Graduate students are continuously supported through teaching or research assistantships dependent on satisfactory progress. Students of high scholastic standing are encouraged to consult the Department Head for information about Assistantships, Fellowships and technical aid positions.

Assistantships

Assistantships are awarded for either teaching or research. Teaching Assistants may teach one or more sections of an undergraduate class or laboratory, and/or help with laboratory preparation. Research Assistants are assigned to a research project being conducted by an MBI faculty member. Research done on an assistantship may or may not be applied to the student's dissertation/thesis.

Graduate students cannot receive a full RA-ship and a full departmental TA-ship at the same time. However, a TA stipend may be less than that earned by an RA. In those situations, faculty advisors may provide a partial RA-ship in order to ensure the student receives full stipend support while acting as a TA.

Teaching and research assistantships are available each semester. The usual term of appointment for a Graduate Teaching Assistant is one semester. The Graduate School has established minimum requirements for the award of a teaching or research assistantship.

Fellowships

Fellowships for graduate studies obtained from off-campus sources and can carry stipends or supplement research funds. A student holding a Fellowship may carry a full graduate credit load and usually selects and works on research directed towards their dissertation/thesis. Requirements and restrictions vary based on the award and funding agency. While on fellowship, students are still required to meet the academic requirements of The Graduate School and the Department. Inquire at Personnel and Payroll Services to determine if your assistantship is tax exempt.

Students are usually required to write a research proposal in order to obtain a fellowship. While this may seem like a lot of work, there are several benefits to students and the host lab: 1) Fellowships may provide students with higher salary; 2) Fellowships free up funding that can be used to improve student’s training and provide additional travel opportunities; 3) Obtaining an independent funding increases student’s prestige in all future job and funding applications.

General Financial Aid

Loans and work study opportunities may be available through Financial Aid Services.

Tuition Waivers

Teaching assistantship tuition waivers supplied by the department, cover only tuition costs and not associated university fees. Research Assistantship tuition wavers are covered by the advisor. These may or may not cover associated university fees as well as tuition.

 

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