The Texas Tech University Graduate Research Assistantship is a fully funded Master’s (M.S.) opportunity in the spatial ecology of desert wetlands, co-advised by Dr. Nancy McIntyre (Biological Sciences) and Dr. Kerry Griffis-Kyle (Natural Resources Management). The financial package includes full tuition remission and a competitive $25,000 to $30,000 annual living stipend for three years, provided primarily via a 9-month/year departmental Teaching Assistantship. A critical eligibility requirement is that applicants must be US citizens and be able to pass a military background check. Preference is given to applicants with experience in GIS and hot desert field conditions. The deadline for application is January 1, 2026, and candidates apply by emailing both co-advisors with the specific subject line “Graduate application – desert wetlands.”
Texas Tech University M.S. Research Assistantship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Texas Tech University |
| Study Abroad | Study in USA |
| Category | Master’s Scholarships |
| Eligible Countries | US Citizens Only |
| Reward | Full Scholarship |
| Key Criteria | US Citizen |
| Application Deadline | January 1, 2026 |
The Texas Tech University is offering a fully funded Master’s (M.S.) research assistantship focused on the spatial ecology of desert wetlands. This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly motivated graduate student to conduct M.S. research on the geospatial dynamics of desert wetlands across environmental gradients.
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The project is a collaborative effort, co-advised by Dr. Nancy McIntyre (Biological Sciences) and Dr. Kerry Griffis-Kyle (Natural Resources Management), offering a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to the study.
Benefits of the Texas Tech University Masters Research Assistantship
The successful candidate will be funded for three years and receive generous financial support:
- Full Tuition Remission: The scholar is exempt from all tuition fees for the duration of the assistantship.
- Annual Stipend: Funding is secured for three years, primarily through a 9-month/year departmental Teaching Assistantship. The annual awards range from $25,000 for 1 year up to $30,000 per year for 3 years.
- Additional Fellowships: Candidates may be eligible for additional graduate school fellowships to supplement their funding.
Eligibility Requirements for Graduate Assistantship 2026
To be considered for this specific research position, candidates must meet the following mandatory and preferred criteria:
- Mandatory Requirements:
- Must possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, GIS).
- Must be US citizens (required for the specific project funding).
- Must be able to pass a military background check.
- Preferred Skills/Experience:
- Experience or coursework in landscape ecology, remote sensing, and GIS.
- Prior experience in hot desert field conditions.
Upon completion of the program, the student will acquire valuable, marketable skills including Experience with ArcGIS, Experience with R, Curation of spatial datasets, and advanced scientific communication abilities.
Required Documents for Application
Interested candidates should compile and be ready to submit the following materials:
- A detailed statement outlining your research interests.
- A statement explaining how this position will help you fulfill your career goals.
- A comprehensive Resume/CV summarizing your research experiences, skills, and contact information.
- Unofficial transcripts from previous institutions.
- GRE scores (optional but strongly encouraged).
- Contact information (names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails) for three professional or academic references.
How to Apply for the Texas Tech University M.S. Research Assistantship 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process is direct and requires communication with the co-advisors:
- Prepare Materials: Gather and finalize all the required documents listed above.
- Email Submission: Email both Dr. Nancy McIntyre (nancy.mcintyre@ttu.edu) and Dr. Kerry Griffis-Kyle (kerry.griffis-kyle@ttu.edu).
- Use Specific Subject Line: The email must include the exact subject line: “Graduate application – desert wetlands”.
- Formal Application: After advisor review, the candidate will likely be directed to submit a formal application through the Texas Tech Graduate School system.
Application Deadline: January 1, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What level of study does this opportunity cover?
This is a Master’s (M.S.) research assistantship position.
2. Is this scholarship open to international students?
No. A critical eligibility requirement is that applicants must be US citizens and be able to pass a military background check.
3. What is the amount of the annual stipend?
The annual stipend ranges from $25,000 to $30,000 per year and is guaranteed for three years.
4. Who are the faculty members co-advising this research project?
The project is co-advised by Dr. Nancy McIntyre from Biological Sciences and Dr. Kerry Griffis-Kyle from Natural Resources Management.
5. What is the focus of the research project?
The research focuses on the spatial ecology of desert wetlands, specifically looking at geospatial dynamics across environmental gradients.
6. What kind of funding provides the stipend?
The primary source of funding is a 9-month/year departmental Teaching Assistantship, supplemented by potential graduate school fellowships.
7. Is full tuition covered by this assistantship?
Yes, the assistantship includes full tuition remission, meaning you will not have to pay tuition fees.
8. Are GRE scores mandatory for this application?
GRE scores are optional but encouraged by the advisors, suggesting they could strengthen your overall application.
9. What is the application deadline?
The deadline for application is January 1, 2026.
10. What specific experience is preferred in applicants?
Preference is given to students with experience in landscape ecology, remote sensing, and GIS, as well as prior experience in hot desert field conditions.
11. How should I submit my application materials?
You must email both Dr. McIntyre and Dr. Griffis-Kyle with the subject line “Graduate application – desert wetlands.”
12. What specific skills will I gain during this M.S. program?
You will acquire skills in ArcGIS, the programming language R, spatial dataset curation, and advanced scientific communication.
