About the PhD Program

Funding 

Most funding for graduate study is at the departmental level. Departments have funds to recruit outstanding applicants, and some faculty support graduate students with external research funding. Assitantships are limited and offered competitively. Decisions are often made in conjunction with the admissions process. For more information, contact the director or coordinator. 

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs)

Students with GRA appointments are expected to support faculty research. Full-time GRAs are expected to work 20 hours per week and can receive up to 9 credits of tuition waiver a semester; half time GRAs, working 10 hours a week, receive up to 6 credits.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs)

GTAs support the department by engaging in activities related to teaching. These can include: teaching sections of courses/labs, supporting instructors teaching large sections, tutoring, advising, and curriculum development. GTA awards may or may not come with a tuition waiver.

Fellowships

Fellowships are monetary awards made to the highest qualified students. No service to the department or university is required for these awards.