MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY (MSU)
Mississippi State University Graduate Research Assistantships
full · masters, phd
- 1 fully funded PhD assistantship (Spring 2026)Doctoral funding
- Multiple Master's assistantshipsMaster's funding
- ~US$20,000 to US$25,000 / year (est.)Typical stipend
- GIS and Health Geography focusResearch focus
- Spring 2026 or Fall 2026 startIntakes
- Open to domestic and international studentsEligibility
At a glance
full
Funding
€23k
Max amount
Jan 15, 2027
Deadline
All countries (domestic and international applicants)
Country
Mississippi State University (MSU)
Provider
Mississippi State University (MSU) offers Graduate Research Assistantships in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Health Geography for domestic and international students entering in Spring 2026 or Fall 2026. The opportunity includes one fully funded PhD assistantship in Health Geography starting Spring 2026 and multiple Master's research assistantships in GIS and environmental studies. Funded positions cover the cost of graduate study and provide a stipend plus research training, with assistantship stipends in the field typically falling around US$20,000 to US$25,000 per year (est.) depending on level and effort. Research areas span Geography, GIS and Remote Sensing, Environmental Science, Climatology, Agriculture, and Public Health, and assistants work on projects addressing global health and environmental challenges using geospatial data science. Deadlines differ by intake and applicant type: for Spring 2026, international applicants apply by October 1, 2025 and domestic applicants by December 1, 2025, while Fall 2026 applicants of all types apply by January 15, 2026. Applications are made through the MSU graduate admissions portal. Because exact stipend amounts, the number of funded positions, and current deadlines are set by the department each cycle, confirm the latest figures on the official Mississippi State University graduate admissions site before applying.
What's covered
- Tuition support — Funded research assistantships provide tuition support so assistants are not paying full graduate fees out of pocket.
- Annual stipend — A living stipend of around ~US$20,000 to US$25,000 per year (est.) is paid to research assistants, with the exact rate set by the department.
- Research training — Hands-on training in geospatial data science, climatology, agriculture research, and public health problem-solving.
- Project participation — Opportunities to participate in funded projects addressing global health and environmental challenges.
- Mentorship and supervision — Faculty supervision and interdisciplinary mentorship across geography, GIS, and public health research groups.
How to apply
Applicants apply through the Mississippi State University graduate admissions portal and contact the relevant department about assistantship openings.
- Review the positions — Read the assistantship details for GIS and Health Geography and identify whether you fit the PhD or a Master's position.
- Contact the department — Reach out to the supervising faculty to express interest and confirm available funded positions for your intake.
- Prepare your application — Assemble transcripts, CV, statement of interest, and any required test scores, highlighting quantitative and geospatial skills.
- Submit through the portal — Apply through the MSU graduate admissions portal for your chosen programme and intake.
- Meet your deadline — Submit before the deadline that applies to your intake and applicant type (international applicants face the earlier Spring date).
Eligibility
QualificationA Bachelor's degree (for Master's positions) or a Bachelor's or Master's degree (for the PhD position) in a related field.
Research skillsStrong quantitative and geospatial research skills, particularly in GIS and health geography.
Interdisciplinary interestDemonstrated interest in interdisciplinary study spanning health geography, public health, and environmental science.
NationalityOpen to both domestic and international applicants, subject to the relevant intake deadline.
International applicants must meet the earlier Spring 2026 deadline of October 1, 2025. Standard graduate admission requirements, including English proficiency for international applicants, apply alongside the assistantship selection.
Eligible countries
All countries (domestic and international applicants)
Deadlines
Spring 2026 (international)~1 October 2025 (est.)
Spring 2026 (domestic)~1 December 2025 (est.)
Fall 2026 (all applicants)~15 January 2026 (est.)
Selection
Selection is made by the supervising faculty and department based on academic record, demonstrated quantitative and geospatial research skills, fit with ongoing GIS and health geography projects, and the strength of the application materials. Funded assistantships are limited, so candidates who contact faculty early and align with current research priorities are favoured.
Verified sources
- Mississippi State University Graduate Schoolgrad.msstate.eduofficial
About the provider
Mississippi State University (MSU) is a public land-grant research university founded in 1878 and based in Starkville, Mississippi, in the United States. It enrols more than 20,000 students and is classified among the top tier of US research universities, with strengths in geosciences, agriculture, engineering, and public health.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What types of graduate research assistantships are available at MSU?
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MSU offers one fully funded PhD assistantship in Health Geography for Spring 2026 and multiple Master's research assistantships in GIS, environmental science, and public health.
Are these positions fully funded?
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The PhD assistantship is fully funded, and Master's research assistants receive tuition support and a stipend; confirm exact terms with the department.
Can international students apply?
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Yes. Both domestic and international students are eligible, but international applicants must meet the earlier October 1, 2025 Spring deadline.
Which fields of study are covered?
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Funding is available in Geography, GIS and Remote Sensing, Environmental Science, Climatology, Agriculture, and Public Health.
What skills are required for eligibility?
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Applicants should have strong quantitative, geospatial, and interdisciplinary research skills, particularly in GIS and health geography.
When do the assistantships begin?
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Positions begin in either Spring 2026 or Fall 2026 depending on the role.
What is the deadline for domestic applicants?
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Domestic applicants for Spring 2026 apply by December 1, 2025, while Fall 2026 applicants of all types apply by January 15, 2026.
How much is the stipend?
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Assistantship stipends in this field typically fall around US$20,000 to US$25,000 per year (est.); the exact rate is set by the department.
What research experience will I gain?
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Hands-on experience in geospatial data science, climate studies, agriculture research, and public health problem-solving.
How do Master's students benefit?
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Master's students receive tuition support, a stipend, and research training in specialised fields such as GIS and environmental science.
Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying?
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It is strongly recommended; contacting the supervising faculty early helps confirm available funded positions and improves your chances.
Where can I find the official application details?
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Complete requirements and the application portal are on the official Mississippi State University graduate admissions website; confirm current deadlines there.