The University of Southern Mississippi is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity for prospective graduate students through its Coastal Sciences Doctoral Fellowship for the 2027 academic year.
The fellowship is offered by the Division of Coastal Sciences within the School of Ocean Science and Engineering. It is designed for outstanding students pursuing doctoral studies and research in coastal and marine sciences.
Selected fellows will receive full financial support, including a tuition waiver, an annual stipend of $28,500, university-sponsored health insurance, and additional funding for research and travel.
University of Southern Mississippi Scholarship 2027 Summary
- Host Country: United States of America
- University: University of Southern Mississippi
- Study Level: PhD
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Field of Study: Coastal Sciences
- Funding Type: Fully Funded Fellowship
- Annual Stipend: $28,500
- Additional Funding: $15,000 for research and travel
- Tuition: Full Tuition Waiver
- Health Insurance: University-sponsored coverage
- Deadline: January 15, 2027
About the University of Southern Mississippi Coastal Sciences Doctoral Fellowship
The Coastal Sciences Doctoral Fellowship is a competitive graduate fellowship offered by the Division of Coastal Sciences at the University of Southern Mississippi.
The fellowship aims to recruit exceptional students with strong academic and research potential in coastal and marine science. Fellows are supported to focus on doctoral coursework and independent research while receiving funding to develop their own research programs.
Successful applicants will pursue a PhD in Coastal Sciences within the School of Ocean Science and Engineering.
The program provides opportunities for students to conduct research relevant to coastal environments, marine ecosystems, and related scientific fields.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the University of Southern Mississippi Scholarship 2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Applicants with a master’s degree are preferred.
- Contact potential faculty advisors in the Division of Coastal Sciences to discuss their research and academic interests.
- Identify a faculty sponsor before submitting the fellowship application.
- 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 skills.
- Experience working in seagrass beds and familiarity with coastal nekton communities are preferred but not required.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants for the Coastal Sciences Doctoral Fellowship will receive:
- A PhD position in the Division of Coastal Sciences.
- An annual stipend of $28,500.
- A full tuition waiver.
- Access to university-sponsored health insurance.
- A total of $15,000 in research and travel funding.
- A waiver of the graduate school application fee for fellowship applicants.
- Opportunities to conduct independent research and develop a specialized program of study.
The Statement of Purpose must be prepared independently and should address:
- Your academic and career goals.
- Why the University of Southern Mississippi’s Division of Coastal Sciences is suitable for achieving those goals.
- How your academic background and personal experiences have influenced your career path.
- Your reasons for pursuing graduate studies.
- How your proposed research could contribute to your field, the state of Mississippi, and the Gulf region.
The letters of recommendation should address your qualifications and suitability for the fellowship.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all recommendation letters are submitted before the application deadline.
How to Apply for the University of Southern Mississippi Scholarship 2027
Interested and qualified applicants should follow these steps:
Step 1: Review the Program
Review the Coastal Sciences graduate program and the requirements of the School of Ocean Science and Engineering.
Step 2: Contact Potential Faculty Advisors
Applicants must contact potential faculty advisors in the Division of Coastal Sciences to discuss their research interests and identify a faculty sponsor before submitting an application.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents
Prepare your CV, official transcripts, Statement of Purpose, and three letters of recommendation.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Send all required application materials to Dr. Jordyn Fletcher at:
Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2027, for full consideration.
Step 5: Attend an Interview if Shortlisted
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Completeness of the application.
- Academic qualifications and transcripts.
- Academic and professional experience.
- Research potential.
- Statement of Purpose.
- Letters of recommendation.
Shortlisted finalists will be invited to participate in a virtual interview with the Fellowship Selection Committee.
📋 Required Documents
- Official academic transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose of no more than 1,200 words
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Completed Application Form