As a Discovery Fellow, students begin research in their first semester. This scholarship program allows students to gain insight into the professional world, enhance their knowledge base and critical thinking skills, and better prepare themselves for their path after they graduate from Mizzou. These students also form an invaluable connection with their faculty mentor that can last for years and open other doors during their academic career. Students from all majors can participate in this research program. 

Every Discovery Fellow is part of a research-based Honors College course that prepares them for their research placement. There are also ample opportunities for Discovery Fellows to share their work, including on the Mizzou campus through undergraduate research forums.

Award Amount and Expectations

Discovery Fellows are awarded a scholarship of $3,000 for the year. This award is disbursed in two equal installments during the year and only if the student meets the program requirements. The Discovery Fellows scholarship can be renewed for one additional year if the student continues to meet the program requirements. Selected students work on their research project approximately eight hours per week during the academic year.

Eligibility

• Entering freshman
• A 32 ACT or 1420 SAT
• No prior research work is required
• Domestic applicants must have applied for the Stamps Scholarship by Dec. 1; International applicants can apply through ScholarshipUniverse by Feb. 1.

How to Apply

Step 1: Apply to Mizzou

Step 2: Apply to the Honors College

Step 3: Submit the Premier Scholars application (which includes the Stamps Scholarship, Brazeal Scholarship, Boomba Tiger Scholarship and Discovery Fellows) via your Application Status Page. This application includes:

• All components of the Honors College application.
• An additional essay of 500-750 words in response to the following prompt:
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak directly to your academic abilities, achievements, and character. They should be teachers, school counselors, coaches, supervisors; one letter must be written by a teacher or counselor.
  • Your writers/references will be sent a link to submit their letters of recommendation. Recommendation letters must be submitted by the Dec. 1 deadline.

Honors College application guidelines regarding your essay: In evaluating your application, we want to get a picture of your own independent thinking and creativity. Responses to application essay questions should reflect your own ideas and experiences, be independently written by you and reflect your personal writing style. You may receive advice on content and editing, including the use of generative artificial intelligence software to assist with readability only (e.g. making grammar or clarity suggestions for revising the work that you have already generated). Content, substance and final written text must be your own. You are ultimately responsible for the accuracy and readability of your work. 

For More Information

If you receive this award, you will be notified by mid- to late-March and it will be included in your financial aid package from the University of Missouri. Please note, your Mizzou and Honors College application muse be submitted by Dec. 1, but you don’t have to be admitted by that date.