Department of Family Social Science

Working Together

Scholarship Opportunities

Financial Support

Graduate students interested in applying for financial support should indicate so on the Family Social Science application form under "Fellowship Desired," "Teaching Assistantship Desired," or "Research Assistantship Desired."

Research and Teaching Assistantships

A half-time research or teaching assistant in 2008-2009 was paid for nine months, plus partial health insurance, if eligible; a quarter-time assistant received half the amount cited. Research and teaching assistantships provide important financial benefits and work experiences for students, but also involve a commitment in terms of time and energy. A 25% assistantship requires 10 hours of work each week, whereas a 50% assistantship requires 20 hours of work each week. The work will vary with the stage in the research process or with the time of the semester in the case of teaching.

Graduate School Fellowship (for entering students)

Faculty may nominate entering doctoral students for a Graduate School Fellowship, depending upon the availability of these fellowships from the Graduate School. In 2008, these fellowships will be $21,000 for the academic year, plus tuition and a portion of health insurance. Fellowship awards are based on GRE scores, potential for research, and supporting experiences that demonstrate excellence and a high potential for success in the graduate program. The Fellowship may not be deferred to another academic year. It is a non-renewable award and taxability is governed by the 1986 Tax Reform Act.

University – Wide Fellowships
Several University-wide fellowship opportunities are available to students; there is additional information in the Graduate School Handbook.

Departmental Fellowship Funds
Several scholarships and tuition awards are available through the department on a competitive basis.