Research and Graduate Studies

The deadline for the Western Association of Graduate Schools thesis competition will close on Sept. 3. The following is a list of award categories:

Outstanding thesis from the humanities, social sciences, education and business
Master’s level only; $1,000 award

The purpose of the award is to encourage, recognize and reward excellence and innovation in domestic and international graduate education at both the graduate school and program level. Applications may relate to any facet of the graduate education process, including outreach, recruitment through selection and admission, retention, and degree attainment.

Outstanding thesis from the biological sciences, mathematical and physical sciences, life science, computer science and engineering
Master’s level only: $1,000 award

This award recognizes distinguished scholarly achievement at the master’s level. Nominations will be accepted in any of the above-listed disciplines in which the institution offers a master’s degree.

The scholarly “product” eligible for this competition is a formal written thesis. If a nominating department offers both a thesis option and a project option, only the thesis is acceptable for consideration for this award. Each submission requires a written nomination by the Dean of the Graduate School (College) or equivalent office. The internal institutional selection processes are the responsibility of the endorsing official.

Outstanding innovation in technology
Master’s and doctoral level: $1,500 award

This award may be given either to a master’s thesis or to a doctoral dissertation for the development of an innovative technology and its utilization for the creative solution of a major problem. Each submission requires a written nomination by the Dean of the Graduate School (College) or equivalent office. The internal institutional selection processes are the responsibility of the endorsing official.

Award for excellence and innovation in graduate education
WAGS member institutions: $2,500 award

The purpose of the award is to encourage, recognize and reward excellence and innovation in domestic and international graduate education at both the graduate school and program level. Applications may relate to any facet of the graduate education process, including outreach, recruitment through selection and admission, retention, and degree attainment.

The primary purpose of the Western Association of Graduate Schools (WAGS) is “the consideration of mutual problems among the member institutions, relating to graduate studies and research." It will cooperate with other agencies for this purpose by dissemination of information, improvement of standards, encouragement of research and assistance to institutions embarking on graduate programs.

The members of WAGS are accredited institutions of higher education in the western United States, Canada and Pacific Rim that offer Master’s and Doctoral degrees. WAGS is a regional association affiliated with the U.S. Council of Graduate Schools.

For more information about each award, visit wagsonline.org.
 

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