Q: What are my options for fellowships and other financial support?
A:
There are many options when it comes to students financial support. The Plant Sciences Program guarantees competitive stipend support for five years to all students making adequate progress towards the completion of their PhD degree. Fellowships, research assistantships and teaching assistantships are just a few of the options available to students.
Up to four fellowships are awarded annually on a competitive basis to Plant Sciences students (allowing them to rotate in different laboratories during their first year). The Nebraska Molecular Plant Breeding Program also awards USDA National Needs fellowships. In addition, the Plant Sciences Program coordinator will work closely with well-qualified students to support their application for federal pre-doctoral fellowships.
Q: Why UNL?
A:
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln was formed in 1869 as a land grant institution. It has grown over the years with the addition of other campus locations around Nebraska. With over 148 undergraduate majors and 113 graduate programs, UNL is a nationally recognized university with students from over 90 countries and from every state in the nation. Instruction is organized within individual colleges and schools on four campuses. In Fall 2012, for the eighth-straight year, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has made U.S. News and World Report's annual evaluation of America's Best Colleges' Top 50 list of Public National Universities. UNL's research enterprise has grown significantly over the past 10 years. Total funding for research increased by 168 percent since 2000. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011, research funding totaled $132.2 million. View UNL news release.
Q: Why the Plant Sciences Program?
A:
The Plant Sciences Program takes advantage of all that UNL has to offer. Faculty from different departments work together to give students enrolled in the Plant Sciences Program exposure and experience in cutting edge research using the best facilities available. Other benefits include a very competitive stipend, travel funds, journal clubs and student groups within the individual departments.
Q: What about Lincoln?
A:
Lincoln is the second largest city in Nebraska and is centrally located. With a population of 250,000 people, of all ethnic origins, Lincoln is a very cosmopolitan city for its size. There is an active downtown with clubs, theatre and nightlife. There are restaurants that represent many cuisines. Shopping (at the Haymarket Historical District and several malls), parks, and recreation all contribute to a wonderful lifestyle. The cost of living is low! Apartment rentals are reasonable and abundant and daycare is affordable. Check out the About Lincoln or Lincoln Downtown Association websites to learn even more.
Q: What is there to do in Lincoln?
A:
Students at UNL benefit from an exciting and vibrant environment. On campus there are several theatres including the Lied Center for Performing Arts, the Mary Riepma Ross Film Theater, and several art galleries including the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery and the Sculpture Garden. There are also multiple labs on campus representing many interests.
There are over 6,000 acres of parkland and 60 miles of bike trails in Lincoln. On campus, the Student Recreation Center offers exercise facilities and athletic events that are nationally renowned (Go Huskers!). In addition to UNL events, Lincoln is home to minor league baseball, football and hockey teams.
Q: How about health insurance and dental insurance?
A:
The university picks up about 80% of the cost of enrollment. After enrollment, 100% of the fees are covered if students use the University Health Center. If students go outside of this facility then 80% of the fees are covered with a $400 deductible. This is a very competitive plan compared to other Universities. We are very proud of the availability of this program for all students. Get more health insurance information here.