New Graduate
Student Orientation

This is an exciting time! During your graduate studies, you will have the opportunity to explore science on a deeper level, building your network of inquisitive scientists in your field and in other disciplines who, like you, are dedicated to the pursuit of new knowledge and advanced discovery that will benefit humanity.

Orientation

As you prepare for the next step of your academic journey, please note that each department within ECoS has its own orientation program in addition to the Penn State Graduate School Orientation that is held the week before classes.

If you are an international graduate student there is another orientation for you with helpful information specific to international students.

Funding and Support

Support for your graduate education can come in a variety of forms, most commonly through fellowships and/or research and teaching assistant supplements.

Learn More About Graduate Funding Opportunities

NSF’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program

We encourage all graduate students to apply for the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF-GRFP), a very generous source of science funding that is geared toward 
supporting outstanding students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. You may choose to apply in either your first or second year of graduate school.

Applicants must emphasize their ability to contribute to the broader society and their specific field of research. Each year Eberly produces a number of GRFP awardees both undergraduate and graduate.

To support our student applicants, we provide workshops throughout the year aimed at helping you integrate such broader impacts into your education and research plans.

Learn More About NSF-GRFP

Mentoring

At the Eberly College of Science, we work together to create a strong, diverse, and inclusive network that supports and serves our community—on campus and around the globe.

As a first-year graduate student, you will be assigned a faculty mentor in addition to your academic adviser. Along the way, you will gain even more mentors from your research adviser to the members of your comprehensive/thesis committee. There are also a number of peer-to-peer mentoring resources available, including groups that serve first-generation students, women, and minorities. The college in collaboration with the graduate school provides mentee and mentor training opportunities.

Learn More About Available Mentoring Opportunities

Life in State College

State College appears on many “Best” lists because of its friendly atmosphere, rich connection to education, natural resources, and strong economy. Whether you are a nature lover or prefer the arts, Central Pennsylvania boasts a wide variety of activities to appeal to almost every taste and you are only a few hours away from several major cities like New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. Everywhere you go, you’ll see Penn Staters who are proud of their University and the excellence it’s been renowned for since 1855.

Learn More About Life in State College