Prizes and Student Funding

While at Amherst

For research funding for summer projects and thesis work, students should consult the College's Funding for Students website.

The Moseley Prizes

The Moseley Prizes, which were established by Thomas Moseley of Hyde Park in 1872, are awarded annually. Prizes will be awarded for honors theses that take a scholarly approach to the study of religion, deploying the disciplinary and theoretical approaches developed in the field. Although the prizes are most often awarded to honors theses, relevant term papers and substantial essays written specifically for this competition will also be considered. Prizes are announced at Senior Assembly.

Interested seniors are invited to consult Professor Maria Heim, Chair of the Religion Department, for further information regarding this competition. Please submit one copy of your entry no later than noon on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 to lcanter@amherst.edu.

After Amherst

Religion alumni have benefited greatly from these two funds that support post-graduate studies in academia and theology.

The George Stebbins Moses Memorial Fellowship. This memorial fellowship is awarded to a graduate who has been accepted by a recognized graduate school, who has good reason to seek financial aid, who seems to be an all-around person qualified in all respects as a religious and moral leader and a lover of ordinary people, and who is qualified scholastically to meet the calling of a theological career creditably. The candidate need not be an outstanding student, but improvement in the upperclass years, dedication, and a sense of purpose will be given great consideration. The fellowship may be renewed for a second or third year at the discretion of the Committee. More than one fellowship may be awarded in any given year. Interested students should contact the Office of Fellowships.

The Benjamin Goodall Symon, Jr., Memorial Fellowship. This fellowship is awarded to a graduate who has been accepted by a recognized graduate school, who has good reason to seek financial aid, who seems to be an all-around individual qualified in all respects as a religious and moral leader, and who is qualified scholastically to meet the calling of a theological career creditably, although the student may plan to use the divinity school training for work in another field. The candidate need not be an outstanding student, but improvement in the upperclass years, dedication, and a sense of purpose will be given great consideration. Interested students should contact the Office of Fellowships.

These funds are included among the Amherst College Fellowships managed by the AC Office of Fellowships. The application opens on December 15th and closes on February 10th annually.  Interested students should visit the AC Fellowships pages for more information.