Financial Support

All students admitted into the BCMB Graduate Program receive financial support in the form of graduate assistantships. An assistantship is a financial award to a graduate student for part-time work in teaching (GTA) or research (GRA).  Students receiving a GTA or GRA are entitled to an annual stipend, health insurance, and a waiver of maintenance fees and tuition. A few fees do remain the responsibility of the student. Incoming students typically receive GTAs.  As students progress through the program, the GTA is typically supplemented or replaced by a GRA.

What type of work is involved when you receive a GTA or GRA?  A typical teaching assignment may involve supervising two laboratory sections per week (2-3 contact hours each) in undergraduate courses such as Cell Biology (BIO140). As part of the assignment you may supervise laboratory sessions, grade quizzes and exams, or hold discussion sessions and office hours for one-on-one tutoring. Other assignments include assistance with more advanced lab, lecture, or graduate courses.  The duties of a student receiving a GRA are determined by the faculty member providing the financial support.

Other sources of financial support include university and non-university fellowships, as well as several federally funded programs.