Each year, the Western Association of Graduate Schools (WAGS) partners with ProQuest to solicit nominees in four award categories. This prestigious regional competition is an important opportunity for institutions to showcase the innovation and creativity of their graduate students. WAGS member institutions may only submit one nomination for each of the award categories. We encourage members to prepare a nomination for any of the four awards:
This award recognizes the innovative application of the technology to scholarship, as shown in the research supporting either a master’s thesis or a doctoral dissertation. Visit the Innovation in Technology Award for additional details.
This award recognizes distinguished scholarly achievement at the master’s level in STEM disciplines: biological sciences, mathematical sciences, physical sciences, life sciences and engineering. Visit the Distinguished Master’s Thesis Award in STEM disciplines for additional details.
This award recognizes distinguished scholarly achievement at the master’s level the humanities, social sciences, education, and business disciplines. Visit the Distinguished Master’s Thesis Award in humanities, social sciences, education, and business disciplines for additional details.
This award recognizes distinguished scholarly and creative arts’ achievement at the master’s level in creative, visual, and performing arts disciplines. Visit the Distinguished Master’s Thesis and/or Final Master’s Capstone Project Award in the creative, visual and performing arts for additional details.
Recipients for each award will receive $1,000, a Certificate of Award, and travel expenses for the recipient to attend the annual WAGS Conference and Awards Luncheon March 29 – April 1, 2026
The 2025-26 nomination period starts August 4th, 2025. All nominations must be submitted by October 10, 2025 at 5 p.m. PST.
If you have any questions regarding the WAGS award processes, please contact the WAGS Board at WAGSOfficer@gmail.com.