Scholarship Overview

The University of Montana Graduate Scholarship represents a golden opportunity for prospective Master's students from any country to dive deep into the field of wildlife biology, particularly focusing on applied quantitative ecology. This program is specifically designed to develop and refine abundance estimation techniques, which are crucial for understanding the impact of management strategies on large mammal populations in Montana. Successful applicants will have the privilege of working alongside experienced researchers, natural resource professionals, and field technicians, making significant contributions to wildlife conservation and management efforts.

Host Institution(s)

The scholarship is hosted by the University of Montana, particularly within its renowned Wildlife Biology Program. The University of Montana, located in the scenic city of Missoula, is a hub for research and innovation, offering a supportive and dynamic environment for graduate studies.

Level(s)/Field(s)

This scholarship is open to individuals seeking to enroll in an MSc in applied quantitative ecology. It caters to students with a strong foundation in wildlife biology, ecology, statistics, computer science, or closely related disciplines, aiming to specialize in techniques for estimating the abundance of large mammal populations and assessing the impact of various management practices on these species.

Scholarship Value

The University of Montana Graduate Scholarship covers the full tuition for the selected candidate and offers a comprehensive annual stipend of $26,000 (including summer), alongside tuition waivers, health insurance, and other benefits. This generous financial package ensures that scholars can fully dedicate themselves to their studies and research without the burden of financial constraints.

Eligibility

Applicants for this prestigious scholarship must meet the following criteria:

  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, statistics, computer science, or a closely related field.
  • Demonstrate experience in at least three of the following areas: programming, spatial analysis, management and analysis of wildlife monitoring data, and field data collection.
  • Show adaptability, initiative, follow-through, and the capacity to learn new skills.
  • Illustrate a strong motivation for pursuing a graduate degree in the topic of this position and a clear set of professional goals.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates are required to compile and submit a comprehensive application package by May 1, 2024. This package should include:

  • A cover letter, segmented into three 300-word sections detailing your motivations, adaptability and initiative, and a description of a challenge you've overcome.
  • A CV (maximum of 3 pages).
  • Academic transcripts.
  • Names and contact details of three references.

The application process involves two steps: initially, candidates must email their application documents as a single PDF file to Dr. Mahdieh Tourani at mahdieh.tourani@umt.edu with the subject line “MSc Montana Large Mammal”. Following a review of applications, which begins immediately upon receipt and continues until the position is filled, top applicants will be invited to apply formally to the Wildlife Biology Program within the UM Graduate School.