Introduction
Mississippi State University (MSU) offers fully funded Graduate Research Assistantships in 2026 for Ph.D. and M.S. students specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Health Geography. This program provides tuition coverage, stipends, and hands-on research experience—an ideal opportunity for students worldwide seeking impactful interdisciplinary research in geospatial and public health sciences.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
Academic Level: Bachelor’s (for M.S.) or Master’s (for Ph.D.) degree in Geography, GIS, Remote Sensing, Environmental Science, Climatology, or Public Health.
Skills & Experience:
Spatial data analysis
GIS applications in health or environmental research
Programming/Computational skills (R, Python)
ArcGIS, QGIS, and remote sensing tools
Strong interest in interdisciplinary teamwork and research communication
International Students: Eligible and encouraged to apply.
Language Requirements: TOEFL/IELTS for international applicants.
GRE: Optional; check program-specific requirements.
Quick Eligibility Table
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Level | Bachelor’s (M.S.) / Master’s (Ph.D.) |
| Fields of Study | Geography, GIS, Health Geography, Environmental Science, Climatology |
| Skills Required | GIS, Remote Sensing, Python/R, Data Analysis |
| Language Test | Required for international applicants |
| GRE | Optional |
| Citizenship | Domestic & International |
Key Benefits of the Assistantship
Full Tuition Coverage – 100% tuition waived for selected students.
Monthly Stipend – Competitive stipend to cover living expenses.
Research Facilities Access – State-of-the-art labs, computing resources, and real-world datasets.
Conference Travel Support – Funding available to present research at national & international conferences.
Publication Opportunities – Encouraged to publish in leading journals.
Mini Comparison: While some assistantships cover only tuition, MSU offers tuition + stipend + travel + research access, making it one of the most comprehensive programs in GIS & Health Geography.
Research Focus Areas
Disease Mapping & Modeling: Track infectious diseases and predict outbreaks using GIS.
Spatial Epidemiology: Study environmental & social factors influencing health outcomes.
Healthcare Access Analysis: Identify disparities in healthcare infrastructure.
Remote Sensing for Health: Combine satellite data with health datasets to study climate, land use, and pollution impacts.
Public Health Planning Tools: Develop GIS applications supporting public health decision-making.
Who Should Apply
Ideal candidates have:
Bachelor’s or Master’s in relevant fields.
Interest in GIS, spatial analysis, and health/environmental research.
Skills in ArcGIS, QGIS, R, Python, and remote sensing tools.
Strong interdisciplinary teamwork and communication abilities.
Note: Applicants need not possess all skills initially but should demonstrate willingness to learn and engage in research challenges.
Application Process
Select Your Program: Choose the Ph.D. or M.S. program related to GIS & Health Geography.
Prepare Required Documents:
Transcripts
Letters of Recommendation
Personal Statement (highlighting GIS, health geography, and interdisciplinary research)
CV/Resume
GRE scores (if required)
TOEFL/IELTS scores for international students
Mention GRI Assistantship: Clearly state your interest in the Geosystems Research Institute assistantship.
Submit Application: Apply via the MSU Graduate School portal before the deadline.
Track Application: Keep an eye on communications from the Graduate School for updates.
Visual Suggestion: A simple flowchart can illustrate the 5-step application process for quick scanning.
Timeline – Important Dates
| Intake | Applicant Type | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | International | October 1, 2025 |
| Spring 2026 | Domestic | December 1, 2025 |
| Fall 2026 | All Applicants | January 15, 2026 |
Note: Shortlisting, interview, and results dates will be communicated by MSU.
Why Choose Mississippi State University?
National Recognition: Leading research in GIS, remote sensing, and public health.
GRI Excellence: Access to cutting-edge labs and partnerships with federal agencies.
Collaborative Environment: Work closely with faculty experts and research scientists.
Real-World Impact: Projects influence national & international public health and climate policies.
Student Support: Mentoring, career development, and research resources.
Career Pathways After Graduation
Academia: Teaching and conducting research at universities.
Government Agencies: CDC, NASA, state health departments.
Nonprofits & NGOs: WHO, UN, and international research organizations.
Private Sector: Data science, geospatial analytics, health informatics, and consulting.
Graduates with GIS and health geography expertise are in high global demand.
FAQs – Graduate Research Assistantship
Q1: Can international students apply?
A: Yes, international students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Q2: Is the GRE mandatory?
A: GRE may be optional depending on the program. Check departmental requirements.
Q3: What financial benefits are included?
A: Full tuition, monthly stipend, and conference travel support.
Q4: Can students publish research during the program?
A: Yes, students are encouraged to publish and present research.
Q5: What kind of projects will I work on?
A: GIS, health geography, epidemiology, environmental health, and public health planning.
Q6: When should I apply for the Spring 2026 intake?
A: International applicants: October 1, 2025; Domestic applicants: December 1, 2025.
Q7: Are prior GIS and programming skills mandatory?
A: Not mandatory, but willingness to learn and engage in research is required.
How to Apply
Apply via the Mississippi State University Graduate School portal and clearly mention your interest in the GRI assistantship. Early applications are recommended for better consideration.