The University of South Carolina (USC) is offering fully funded Master’s and PhD assistantships to both domestic and international students seeking to study in the United States. These comprehensive scholarships fully cover tuition costs and provide a monthly stipend to support living expenses, making it easier for qualified candidates to focus on their graduate studies and research.
Table of Contents
- Overview of the Scholarship
- Quick Facts & Summary
- About the Coastal S.E.E. Lab
- Eligibility Requirements
- What’s Covered
- How to Apply
1. Overview of the Scholarship
Dr. Corie Charpentier has openings in the Coastal S.E.E. Lab for Master’s and PhD students in Marine Science, beginning Fall 2027. The lab group is new and based at the Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences in Georgetown, South Carolina. Student academics are housed within the University of South Carolina’s School of the Earth, Ocean, and Environment.
This is an exceptional opportunity for students passionate about marine research to engage in cutting-edge work while receiving full financial support for their graduate education.
2. Quick Facts & Summary
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Location | University of South Carolina, Georgetown & Columbia, USA |
| Study Level | Master’s and PhD Programs |
| Field of Study | Marine Science |
| Eligible Applicants | International and domestic students from all countries |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded Assistantship |
| Program Start | Fall 2027 |
| Application Deadline | November 13, 2026 |
| Language Requirement | IELTS not required |
3. About the Coastal S.E.E. Lab
The Coastal S.E.E. Lab pursues research that explores how and why animals respond to environmental change, using complementary field and laboratory techniques. The lab has a primary focus on understanding the early-life stages of benthic invertebrates—organisms that live on ocean floors—and how they adapt to changing coastal conditions.
Research Focus Areas:
- Understanding the role of larval dispersal in range expansion of marine species
- Identifying artificial light sources that disrupt larval behavior in coastal environments
- Investigating changes in zooplankton composition in coastal South Carolina waters
- Examining how environmental variables affect marine invertebrate populations
Location & Facilities:
- Primary lab: Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences in Georgetown, SC
- Academic programs: University of South Carolina’s School of the Earth, Ocean, and Environment in Columbia, SC
- State-of-the-art research facilities and equipment
4. Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the University of South Carolina Graduate Assistantship, you must meet the following criteria:
Academic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in a related field for Master’s applicants
- Master’s degree (M.S.) in a related field for PhD applicants
- Strong academic performance in previous studies
Professional & Personal Attributes:
- Ability to problem-solve effectively and manage time efficiently
- Demonstrated ability to take ownership of research projects
- Experience and interest in conducting fieldwork in coastal marine environments
- Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail
- Proficiency in analyzing data and conducting behavioral and physiological experiments
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Work & Collaboration Requirements:
- Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with fellow students, principal investigators, and staff
- Willingness to travel between the field lab in Georgetown and USC’s Columbia campus as needed
- Commitment to fieldwork in varying coastal conditions and weather
5. What’s Covered
This fully-funded assistantship provides comprehensive support for your graduate studies and research:
- Complete tuition coverage for all graduate-level coursework
- Monthly living stipend to support your expenses
- Research costs and laboratory supplies
- Conference and publication expenses
- Travel costs between Georgetown and Columbia campuses
6. How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the University of South Carolina Marine Science Assistantship:
Step 1: Complete the Interest Form
- Fill out the graduate student interest form
- Provide information about your research interests and career goals
- Highlight your previous experience with fieldwork and marine science
Step 2: Contact the Lab Director
- Reach out to Dr. Corie Charpentier with any questions about the position or research
- Email: corie@baruch.sc.edu
- Inquire about specific expectations and project details
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Materials
- Compile your curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- Gather official transcripts from your undergraduate and/or graduate education
- Write a statement of purpose explaining your interest in marine science
- Obtain contact information for professional references
Step 4: Submit Your Complete Application
- Submit your formal graduate application through the University of South Carolina’s application system
- Include all supporting documents
- Ensure all materials are submitted before the deadline
Important Application Deadline
Application Submission Deadline: November 13, 2026
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in marine science while advancing your academic career. The Coastal S.E.E. Lab offers a supportive environment for graduate students interested in understanding how marine organisms respond to environmental change. With full financial support and access to state-of-the-art facilities, this assistantship is an excellent choice for dedicated marine science students.