Graduate students and faculty are encouraged to participate in university, regional and national competitions which recognize outstanding accomplishments. Each year, the University of New Mexico awards the Tom L. Popejoy Dissertation Prize to recognize the highest level of academic excellence among our doctoral students.

Regional awards are presented annually by the Western Association of Graduate Schools for both outstanding thesis and dissertations. The Council of Graduate Schools also annually award outstanding dissertations.

Many national professional societies grant similar awards within their disciplines, and faculty mentors are encouraged to submit nominations of their advisees to these competitions.