The University of Georgia Masters Scholarship offers an excellent opportunity for students interested in statistics, data science, ecology, mathematics, natural resources, and related quantitative fields. Hosted by the University of Georgia, this funded graduate research opportunity allows successful candidates to pursue a Master of Science degree while contributing to important research projects in partnership with the National Park Service.
The University of Georgia Masters Scholarship is designed for highly motivated students who want to develop advanced research, analytical, and programming skills while working with real-world environmental monitoring data. Selected students will receive financial support, professional mentorship, and opportunities to present their findings at scientific conferences.
About the University of Georgia Masters Scholarship
Under this University of Georgia Masters Scholarship, successful applicants will conduct thesis research focused on the analysis of inventory and monitoring data. Research projects will involve collaborative work with the National Park Service’s Inventory and Monitoring Division, with a likely emphasis on trend analyses of forest vegetation datasets.
Depending on the student’s interests and project focus, candidates may enroll in either the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources or the Department of Statistics at the University of Georgia.
Research Responsibilities
Students selected for the University of Georgia Masters Scholarship will:
- Conduct exploratory data analysis and create visualizations
- Develop statistical and quantitative models related to monitoring and management questions
- Prepare statistical support reports
- Present research findings to project partners and scientific conferences
- Complete thesis and degree requirements
- Submit research articles to peer-reviewed journals
- Collaborate with scientists from the National Park Service, the Georgia Cooperative Research Unit, and partner organizations
- Contribute to maintaining a supportive and collaborative research environment
Scholarship Benefits
The University of Georgia Masters Scholarship provides:
- Annual funding ranging from approximately $24,000 to $30,000
- Additional benefits associated with graduate assistantship appointments
- Hands-on research experience with federal and university scientists
- Opportunities to publish research findings
- Participation in professional conferences
- Advanced training in statistical modeling and data analysis
- Access to mentorship from experienced researchers
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the University of Georgia Masters Scholarship, applicants should possess:
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Statistics or a related field such as Data Science, Ecology, Mathematics, or Natural Resources
- Additional quantitative or programming experience
- Proficiency in R or other programming languages such as Python
- Experience managing datasets and creating data visualizations
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience analyzing monitoring data
- Knowledge of statistical modeling techniques such as GLMMs, GAMs, or occupancy modeling
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience conducting quantitative analyses
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Cover letter describing professional interests (maximum one page)
- Current résumé or CV
- Unofficial college transcripts
- Contact information for three professional references
How To Apply
Interested candidates should send a single email containing all required documents to:
- Dr. Brian Irwin: irwin@uga.edu
- Dr. Aditya Mishra: Aditya.Mishra@uga.edu
The email subject line should be:
“I&M MS Application”
Applications will be reviewed beginning June 30, although the position will remain open until filled.
Application Deadline
June 30, 2026
APPLY HERE
Interested applicants can view the full opportunity details and application instructions through the official announcement page: