GradPath

Mississippi State University’s Bagley College of Engineering is committed to achieving a significant impact across our mission areas by 2030 through initiatives like GradPath, an ambitious program created to cultivate the nation's largest, most highly skilled, and distinctive engineering talent pool.

GradPath is a free online mentoring program that prepares juniors and seniors from MSU’s BCoE for graduate school. Program goals are to support and promote the success of future engineering graduate students at MSU.

As a GradPath Scholar, students will register for the course GradPath Seminar GE 4101 (Spring Mini Term 1) or UNV 2990 (section pending) and complete small individual assignments in Canvas. This course will be a hybrid course with asynchronous weekly assignments and lectures in Canvas and required weekly meetings between Scholars and Mentors (in-person or virtual). Two exclusive networking events with current Mississippi State graduate students and the graduate coordinators for each of BCoE’s outstanding departments will be offered. Students completing this program will receive individual and personal assistance completing the necessary documents for competitive graduate school applications or summer research opportunities.

Students may choose to participate in the program for academic credit by enrolling in GE 4101 or for non-credit by enrolling in UNV 2990. Decisions on whether to participate for credit or not are up to the student. Please consult with your advisor and Dr. Knox if you are unsure which path you would like to enroll in.

Scholars (mentee):

• Junior or senior students majoring in engineering at MSU
• Overall GPA 3.0/4.0 or greater
• Must be enrolled as a full-time student

Mentors:

• No less than 1 year of graduate school
• Overall GPA 3.0/4.0 or greater

This opportunity is open to all BCoE engineering students who are committed to advancing their educational careers and research opportunities.

Application Deadline: November 30, 2025

Undergraduate student mentees are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to advancing their educational careers and research opportunities, including motivation, research experiences, projects, awards, and other work experiences.

Application Deadline: November 30, 2025

Graduate student mentors are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to advancing their educational careers and research opportunities, and the skills and capacity demonstrated in their GradPath mentor application.

• November 30, 2025 – Application deadline
• December 2025 (before Dec. 22^nd) – GradPath Scholars notified of their acceptance into the program.
• January 13, 2026 from 1 p.m. - 1: 45 p.m. – In-person GradPath Mentor training. Attendance required, Mentors ONLY.
• January 13, 2026 from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. – In-person Meet and greet with scholars, mentors, and Dean’s Office staff. Attendance required.
• January 14, 2025 – Classes begin for Spring 2026. Please refer to the academic calendar for specific course-related deadlines.
• February 23, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. – In-person faculty panel. Attendance required.

This course will be offered in a hybrid manner with weekly, asynchronous assignments and lectures in Canvas and required weekly meetings with Scholars and Mentors (in-person or virtual). There will also be an in-person Meet and Greet as well as an end of (mini) term in-person event with faculty. Attendance at the end-of-term event is required for students participating in this program. This will be the last class meeting of the semester.

Weekly Topics may include:

• Writing a Winning Statement of Purpose and Defining Your Motivation in a Captivating Manner
• Understanding the Behind the Scenes of the Application Process for Graduate School and/or Summer Research Programs
• Identifying Funding Opportunities for Graduate School and/or Summer Research Programs
• Talking the Talk with Faculty – How to Address Faculty and Helpful Hints for Academic Applications
• What are Those Funding and Acceptance Offers Really Saying
• Why Not Me? Handling Rejection and Imposter Syndrome

With a limited number of seats available in the GradPath program early applications are encouraged.