The University has made it a priority to increase Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) stipends. Beginning fall 2024, a standard GTA stipend paid over nine months for a political science doctoral student is $20,000, and $17,500 for a master’s student. When available the financial support package typically includes a competitive stipend, graduate tuition waiver, and student health insurance. The support package does not cover university and college fees, housing, books, food, travel, and other personal expenses.
The Department of Political Science offers a limited number of multi-year, renewable GTA appointments each year. Students have the opportunity to develop and enhance teaching skills under the guidance of a tenured political science faculty member. A political science GTA will assist in classroom management, provide instructional support, and lead discussion sections for P SC 1113 American Federal Government, a multi-section course required for undergraduate students. The standard GTA employment is .50 FTE*, which is equivalent to 20 hours per week.
All prospective applicants interested in a graduate assistantship should indicate their interest on the admissions application. A separate application is not required. Nearly everyone who is accepted to the doctoral or master’s degree in political science is eligible for funding, but funding depends on how many open positions we have, and the quality of the applicant as determined by the Graduate Studies Committee.
* GTA employment is generally measured as a proportion of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) or 1.00 FTE status.
