Utah State University is offering a fully funded graduate scholarship opportunity for prospective students interested in pursuing a Master’s or PhD in environmental and water policy research in the United States.
The opportunity is available through the university’s Department of Environment and Society, where successful candidates will join a multidisciplinary research team working on water policy and management issues in the western United States.
The position is expected to begin in Spring 2027 and will focus primarily on research related to the Colorado River region.
Utah State University Scholarship 2027 Summary
- Host Country: United States of America
- Host Institution: Utah State University
- Department: Department of Environment and Society
- Study Level: Master’s | PhD
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Benefits: Stipend, tuition and fees, health insurance, research and travel funding
- Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
About the Utah State University Graduate Scholarship
The scholarship is associated with a graduate research position being offered by Dr. Gina Gilson at Utah State University.
The selected student will conduct research related to water policy in the western United States, with much of the work centered on the Colorado River region.
Potential research topics include strategies for reducing consumptive water use, market-based water management approaches, conjunctive management policies, and the effects of water policies on rural communities and other water users.
Other possible areas of research include collaborative governance, stakeholder participation, social science approaches to environmental decision-making, and the relationship between science, policy, and practice.
The research may also examine the water-energy nexus associated with data center development.
The precise research project will depend on the student’s interests and background. Students are expected to use qualitative or mixed-methods approaches and participate in community-engaged research.
The position will provide opportunities to work with communities, resource managers, and researchers on water-related policy and management issues.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Utah State University Graduate Scholarship, applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, environmental sciences, geography, sociology, policy studies, or a related field.
- Applicants seeking the PhD are preferably expected to have a master’s degree.
- Be willing and able to travel within the United States for data collection, potentially for several weeks at a time.
- Demonstrate an interest in social science research methods.
- Possess strong written and oral communication skills.
- Be able to communicate effectively with both academic and non-academic audiences.
Benefits of the Utah State University Scholarship 2027
The graduate assistantship provides financial support for the selected student, including:
- Annual stipend
- Tuition and fees
- Research funding
- Travel funding
- Health insurance
The scholarship is expected to provide funding for two years.
How to Apply for the Utah State University Scholarship 2027
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare your application materials, including your cover letter, CV or résumé, unofficial transcripts, and three professional references.
Step 2: Make sure your application clearly explains your academic background, research interests, and interest in water policy and community-engaged research.
Step 3: Email your application materials to Dr. Gina Gilson at gina.gilson@usu.edu.
Step 4: Submit your application as early as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with preliminary reviews beginning on September 15, 2026.
Applicants who progress through the process may be asked to provide additional materials, including a writing sample and references.
📋 Required Documents
- Unofficial academic transcripts
- Cover letter describing their experience and research interests
- List of three professional references and their contact information
- CV or résumé