Are you passionate about wildlife biology, herpetology, or environmental research? West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) is offering a fully funded Graduate Assistantship for outstanding Master’s students beginning Spring 2026. This prestigious scholarship includes full tuition coverage and a generous annual stipend of up to $27,794, making it an excellent opportunity to study and conduct field-based ecological research in the United States.
In this post, you’ll find all the key details about the program, eligibility requirements, benefits, and the step-by-step guide to apply.
Host Institution: West Texas A&M University (WTAMU)
Location: United States
Study Level: Master’s (M.S.)
Eligible Fields: Biology, Wildlife Biology, Zoology, or related disciplines
Eligible Applicants: All nationalities
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Annual Stipend: $26,159–$27,794
Duration: 6 consecutive semesters (2.5 to 3 years)
IELTS Requirement: Not required
Application Deadline: August 4, 2025
Dr. Dylan Maag in the Department of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences at WTAMU is recruiting two M.S. students for a collaborative and intensive field-based research project focused on Western Massasauga Rattlesnakes (Sistrurus tergeminus).
Research areas include:
Herpetology
Spatial Ecology
Behavioral Ecology
The project will involve extensive fieldwork, collaboration with summer field technicians, and shared responsibilities in habitat data collection. Each student will focus on specific aspects such as spatial movement patterns, diet/hunting behavior, and habitat selection, contributing to publications and thesis development.
To be considered for the WTAMU Master’s Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
Hold a B.Sc. degree in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Zoology, or a closely related field
Meet the admission criteria of WTAMU’s M.S. in Biology program
Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in relevant undergraduate science coursework
Possess a valid driver’s license
Be willing to undergo training in handling venomous snakes (prior experience preferred but not required)
Have or be willing to learn skills in:
R programming
GIS software
Radiotelemetry
Students must be committed to a 2.5–3-year project duration and full-time enrollment at WTAMU.
Selected candidates will receive:
Fully funded graduate research assistantship (no teaching responsibilities)
Annual stipend of $26,159–$27,794 for 6 semesters
Partial tuition waiver
Health/medical insurance coverage
Opportunity to participate in meaningful fieldwork and produce publishable research
Applicants must prepare and submit the following materials:
Letter of Interest – Highlighting your background, motivation, and research interests
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Unofficial Academic Transcripts
Contact Information for three academic or professional references
Follow these steps to apply for the WTAMU Graduate Scholarship:
Prepare all required documents
Email your application to Dr. Dylan Maag at:
📧 dmaag@wtamu.edu
Subject line should read:
“M.S. MASSASAUGA APPLICATION”
Submit your application on or before August 4, 2025
Applications will be reviewed starting August 4th. Those received afterward will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis until both positions are filled.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews via Zoom or phone within two weeks after the deadline.
This is a rare opportunity to join a fully funded, hands-on research program in the U.S., gaining real-world experience in field biology while earning a respected M.S. degree at WTAMU. If you’re motivated, collaborative, and eager to make an impact in ecological research, this program is for you.