Guidelines for Assistantships and Fellowships
General Guidelines for Graduate Assistantships
Assistantships will be awarded on the basis of academic performance and competency. An evaluation by the Graduate Supervisor and the Geography Chairperson is required prior to the decision on continued financial assistance.
Aid in the form of an assistantship is available for up to two years for Master's students and three years for Ph.D. students, at the discretion of the department. A renewal decision is made each year, and all assistantships are dependent upon available funds.
Teaching assistantships funded through the department shall be awarded by the Chairperson. Recommendations for these awards are made by the Graduate Supervisor.
Research assistantships funded through the department shall be awarded by the Chairperson. Recommendations for these awards are made by the faculty member(s) responsible for the research.
MSU Distinguished Fellowship Program
Each year Michigan State awards several Distinguished Fellowships to exceptionally strong PhD applicants across campus. This award carries with it four years of tuition waiver, two years (first and fourth) of fellowship, and two years of assistantship.
Typically, the Department nominates one applicant for this award annually. To be eligible, applicants should have at least two of the following:
- Graduate GPA > 3.8 on a 4.0 scale
- Combined GRE scores for all three tests > 1950, and
- More than one award, honor or distinction during their academic career.
If you feel that you may be competitive for this award, we urge you to file your application no later than January 5.
Additional Information
For more information, please contact Ms. Sharon Ruggles or refer to the MSU Graduate School.