Graduate Scholarships
George Olmsted Foundation Scholarship
Olmsted Scholarships permit U.S. military officers to pursue graduate study for two years at a foreign university in a foreign language. Each year one or two officer graduates from each of the three service academies (USNA, USMA, USAFA) are selected to become Olmsted Scholars after having completed 3 to 10 years of commissioned service. Areas of study preferred by the Olmsted Fellowship Committee are Social and Political Sciences and International Affairs. Degrees available are M.A., Diplôme or other graduate-level certification.
USNA candidates judged qualified are nominated by the Superintendent and will be automatically considered later on by the Navy-Marine Corps Selection Committee. In addition to active duty pay and allowances, Olmsted Scholars receive grants for study, travel and intensive preparatory language study as needed for the Scholar and spouse. Up to 25 top midshipmen of the graduating class may be nominated each year.
Desired qualifications are superior leadership and professional performance, excellent academic ability, aptitude for foreign language, fondness for and success in sports, impeccable character and general adaptability. Criteria for approval by the Graduate Education Committee: CQPR of at least 3.2; at least "B" grades in Military Performance and Conduct in each semester of Second and First Class years. Olmsted candidates must take the Defense Language Aptitude Battery Test (DLAB), scheduled in mid-September of each year, and need to inform the Olmsted Program Adviser of their desire to be tested no later than 1 September of that year. The Graduate Record Examination is also required. Nominees must forward test scores to the Chief of Naval Personnel (PERS-602D) with a cover letter and an essay stating their reasons for wanting an Olmsted Scholarship.
The latest Olmsted Brochure, available to midshipmen at the Language Studies Office in N64, gives full information on these scholarships along with resumes on previous participants.
Prospective applicants follow procedures outlined in USNANOTE 1520, subject: Graduate Education Programs.
Graduate Education Program Manager
Ms. Marjorie Roxburgh
Preble Hall 219
x3-6334
e-mail: roxburgh@usna.edu
