Graduate school resources
Figuring out how to find an advisor and/or graduate program shouldn't be a mystery! The information provided below can help you navigate this winding path. Still need help? Make an appointment with me to talk more.
Where to start
The first thing I ask students is "what is your current career path or goal?". Knowing this can help you understand if and which type of graduate program is right for you. Do the jobs you are interested in require a MS, a PhD? Both degrees can be useful for getting on the path to your goal, but it is important to know which you need. Do some research by looking at job ads for careers you would love to have--what are the requirements? The second question I ask students is usually "what are you interested in studying in graduate school?". You will need to cast a wide net to find a graduate program and it is important to keep an open mind in terms of where you are willing to move and what you will study (the research question is more important than the species!). Start looking at the job boards (linked below) to see what types of projects are out there; be willing to study a different taxa if the research is interesting, be willing to move to another state for a few years to complete your degree. One thing you will absolutely need to be a competitive applicant is previous research experience. That can be gained by working with a faculty member at WSU, or off campus through a summer research program such as an REU (see below). Finally, should consider the financial package being offered by the graduate program with the goal of having some sort of tuition waiver and stipend (salary). There are also pathways to get your own funding, which can make you a very attractive candidate. For most graduate programs (especially in the fields of ecology, evolution, conservation, wildlife, marine biology, etc.), you must have a faculty advisor BEFORE applying to the graduate program itself. Finding the right fit takes time, so start this process in your junior year; many doors will close before one opens.
How to gain research experience as an undergrad:
The most important thing on your application and CV (academic resume) will be your previous research experience. A graduate advisor wants to know you have some experience working on a research project, preferentially in a more independent capacity. You can certainly gain this type of experience working with a faculty member on campus, but there are fantastic opportunities beyond Tracy Hall.
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National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in biological sciences, ocean sciences, and STEM education are paid summer research programs. The applications are typically due at the end of January through early March each year.
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National Institute of Health (NIH) offers a variety of student research opportunities if your path is more biomedical.
Where to find advisors looking for students:
When faculty have funding and are actively recruiting graduate students they advertise and recruit students from one of the following job boards. You should check these early and often! You should also read! Read scientific papers of interest and look at the authors and their institutions, then do some Google-sleuthing to find their website and contact info.
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​Natural resources job board (top job board for these fields)
Ornithology exchange (ornithology specific positions)
EcoPhys job board (broad topics across ecology and physiology, including conservation)
Guide to grad studies in Ornithology in US & Canada (list of schools and faculty by state)
Preparing yourself, getting in contact, and finding the right fit:
Contacting a perspective advisor can be a daunting task, but there are resources to help make this easier. Do your homework and put in the time to prepare your materials and research potential advisors.
10 simple rules for choosing a graduate advisor. Though this is directed at PhD advisors, most applies to Master's advisors as well.
How to apply to and get into graduate school
Strategies for getting into graduate school
Money, money, money
The best case scenario is that your advisor has funding that pays you a stipend (either through a TA or RA, teaching or research assistantship) and the university offers a partial or full tuition waiver. This is what you should seek out! However, funding is increasingly difficult to secure and you may need to seek alternatives. Don't hesitate to ask an advisor about university funding in the form of scholarships and grants available. Finding your own funding prior to or at the beginning of a graduate program can be tough, but there are resources! Familiarize yourself with these options in case an advisor mentions them. Nothing like applying for graduate school with a grant in your back pocket to start you off running!
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NSF Graduate Research Fellowships. You can apply for a GRFP as a senior undergraduate, recent graduate, or in your first or second year of graduate school.
NOAA graduate fellowships. You must already be a graduate student for most of these ocean science based fellowships, but being familiar is a benefit
SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program. Program sponsored by the Dept of Defense offering scholarships for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students pursuing a STEM degree. All scholarship recipients receive full tuition, annual stipends, internships, and guaranteed civilian employment with the Department of Defense after graduation. Note: Though Zoology isn't listed as a qualifying major, your degree would fall under other categories listed.