University of Southern Mississippi Scholarship in USA 2027 | Fully Funded

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is inviting applications from prospective graduate students for the 2027 Coastal Sciences Doctoral Fellowship, a fully funded opportunity for students interested in pursuing doctoral studies in coastal and marine sciences in the United States.

The fellowship is offered through the Division of Coastal Sciences within the School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE). Successful candidates will receive financial support to focus on their PhD research and coursework, along with additional funding for research and professional development.

The award provides a $28,500 annual stipend, tuition coverage, health insurance, and additional research and travel funding. The fellowship is intended for outstanding applicants who demonstrate strong academic and research potential.

This article provides information about the scholarship, eligibility requirements, benefits, required documents, and how to apply.

University of Southern Mississippi Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: United States
• University: University of Southern Mississippi
• Program: Coastal Sciences Doctoral Fellowship
• Study Level: PhD
• Field: Coastal and Marine Sciences
• Eligible Applicants: International and domestic applicants
• Funding: Fully Funded
• Annual Stipend: $28,500
• Additional Funding: $15,000 for research and travel
• Tuition: Waived
• Health Insurance: Included
• Application Fee: Waived for fellowship applicants
• Deadline: January 15, 2027

About the University of Southern Mississippi Coastal Sciences Fellowship

The Coastal Sciences Doctoral Fellowship is a competitive funding opportunity designed to attract talented graduate students to the University of Southern Mississippi’s coastal and marine science programs.

Fellows are expected to undertake full-time doctoral research and coursework while developing their own research programs. The fellowship also provides dedicated support for research activities and travel, allowing students to gain valuable academic and professional experience.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong scholarly potential and a clear interest in coastal or marine science research.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the University of Southern Mississippi Coastal Sciences Doctoral Fellowship, applicants should:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant academic field. Applicants who already have a master’s degree are preferred.
• Identify and contact a potential faculty advisor within the Division of Coastal Sciences before submitting the fellowship application.
• Obtain a faculty sponsor who is willing to support their proposed research interests.
• Meet the admission requirements of the School of Ocean Science and Engineering.
• Satisfy the university’s English language requirements.
• Demonstrate strong research, writing, and communication abilities.
• Have experience working in seagrass beds or knowledge of coastal nekton communities, where applicable. This experience is preferred but is not mandatory.

Applicants should carefully review the program requirements and ensure that their proposed research interests align with the expertise of potential faculty supervisors.

Benefits of the University of Southern Mississippi Scholarship

Successful fellows will receive substantial financial support throughout the doctoral program.

The fellowship includes:

• $28,500 annual stipend to support living expenses.
• Full tuition waiver for the PhD program.
• University-sponsored health insurance.
• $15,000 in research and travel funding to support the fellow’s academic and research activities.
• Waiver of the graduate school application fee for students applying through the Coastal Sciences Doctoral Fellowship.
• Opportunity to pursue a PhD in Coastal Sciences within the School of Ocean Science and Engineering.

The funding is designed to allow selected students to concentrate on their doctoral studies and research without carrying the full financial burden of tuition and academic expenses.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following materials for the fellowship application:

• Updated CV or résumé.
• Official academic transcripts.
• Statement of Purpose of no more than 1,200 words.
• Three letters of recommendation.

The Statement of Purpose should discuss the applicant’s academic and career objectives, reasons for choosing the Division of Coastal Sciences, relevant personal and academic experiences, and the potential impact of their proposed research.

Applicants should note that the fellowship instructions state that the Statement of Purpose must be prepared without AI assistance.

How to Apply for the University of Southern Mississippi Scholarship 2027

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the Coastal Sciences Doctoral Fellowship requirements and confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria.
2. Explore the faculty members within the Division of Coastal Sciences and identify a potential research advisor whose interests align with yours.
3. Contact the prospective faculty advisor to discuss your research and educational interests.
4. Obtain a faculty sponsor before submitting the fellowship application.
5. Prepare your CV, official transcripts, Statement of Purpose, and three recommendation letters.
6. Submit the complete fellowship application materials to Dr. Jordyn Fletcher at Jordyn.Fletcher@usm.edu.
7. Ensure that all required materials are submitted before the January 15, 2027 deadline.
8. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to participate in a virtual interview with the Fellowship Selection Committee.

Candidates will be assessed based on the completeness of their applications, academic records, research potential, Statement of Purpose, and recommendation letters.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the University of Southern Mississippi Coastal Sciences Doctoral Fellowship 2027 is January 15, 2027.

Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their documents and contacting potential faculty advisors well before the deadline.

Final Note

The University of Southern Mississippi Coastal Sciences Doctoral Fellowship is a strong opportunity for students seeking fully funded PhD study in coastal and marine sciences. With a substantial annual stipend, tuition waiver, health insurance, and additional research and travel funding, the fellowship can provide significant financial support throughout doctoral studies.

Interested applicants should carefully review the official fellowship requirements and ensure that they establish contact with a suitable faculty sponsor before submitting their application.

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