Master’s Thesis Research Award
Master’s Thesis Research Award supports graduate students’ thesis research across rural sociology, helping them pursue work toward a master’s degree and develop their future research in the field.
Funder: Rural Sociological Society
Due Dates: October 1, 2026 (Submission period opens) | December 1, 2026 (Submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $2,000, plus award recognition and a certificate
Summary: Supports graduate students’ master’s thesis research on any topic within rural sociology.
Key Information: Applicants must be RSS graduate student members.
Description
The Rural Sociological Society (RSS) supports graduate student research through its Master’s Thesis Research Award. The award promotes research leading to a master’s degree in substantive areas relevant to rural sociology. It is open to topics across the field rather than limited to a particular subject, and the competition is Society-wide. RSS interest groups are encouraged to nominate candidates.
The award supports planned thesis research that will be actively pursued during the academic year in which it is made. Applications describe the research problem, relevant literature, methods, work schedule, and budget. They also explain the project’s intellectual significance and how it will influence the applicant’s future work related to rural sociology. Financial support is accompanied by formal award recognition and a certificate.
