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School of Counseling Student Scholarships

The School of Counseling is grateful to its donors, who actively promote mental health professionals who can enhance others’ well-being. Three annual scholarships are provided, when funding is available, to admitted and enrolled master’s students.

The application process for all scholarships is described below.


The Jack and Barbara Cochran Endowed Scholarship

The Jack and Barbara Cochran Endowed Scholarship, established in July 2018, recognizes deserving and talented students pursuing graduate degrees in The Universityof Akron School of Counseling. Dr. Jack Cochran retired from The University of Akron as a counseling Professor in 1989. He and his wife wish to continue supporting those who will aspire toward a career in the counseling profession.

The scholarship shall be awarded annually, depending on available funding, to any full-time graduate student(s) enrolled in The University of Akron School of Counseling pursuing their master's degree who demonstrate financial need.

Application Criteria:

  • Primary Criteria: (1) Must be a full-time (9 credits or more) enrolled UA School of Counseling fully admitted master’s student in good standing; (2) must show self-reported financial need.
  • Additional Qualifications Considered: (1) Current cumulative GPA; (2) Instructor endorsements through qualitative feedback.

Application Process:

  • Application Window: October to November (annually). Online application link will be emailed to students during the application window.
  • Award Date: November to December (for Spring semester distribution).


The Dr. Katie Murdoch Memorial Scholarship

The Dr. Katie Murdoch Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 by her friend and colleague, Catherine Feudner, in her memory and in recognition of UA's 150th Anniversary. Katie was a UA educator who passed away suddenly in December 2020.

The scholarship will be awarded annually, depending on available funding, to a full-time or part-time student enrolled in The University of Akron Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) or the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) master’s programs, with first consideration given to a student planning to work in suicide prevention.

Application Criteria:

  • Primary Criteria: (1) Must be an enrolled UA School of Counseling fully admitted Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) or Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) master’s student in good standing; (2) must be enrolled in Practicum or Internship when the award is distributed; (3) have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Additional Qualifications Considered: (1) Instructor endorsements through qualitative feedback.

Application Process:

  • Application Window: October to November (annually). Online application link will be emailed to students during the application window.
  • Award Date: November to December (for Spring semester distribution).


The Barb Puder and Family Scholarship for Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The Barb Puder and Family Scholarship for Clinical Mental Health Counseling was established in 2021 by Barb Puder, class of 1996, in recognition of The University of Akron's 150th Anniversary. A proud UA alumna, Barb is a strong believer in the importance of higher education. Through her generosity she hopes to help students focus on their studies, give back to their communities, and end stigma surrounding mental health issues.

The scholarship shall be awarded annually, depending on available funding, to full-time or part-time students in The University of Akron's Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) master's program. Students must be in good academic standing and have financial need.

Application Criteria:

  • Primary Criteria: (1) Must be an enrolled UA School of Counseling fully admitted Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) master’s student in good standing; (2) must show financial need.

Application Process: