Study in USA | Arkansas Tech University Scholarship 2026

Arkansas Tech University offers a fully funded graduate assistantship for international students pursuing a Master’s degree in the United States. This opportunity focuses on avian ecology, investigating long-term population trends of forest birds in the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests. The position includes comprehensive support including full tuition waiver and a $15,000 annual stipend.

What the Scholarship Covers

Selected candidates receive exceptional support through this assistantship:

• Full tuition waiver for the entire program
• $15,000 annual stipend for living expenses
• Support for up to 2.5 years of study
• Teaching assistantship including undergraduate laboratory instruction

The teaching duties include instructing undergraduate laboratory sections during spring and fall semesters (typically two labs each semester), providing valuable teaching experience alongside research training.

Research Focus and Activities

This M.S. assistantship investigates how forest bird populations and communities respond to different forest conditions across several forest types, including pine, hardwood, and mixed pine-hardwood stands. Potential research questions include:

• Are bird communities becoming more similar across forests or diverging over time?
• Are insectivores, cavity nesters, or forest interior species responding differently to forest management and forest succession?
• How do bird communities change as forest stands age, and do they converge toward mature forest conditions?

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet specific criteria for consideration:

• Hold B.S. degree in wildlife biology, ecology, biology, natural resources, or closely related fields
• Meet Arkansas Tech University Graduate College admission requirements
• Have minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Demonstrate competitive GRE scores
• Pass background check
• Possess valid driver’s license with good driving record
• Be willing to work long hours under challenging field conditions

Experience identifying birds by sight and sound is highly desirable. Preference goes to applicants with strong quantitative, analytical, and scientific writing skills. Experience with R or other statistical software is desirable though not required.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should:

1. Visit the official scholarship webpage
2. Compile all application materials into one PDF
3. Email all materials to Dr. Chris Kellner at ckellner@atu.edu
4. Include the required documents: cover letter describing interest and qualifications, résumé or curriculum vitae, unofficial undergraduate transcripts, and unofficial GRE score reports showing percentiles (if available)

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR OFFICIAL WEBSITE 

Final deadline: August 15, 2026

Only complete applications will receive consideration.

Conclusion

This funded graduate position offers exceptional value for students passionate about avian ecology, conservation, and forest management. The combination of full tuition coverage, substantial stipend, and teaching experience creates comprehensive support for academic and professional development.

The Ozark and Ouachita National Forests provide unique research environments with diverse forest types. Students gain hands-on field experience while contributing to understanding long-term population trends.

For ambitious students with strong backgrounds in wildlife biology or ecology, this assistantship represents a transformative opportunity to pursue graduate education in the United States without financial burden. The August 15 deadline approaches quickly, so prospective applicants should begin document preparation immediately. Early application submission increases consideration chances, as review continues until the position fills.

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