South Dakota State University Scholarship in USA 2027 | Fully Funded

The Severud Wildlife Ecology Lab at South Dakota State University is accepting applications for a fully funded PhD project focused on Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep population ecology and restoration in South Dakota.

The four year doctoral project is suitable for applicants with a relevant master’s degree and an interest or background in wildlife research, quantitative ecology, and conservation.

The funding package includes a graduate stipend, tuition support, research expenses, fieldwork support, and professional travel.

This post provides information about the scholarship, research project, eligibility requirements, benefits, required documents, and application process.

South Dakota State University 2027 Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: United States of America
• Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
• Eligible Countries: All Countries
• Reward: Full Scholarship | $24,000 Stipend per year | Research Expenses | Professional Travel
• IELTS: Not Required
• Deadline: December 19, 2026

South Dakota State University Scholarship Details:

The PhD research project will examine the demographic and ecological responses of bighorn sheep to population augmentation and recovery efforts.

The selected student will use GPS and VHF telemetry, population surveys, recruitment monitoring, mortality investigations, GIS data, and long term datasets as part of the research.

Potential research areas include:

• Survival rates and causes of mortality among resident and translocated bighorn sheep.
• Movement patterns following translocation, establishment, and integration with resident subherds.
• Habitat use and factors that contribute to successful establishment.
• Reproduction, lamb recruitment, and population growth.
• Demographic responses to population augmentation.
• Development of monitoring and analytical methods to support future augmentation efforts and long term bighorn sheep management.

The project will also involve ongoing disease surveillance and the collection of biological samples that could support complementary genetic and other analyses.

These activities form part of the wider restoration program and are not necessarily intended to constitute separate dissertation chapters.

Specific dissertation questions will be developed jointly by the student, South Dakota State University, the National Park Service, and other project partners. The final research direction will consider the student’s interests, available data, and wildlife management needs.

Collaboration and Fieldwork

The project is highly collaborative and applied, involving South Dakota State University, Badlands National Park, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, Oglala Sioux Parks and Recreation Authority, as well as other state, Tribal, federal, and academic partners.

The selected PhD student will participate in:

• Bighorn sheep capture and translocation activities.
• Telemetry and population monitoring.
• Mortality investigations.
• Data management and analysis.
• Communication of research findings to project partners.

The student will work closely with experienced agency biologists and field personnel while leading research and analyses that contribute to the doctoral dissertation.

Requirements for South Dakota State University PhD Scholarship

To be considered for the South Dakota State University PhD Scholarship, applicants should have:

• An M.S. degree in wildlife ecology, biology, natural resources, or a closely related discipline by the expected start date.
• Experience conducting wildlife field research.
• A strong interest in wildlife population ecology, quantitative ecology, and applied conservation.
• Experience with R and statistical analysis, or demonstrated interest and potential to develop strong quantitative skills.
• Strong written and oral communication abilities.
• The ability to work independently and collaborate with a diverse range of project partners.
• The ability and willingness to conduct fieldwork under challenging conditions.
• A valid driver’s license.

Experience with GPS/VHF telemetry, ungulates, wildlife capture and handling, survival or demographic analysis, GIS/spatial analysis, or population modelling is desirable but not mandatory.

Applicants are not expected to have experience in every area listed above.

The lab is particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate scientific curiosity, quantitative potential, field research experience, strong communication skills, and an interest in research that contributes directly to wildlife conservation and management.

Benefits of South Dakota State University Scholarship 2027

The South Dakota State University PhD project offers:

• An expected start date of January 2027.
• A four year PhD research and restoration project.
• A graduate stipend of approximately $24,000 per year.
• Tuition support.
• Funding for research expenses.
• Fieldwork support.
• Professional travel opportunities.

Final funding arrangements and administrative agreements are currently being completed.

How to Apply for South Dakota State University Scholarship 2027 (Step by Step)

To apply for the South Dakota State University PhD Scholarship, interested and qualified candidates should:

• Review the PhD project and application requirements.
• Prepare the required application documents.
• Combine the documents into a single PDF.
• Email the single PDF to William Severud at William.Severud@sdstate.edu.
• In the cover letter, explain your experience with wildlife field research and quantitative analysis.
• Identify the specific aspects of the bighorn sheep research project that interest you.
• Submit the application before the December 19, 2026 deadline.