The Department of Geography at Texas State University (http://www.geo.txstate.edu) announces graduate research opportunities in the National Center for Research in Geography Education (NCRGE) for the 2020-2021 academic year. NCRGE is a research consortium with headquarters at Texas State University and the American Association of Geographers (AAG). Funded by grants from the National Science Foundation, NCRGE offers a unique and exciting opportunity for graduate students to pursue research related to major national and international initiatives in geography education. Current NCRGE research foci include:

• Assessment: We seek individuals with interests in psychometrics, advanced quantitative methods, big data, and educational achievement measurement to develop thesis or dissertation research using NAEP Geography datasets and assessment materials from a forthcoming Trends in International Geography Assessment Study.

• Powerful Geography: Students with research interests in curriculum and teacher professional development are needed to participate in a major state-by-state research effort to align school and college geography curricula with the diverse aspirations and job prospects of students.

• Research Coordination Network: Multiple topics for thesis or dissertation research are possible through the NCRGE network supporting implementation of the Road Map Project research agenda.

Additional details about recent and current NCRGE initiatives is available at www.ncrge.org.

Funding opportunities exist for Graduate Assistantships at the Doctoral ($27,820 over 9 months, renewable up to a maximum of 4 years) and Master’s ($14,500 over 9 months, renewable up to a maximum of 2 years) levels. These assistantships come with a waiver of the out-of-state portion of tuition for Fall and Spring semesters. Graduate Assistants receive access to university student health benefits. In addition, the Department provides conference travel funding for graduate students to present research (up to 2 conferences per year). The Department offers merit-based scholarships each year through an open-call process to all students. Additional funding from the Graduate College, such as doctoral and master’s research fellowships and merit scholarships (which waive a significant portion of tuition), are available on a competitive basis.

Applications for full funding considerations to start in Fall 2020 semester are due by January 15, 2020 for Ph.D. Programs and February 1, 2020 for Master’s Programs. More details regarding the application process may be found at https://www.gradcollege.txstate.edu/programs.html. Questions regarding the application and its process may be directed to the Department of Geography Graduate Staff Advisor, Allison Glass-Smith (am13@txstate.edu).