Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship Programs

Purpose

The Foundation seeks to promote education and the enhancement of the defense potential and technological stature of the United States, particularly with respect to the applied physical sciences. Hertz Foundation grants provide graduate fellowships in the applied physical sciences (including mathematics and computer science), as contrasted with work that extends the basic physical sciences. With certain exceptions, the Foundation restricts use of the Fellowship to about 25 specified U.S. institutions. Fellowships may be renewed up to a total of five years. While the Foundation does not support study in pursuit of the M.D. degree it will support the Ph.D. portion of a joint M.D./Ph.D. program.

Programs Funded

Hertz Foundation grants provide graduate fellowships in the applied physical sciences (including mathematics and computer science), as contrasted with work that extends the basic physical sciences. With certain exceptions, the Foundation restricts use of the Fellowship to about 25 specified U.S. institutions. Fellowships may be renewed up to a total of five years. While the Foundation does not support study in pursuit of the M.D. degree it will support the Ph.D. portion of a joint M.D./Ph.D. program.

Eligibility

Students who will have completed their bachelor's degrees by the start of the Fellowship or who have already entered graduate studies may apply. Applicants must intend to complete a program leading to an advanced degree. A minimum 3.75 GPA during the last two years of undergraduate work is expected. U.S. citizenship, or documented evidence of application to acquire it, is required, as is evidence of a moral commitment, in the event of a national emergency, to lend technical expertise in the common defense.

Selection Criteria

The Foundation seeks evidence of exceptional intelligence and creativity, with particular emphasis on those aspects pertinent to technical endeavors. Orientation and commitment to the applications of the physical sciences is also critical. A personal technical interview is an important part of the selection process.

Application Process

Application is made by completing and submitting a set of forms, downloadable from the web site or available on paper. Applications and supporting materials are normally due at the beginning of November. Applicants may be contacted in the winter for a technical interview with a practicing physical scientist representing the Selection Committee; occasionally a second interview is required.

Official Hertz Foundation Website:

http://www.hertzfoundation.org/