Montana State University Scholarships in USA

The Montana State University graduate research assistantship will support a Master of Science in Animal and Range Sciences, with an emphasis in Range Science, at Montana State University (MSU) in Bozeman.

The student will work under the supervision of Dr. Georgia Harrison, Rangeland Ecologist in the Department of Animal and Range Sciences, on a thesis focused on rangeland vegetation ecology and field-based vegetation monitoring.

The research will evaluate how grazing management and livestock use influence plant community composition, vegetation structure, and forage availability across Montana rangelands, in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team investigating vegetation, livestock production, and soil properties.

To be considered for the Montana State University Scholarship, you must:

• Bachelor's degree in rangeland ecology, range science, plant ecology, ecology, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field.

• Eligibility for admission to a master's program at Montana State University in the Department of Animal and Range Sciences

• Ability and willingness to conduct physically demanding fieldwork in remote rangeland environments and variable weather conditions.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, follow standardized sampling protocols, and maintain accurate field records.

Preferred

• Experience identifying grasses, forbs, and shrubs, particularly western rangeland species.

• Experience with vegetation monitoring, plant community sampling, biomass clipping, or ecological field research.

• Familiarity with rangeland monitoring methods, such as line-point intercept, canopy gap measurements, nested frequency, or similar techniques.

• Experience with R, GIS, spreadsheets, or other tools for ecological data management and analysis.

• Experience safely operating ATVs or other off-road vehicles and towing trailers.

• Interest in grazing ecology, rangeland management, and applied research conducted in collaboration with land managers.

• The position provides a stipend of $33,000 per year, starting in January 2027 through May or August 2029.

• Tuition is not included, but opportunities to pursue scholarships and other tuition support may be available.

• The position begins in January 2027 and continues through May or August 2029, with academic-year appointments (full-time, >6 credits) and summer appointments (part-time, <6 credits). 

To apply for the Montana State University Scholarship, interested and qualified candidates should;

• 1

  Click the green button below to proceed to the program's webpage.

• 2

  Email Dr. Georgia Harrison at georgia.harrison@montana.edu with the subject line “MS Graduate Research Assistant – Rangeland Vegetation Ecology (Jan 2027).”

• 3

  Please include a one-page cover letter describing your interest in the position, relevant experience, and career goals, along with a current curriculum vitae or résumé.

• 4

  Applications will be reviewed as received. Applicants are encouraged to describe their experience with plant identification, rangeland vegetation monitoring, ecological fieldwork, and data analysis, as applicable.