Departmental Aid

Unless an applicant indicates a preference not to receive aid, the department automatically considers all applicants for assistance. The number of assistantships is limited; they are allocated to current and entering graduate students by the department's graduate committee and the Chair. Awards are made based upon the strength of one's application and thereafter depend upon academic performance and progress in the program. Priority for Financial Aid will be given to students who apply by February 1. Students receiving departmental assistance are assigned office space in the department or nearby. We offer the following types of support:

• Graduate Assistant - G.A. duties are related to research and/or instruction but do not directly involve teaching a class. Award includes a monthly stipend and a full or partial tuition waiver, with in-state tuition rates for hours not met by the waiver

• Teaching Assistant - A T.A. is specifically responsible for teaching an undergraduate section for the department. Award includes a monthly stipend and a full or partial tuition waiver, with in-state tuition rates for hours not met by the waiver

• Teaching Associate - A Teaching Associate holds a Master's degree (or equivalent) and is hired to teach an independent course or section of a course. Associates are paid a monthly stipend on a per-course basis

• Research Assistant - An R.A. is responsible for research on a funded research project conducted within the department. The award is variable and depends on available funding

In addition, the department's Institute for Public Policy offers employment opportunities to interested, qualified graduate students as interviewers and research analysts.