Comer Scholarship

The Comer Scholarship supports students who demonstrate commitment to covering environmental issues. Comer Scholars are selected for their academic excellence, passion for environmental journalism and vision of environmental journalism’s potential impact—and their role in it.

The typical Comer Scholarship award is equivalent to almost half the cost of tuition for Medill's one-year master's degree program. Past Comer Scholars have gone on to report for public radio stations, newspapers, energy media, nonprofits and many other outlets.

While at Medill, Comer Scholars study techniques for reporting on science, the environment and climate change. They network with top environmental scientists from across the country and travel to report on stories of international concern.

The Comer Science & Education Foundation carries on the philanthropy of the late Gary Comer, who founded the Lands’ End clothing company. The Comer Foundation, based in Chicago, supports organizations in an array of fields including education, environment, health and social services as well as neighborhood rehabilitation.

Who may apply

All U.S. and international students may apply for the Comer Scholarship. We welcome applicants from around the globe who demonstrate a passion for environmental reporting.

How to apply

The Comer Scholarship supports Health, Environmental & Science specialization students who are committed to covering environmental issues such as climate change. If you wish to be considered for this scholarship, it is recommended to address some of these questions within your professional statement:

Why are you passionate about environmental journalism?
How can environmental journalism have an impact?
What role do you think environmental journalists should play?

Additional financial aid

Students eligible for federal financial aid (U.S. citizens or permanent residents) can submit the FAFSA to receive information on federal student loans. All students may also research private loans.

Meet a Comer Scholar

Janice Cantieri holding a goat in India — Comer Scholar Janice Cantieri on a reporting trip in India

"Being a part of the Comer Scholars program at Medill was one of the best opportunities I've had to not only improve my ability to report, research and write about a wide range of environmental issues, but also significantly improve my own understanding of the science behind why our climate is changing. We sat down for hours with some of the world's top climate scientists at the Comer Abrupt Climate Change Conference in the fall. We learned so much from hearing the scientists present their latest research. We learned how to communicate with scientists, how to ask the right questions and how to explain complex issues for a general audience in a way that was not simplifying the concepts.

I also went on several international reporting trips through the program on the impacts and adaptations to climate change both in India and Puerto Rico, both of which were incredible experiences. I saw first hand how farmers were adapting to climate extremes like severe droughts and flooding and spent weeks in the field getting to know the community and the issues. This is one of the best programs to develop a specialized understanding of environmental reporting, build great relationships with others in the field, and learn how to effectively write about climate science and policy and the human-level impacts of environmental change."

— Janice Cantieri (MSJ17)

Frequently Asked Questions

What job opportunities are there in science, health and environmental journalism?: These journalism specialties are increasingly relevant. New knowledge and innovation, as well as quickening climate change, increase the public's need to understand science, health and the environment. Journalists with expertise in these areas go on to reporting jobs in digital and broadcast media. They also find meaningful work in related government and nonprofit organizations.
Do I need an undergraduate degree in sciences to apply?: No, but a degree or some background can be helpful. A passion for reporting about the environment is required.
What kind of curriculum is required for this scholarship?: If you are admitted, you will take the same courses as other students pursuing a master of science in journalism (MSJ), with a few additional options, which are outlined on the Health, Environment and Science specialization curriculum page.
What are the opportunities for travel?: Past Comer Scholars have used scholarship funding to travel both domestically and internationally. They regularly attend the Comer Climate Change Conference at the Comer estate in Wisconsin. Comer Scholars have traveled to locations such as Colombia to document efforts to preserve traditional knowledge of healing plants endangered by mining and climate change; New Zealand to report on climate change clues ancient kauri trees hold in their rings; and Minnesota to report on the effects of global warming on peat bogs, an important carbon dioxide reservoir.
How much of the cost of attending Medill does the scholarship cover?: The typical Comer Scholarship award is equivalent to half the cost of tuition for Medill's one-year master's degree program. Applicants who require additional financial aid may complete the standard federal applications in order to be considered for other scholarships, merit awards, need-based grants and student loans.
Are international students eligible for the Comer Scholarship?: Yes, we welcome applicants from around the globe who demonstrate a passion for environmental reporting.
What are the application deadlines?: View the MSJ application deadlines.
What if I have questions that aren’t answered here?: If you have further questions about applying for the Comer Scholarship, please contact Assistant Dean of Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Julie Collins. For questions about studying environmental and science journalism at Medill, contact Assistant Professor Abigail Foerstner.