Master's Scholars in MCH Research/Practice

Overview

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Master’s Scholar Award is a merit-based scholarship funded with support from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The MCH Master’s Scholars Program provides support for outstanding master’s students to pursue research, a thesis, practice experience, etc. in areas related to the health and well-being of mothers, infants, children, and adolescents. Interested master’s students enrolled in the Arnold School of Public Health (ASPH) are invited to submit a 2-page grant proposal describing a project that can be completed by May 1, 2025. 

Each Master’s Scholar is awarded up to $2,000 in tuition supplement during Spring 2025.

Eligibility Requirements

  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Student must be enrolled as a master’s student in ASPH for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters
  • Minimum graduate USC cumulative GPA: 3.0
  • Student must identify an ASPH faculty member to serve as their project mentor prior to submission.

Application Materials

  1. Two-page research proposal (details below)
  2. Applicant’s Curriculum Vitae/Resume
  3. Letter of Support – written and signed by applicant’s MCH faculty mentor.
  4. USC transcripts (can be unofficial)

Two-page Proposal Details

  1. Proposal narrative should include the following:
    1. Project Title
    2. Project Goals
    3. Significance
    4. Project description and plan
    5. Key milestones (timeline, final products, presentations)
    6. Importance of this experience for your student career development
    7. Maternal and Child Health relevance
  2. All figures and tables must be included in the page limit.
  3. No appendices are permitted.
  4. References/bibliography are NOT included in the two-page limit.
  5. Use Arial 11-point font with at least 0.5-inch margin (top, bottom, left, and right) for all pages.
  6. Applications that do not adhere to any one of the above guidelines will not be reviewed.

Expectations of Scholar Awardees

  • The scholars are expected to complete the project by May 1, 2025.
  • MCH Master’s Scholars are expected to become members of the Maternal and Child Health Student Association (MCHSA) and participate in select activities.
  • Students doing practice-based projects are encouraged to present their work at a conference.
  • Students doing a thesis or independent research project are encouraged to present their work at a conference and/or publish a manuscript within one year of graduation. 
  • If your project requires IRB review, approval is required before tuition supplement can be posted to your account. 

Applications are submitted electronically via email to the MCH Catalyst Program Coordinator, Peyton Mosher, at pmosher@email.sc.edu. Please include the words “MCH Master’s Scholars Application” in the Subject Line of your correspondence.

Deadline for Project Completion

Awardees chosen in Fall 2023                   May 1, 2024

Awardees chosen in Fall 2024                   May 1, 2025

Questions?

If you have any questions about the MCH Graduate Scholars programs, please contact the Program Director, Dr. Jihong Liu at jliu@mailbox.sc.edu. Include the words ‘MCH Master’s Scholars Application Question’ in the Subject Line of your email.