MS Assistantship in Hellbender Ecology – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes30 Apr, 2026

The MS Assistantship in Hellbender Ecology offers a funded graduate research opportunity at Marshall University through its Department of Biological Sciences. The assistantship provides financial and academic support. First, it offers an annual stipend of approximately $18,000. Additionally, it includes a tuition waiver, although certain fees still apply. Students also receive training in advanced field and laboratory methods. Furthermore, they gain experience with data analysis and scientific writing. Consequently, participants build strong technical and professional skills throughout the program.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the MS Assistantship in Hellbender Ecology before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

Hellbender Ecology

GPA / Grade

GPA 3.0

Languages

DuoLingo English Test 105, IELTS 6.5, PTE A 53, TOEFL iBT 80

Tests

Study Levels

Master's, MS

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Yes (3)

Result Date

Program Start

August 2026

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

$18,000/year

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount$18,000/year
Deadline30 Apr, 2026
LevelMaster's, MS
InstitutionMarshall University
CountryUnited States
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The MS Assistantship in Hellbender Ecology offers a funded graduate research opportunity at Marshall University through its Department of Biological Sciences. It supports students pursuing a Master of Science degree while they actively contribute to a conservation research project. Moreover, the program focuses on the eastern hellbender, a large aquatic salamander of ecological importance. Students join the Herpetology and Applied Conservation Lab and work under expert supervision. Therefore, they gain both academic training and field-based experience.

Background and Purpose

The assistantship aims to support conservation efforts for declining hellbender populations in West Virginia. Specifically, researchers study population ecology, demographic trends, and conservation strategies. In addition, the project strengthens the understanding of aquatic ecosystem health. Students contribute to long-term scientific efforts that guide wildlife protection policies. As a result, the program directly connects academic research with real-world environmental conservation needs.

MS Assistantship in Hellbender Ecology Benefits

The assistantship provides financial and academic support. First, it offers an annual stipend of approximately $18,000. Additionally, it includes a tuition waiver, although certain fees still apply. Students also receive training in advanced field and laboratory methods. Furthermore, they gain experience with data analysis and scientific writing. Consequently, participants build strong technical and professional skills throughout the program.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Moreover, they must demonstrate a strong interest in wildlife conservation and herpetology. Candidates should also be willing to work in physically demanding outdoor conditions. In addition, they must show readiness to collaborate with government and conservation partners. Therefore, adaptability and field readiness play an important role in selection.

MS Assistantship in Hellbender Ecology Application Process

The application process requires careful preparation. First, candidates must apply to the Master’s program at Marshall University. Then, they should contact the supervising research team directly to express interest. Additionally, applicants must submit academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose. After review, shortlisted candidates may receive interview invitations. Successful applicants begin their assistantship in August 2026.

Opportunities for Scholars

This assistantship offers strong professional and academic development. Students gain extensive field experience through surveys, mark-recapture studies, and eDNA sampling. Moreover, they develop teaching skills as Graduate Teaching Assistants. They also contribute to scientific publications and conservation reports. Ultimately, graduates become well-prepared for careers in wildlife biology, conservation science, and environmental research.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this assistantship about?

It is a fully funded M.S. graduate assistantship focused on the ecology, conservation, and population biology of eastern hellbenders (giant aquatic salamanders).

What skills are preferred?

Swimming ability, fieldwork experience, data handling, and interest in population ecology and conservation are important.

How do I apply?

Applicants must submit a CV, statement of interest, and transcripts in a single PDF via email to the listed faculty members.