Society of Woman Geographers

The Society of Woman Geographers (SWG) Evelyn L. Pruitt National Fellowship for Dissertation Research is made possible by a generous bequest from Ms. Evelyn L. Pruitt. Ms. Pruitt was a research geographer with the United States Navy whose work from the 1940s into the 1970s greatly advanced the study of coastal environments, the use of remote sensing in geography, and field research in international settings.

SWG's Pruitt National Fellowship Program offers fellowships up to $12,000 to women doctoral candidates in the United States and Canada. These fellowships support dissertation research in geography and geographical aspects of related fields.

Eligibility

The SWG invites applications for this fellowship from female students in Ph.D. programs in geography or in geographical aspects of allied fields. Women are eligible to apply who are enrolled in Ph.D. programs in the United States and Canada. Preference will be given those students who have completed comprehensive examinations and have an approved dissertation research proposal by the fall of the year for which they are applying. 

Criteria

Proposals must demonstrate high standards of scholarship. A review committee will select candidates to receive the Pruitt National Fellowship for Dissertation Research based on the overall quality of applications. Evidence of the potential significance of the research, promise of future impact in the candidate's area of geographical specialization, and professional involvement will be considered. Need is also considered in the final round of the selection process.

Past competitions for the Pruitt National Fellowship for Dissertation Research have elicited a significant number of excellent applications. Applicants are strongly encouraged to work with their doctoral committee members to develop their applications.

Applications from female Ph.D. candidates for the Pruitt National Fellowship for Dissertation Research are due February 1 of each year.

Click here for information about the 2023-2024 Pruitt National Fellowship for Dissertation Research and to download application guidelines.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Application

When developing the budget, what time frame should I follow?
The time frame should be September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024.  However, we realize you may need an extension.  

Does the fellowship cover child care expenses?
Yes.

I attend school in Canada and my budget to date has been in Canadian dollars, should I convert it to US dollars using the current exchange rate?
Yes.