize the student who has demonstrated outstanding work in either Philosophy or Religious Studies. The purpose of the award is to encourage students to strive for excellence in, and to contribute to, the fields of Philosophy and Religious Studies.
F. Brent Knutson Memorial Award for Excellence in Religious Studies
This award recognizes the most outstanding student in Religious Studies. The purpose of the award is to encourage students to pursue academics diligently in the footsteps of F. Brent Knutson, faculty member from 1971-2002, department chair from 1979-1989, and scholar of Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Hebrew, and Biblical Literature.
Outstanding Interdisciplinary Studies Student Award for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Studies
This award recognizes outstanding students graduating with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. There are two categories: traditional and online. The purpose of the award is to encourage and recognize students who excel in Interdisciplinary Studies through both traditional and web-based courses. The award is open to any Interdisciplinary Studies major. Grade point average and participation in the capstone course are considered.
