Sources of Funding

Assistantships

A typical Conservation Biology student has a Graduate Assistant position - either as a Research Assistant (RA) or as a Teaching Assistant (TA). The pay range for Graduate Assistants varies by department but is typically $15,000 to $18,500/year for a 50% appointment. In addition, Graduate Assistants receive comprehensive health and dental insurance and are eligible for tuition benefits-a 50% assistantship (20 hours/week) results in a 100% tuition waiver. Out-of-state residents who have worked 2 semesters as a graduate assistant are eligible to receive a maximum of 4 semesters of resident tuition rate once they no longer are graduate assistants.

University of Minnesota Graduate Fellowships

A few first-year and fourth-year Conservation Biology students are nominated each year for University of Minnesota Graduate School Fellowships. Recipients of this fellowship receive a $21,000 stipend comparable to a 50% assistantship for the academic year, full tuition, and comprehensive health insurance and dental care. The Graduate School also offers several endowed fellowships. Deadlines and forms for application are on the Graduate Fellowship Office webpage.

ICGC/MacArthur Scholars Fellowships

The Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change (ICGC) offers fellowships for both incoming and current graduate students. These fellowships, for incoming students, give first-year and often fourth-year fellowship support, and the student's program provides second-year and third-year assistantship support. Nominees for ICGC-MacArthur Scholar Fellowships should have backgrounds and interests which identify them as outstanding students who are clearly committed to the interdisciplinary study of the global south in the contex of global change.

IGERT: Risk Analysis for Introduced Species and Genotypes

The Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program on Risk Analysis for Introduced Species and Genotypes (ISG-IGERT) seeks applicants for entering the program in Fall 2010, supported by the National Science Foundation. The program educates Ph.D. students to conduct research to improve Ecological Risk Analysis and contribute workable solutions to policy questions and problems affecting management of introduced species and genotypes. The program includes a new graduate minor in Risk Analysis for Introduced Species and Genotypes (ISG minor). Prospective students must also apply to a participating graduate program such as Conservation Biology for admission to a Ph.D. degree program. Click here for details.

Deadline for self-nomination is Dec 2009. Click here to apply.

Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) Fellowships

The Graduate School Diversity Office administers the DOVE Fellowship. The fellowship is awarded to approximately 10-15 first-year students from under-represented groups (U.S. citizens or permanent residents). The fellowship provides a $21,000 stipend, tuition and subsidized health insurance for one academic year.

Mark and Judy Yudof Fellowship

Open to graduate students (Master's or Ph.D.) pursuing interdisciplinary work whose content is focused in the areas of science policy and ethics. One award per year. Stipened: $21,000, plus tuition.

Conservation Biology Summer Fellowships

The Conservation Biology Graduate Program usually makes 4 awards for graduate student summer support. The priority for these awards is students who are in the early stages of their research - in the first two years of their programs. These fellowships are intended for students to launch their research, making them more competitive for other support.

Process: The DGS makes announcement for the fellowships on the first week of March and request proposals to be submitted by third week of March. Proposals are then send out for review by the faculty and decisions are made by first week of April.

Eligibility: Conservation Biology students in the first two years of his/her program, who are in good academic standing, have an approved degree program, and have met with their advisory committee within the past year are eligible. First-year students are eligible if they submit programs and receive preliminary approval by the proposal due date. Students cannot be supported by another fellowship or assistantship that covers summer salary while on this award. Proposals to cover research expenses (travel, supplies, technicians) will not be considered. A student can only receive a Conservation Biology summer fellowship once during their program.

Outside funding

The ability to successfully obtain grant funds for research is extremely important for professional conservation biologists. Thus, all students are expected to actively seek financial support for their research with the help of their advisors. Each year, CB students apply for and are awarded fellowships from organizations outside the University of Minnesota . For example, in the past, Conservation Biology students have been awarded fellowships from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Security Council. In addition, there are hundreds of smaller grant competitions. Students should seek advice about potential funding sources from their advisors, fellow graduate students, and the Program DGS. Grant competitions also are advertised through emails on the cb-student list server, posted fliers, in the Conservation Biology newsletter, and on the internet.

Personal funds

Sometimes students enter the program on personal support. For example, some students are employed and want to continue to work part time and go to school. Occasionally, students enter the program using student loans or other personal funds.