Doctoral Dissertation

The Doctoral Dissertation Award is designed to stimulate research and development of new knowledge in the fields of insurance and business, and to increase the number of qualified teachers of insurance and business at U.S. colleges and universities.

Each winner receives a $10,000 research grant. Each winner's graduate institution also receives a grant of $3,000. Dissertation awards are given in two categories:

• Business
• Insurance and risk management
  

Eligibility

Eligible doctoral candidates:

• Have completed a major portion of their coursework
• Have an approved proposal
• Have started writing, but have not completed a dissertation
• Are enrolled in a graduate-degree program
• Are U.S. citizens

Eligible dissertation topics include:

• Insurance and risk management topics that directly relate to or benefit the insurance industry
• Business topics that relate to general business principles and issues

Applications

Printable applications and nomination forms are now available: Applications (PDF 60 KB)

Completed applications, nomination forms, and required attachments must be received in the Foundation office by March 31. Faxed copies will not be accepted.

Required attachments include:

• Written appraisal from nominator
• Three letters of reference
• Transcripts
• Dissertation draft - 4 copies (should be approximately 15 pages and include a one-page abstract)

Selection criteria

Generally, up to three awards are given in each category. The State Farm Companies Foundation is not involved in the evaluation or selection of the award winners. An independent committee of scholars selects winners using the following criteria:

• Academic achievement
• Quality of dissertation proposal
• Recommendations from dissertation advisor and faculty members

Winners are announced in June.