The University of Mississippi Scholarships refers to a specific, fully funded Graduate Assistantship opportunity for Master’s or Ph.D. students (with possible extension) starting in January 2026. This is a specialized research project analyzing how forestry and land-use practices affect the thermal landscape of Mississippi rivers in collaboration with faculty from Mississippi State University (MSU). The financial package provides an annual support package of $20,000 stipend, full tuition remission ($13,000 value), and health insurance ($1,700 value). Non-native English speakers must meet the MSU Graduate program requirements. The initial application involves sending an expression of interest and documents directly to the supervising professors via email before the December 1, 2025 review period.
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University of Mississippi Graduate Assistantship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | United States of America (USA) – University of Mississippi/MSU |
| Study Abroad | Study in USA |
| Category | Postgraduate (Master’s/Ph.D.) Graduate Assistantship |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (Global Applicants) |
| Reward | Full Funding (Tuition Remission, $20,000 Stipend, Health Insurance) |
| Key Criteria | Bachelor’s in Relevant Field, Remote Sensing Knowledge, English Proficiency |
| Application Deadline | December 1, 2025 (Review Begins) |
The University of Mississippi Graduate Assistantship represents a unique, fully funded opportunity for highly motivated graduate students (Master’s or Ph.D.) to engage in critical environmental research in the United States. This specific assistantship is a research project focused on analyzing the impact of forestry practices and land-use/land-cover changes on the thermal landscape of rivers in Mississippi.
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The selected student will conduct interdisciplinary research under the supervision of Dr. Sandra Correa and Dr. Padmanava Dash, professors in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture and the Department of Geosciences at Mississippi State University (MSU), respectively. This role is ideal for candidates with technical expertise in geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing.
Tier 1: Full Financial Coverage (US$20,000 Stipend Annually)
This tier outlines the highly competitive and comprehensive financial package provided through the Graduate Assistantship.
- Annual Stipend: The successful candidate receives an annual stipend of US$20,000 to cover living expenses.
- Tuition Remission: The scholarship includes full tuition remission, valued at approximately $13,000 annually, meaning the student does not pay tuition fees.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance, valued at approximately $1,700 annually, is also included as part of the total support package.
Tier 2: Program Duration and Extension
This tier highlights the duration of the funding and the potential for long-term academic growth.
- Guaranteed Funding Period: Funding is secured for 2.5 years for the Master’s program.
- Ph.D. Extension Potential: Support may be extended if the student chooses to transition into or pursue a Ph.D. program, contingent upon the availability of additional research funds.
- Start Date: The position is scheduled for a January 2026 start date.
Tier 3: Specialized Skills and Professional Network
This tier focuses on the academic and professional development benefits inherent in the specific research position.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The student will benefit from working with two professors across different departments (Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, and Geosciences), building a diverse professional network.
- Technical Expertise Development: The project provides hands-on experience using cutting-edge remote sensing and satellite imagery analytical tools, including ArcGIS Pro, Python, and Google Earth Engine.
- Global Eligibility: The assistantship is open to all countries, promoting a diverse and international research environment.
Eligibility Requirements for University of Mississippi Scholarships
To be considered for this specialized Graduate Assistantship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Background: Must have a Bachelor’s degree in a highly relevant field, such as environmental engineering, forest engineering, agricultural engineering, environmental sciences, geosciences, geography, or a related discipline.
- Technical Skills: Must possess existing knowledge of remote sensing and satellite imagery analytical tools. Technical expertise in ArcGIS Pro, Python, and Google Earth Engine is highly desirable.
- Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required.
- English Proficiency (Non-Native Speakers): For non-native English speakers, the minimum scores required for admission to the MSU Graduate program are a TOEFL score of 550 PBT or 79 iBT (Internet-Based Test) or an IELTS score of 6.5.
- GRE Scores: GRE scores are optional for this application.
How to Apply for University of Mississippi Scholarships (Step by Step)
The initial application process for this Graduate Assistantship is unique as it requires direct contact with the supervising professors.
- Prepare Application Documents: Gather the following preliminary materials:
- Cover letter or statement of purpose (describing background, career goals, and project interest).
- Resume (CV).
- Email addresses and phone numbers for three professional references.
- Copy of college transcripts.
- TOEFL/IELTS and GRE scores (if applicable/available).
- Submit Expression of Interest via Email: Send all compiled documents in a single email to the two supervising professors, Dr. Sandra Correa (sbc257@msstate.edu) and Dr. Padmanava Dash (pd175@msstate.edu).
- Use Mandatory Subject Line: The email subject line MUST be “river thermal landscapes” to ensure your application is correctly processed.
- Formal Graduate School Application: If successful in the initial review, the candidate will be required to submit a formal application and official transcripts to the Mississippi State University (MSU) Graduate School for final admission.
Application Deadline: Review will begin immediately and close when filled (Target date: December 1, 2025).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the deadline for this Graduate Assistantship?
Answer: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants are strongly advised to apply as soon as possible, but the target deadline for initial review is December 1, 2025.
2. Is this scholarship a general award or for a specific project?
Answer: This is a specific Graduate Assistantship tied to a funded research project focused on analyzing the effects of land-use on river thermal landscapes in Mississippi.
3. What does the full funding package include?
Answer: The full funding package includes an annual US$20,000 stipend, full tuition remission (waiver of tuition fees), and comprehensive health insurance.
4. Is the GRE required for this application?
Answer: No, GRE scores are optional for this specific application, although applicants are welcome to submit them if they are available.
5. What are the English proficiency requirements for non-native speakers?
Answer: Non-native English speakers must meet the MSU Graduate School requirements: a TOEFL score of 79 iBT or an IELTS score of 6.5.
6. What technical skills are necessary for this research project?
Answer: Necessary technical skills include a solid knowledge of remote sensing, satellite imagery analysis, ArcGIS Pro, Python, and Google Earth Engine.
7. Which degree level is the assistantship for?
Answer: The assistantship is available for a student pursuing either a Master’s or Ph.D. degree, with guaranteed funding for 2.5 years (and potential extension for a Ph.D.).
8. What is the start date for the successful candidate?
Answer: The successful candidate is expected to begin the position in January 2026.
9. What is the initial application process?
Answer: The initial application is an email submission of a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and references directly to Dr. Sandra Correa and Dr. Padmanava Dash with the subject line “river thermal landscapes.”
10. Where will the student be physically studying?
Answer: The research collaboration is between the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University (MSU). The formal degree will be through the MSU Graduate School.
