Overview | Graduate Research Fellowships
The majority of graduate students in the department are supported by Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs). GRAs are usually associated with the various research projects that are administered by our faculty. Most research assistantships are on a part-time basis for 12 months each year. The standard appointment is at 49% time (0.49 full time equivalent or FTE). The department does not offer Graduate Teaching Assistantships.
Applicants should contact individual faculty members directly about the availability of GRA’s. Applicants should identify members of the Graduate Faculty whose research coincides with their own interests and professional goals. Prospective students may first want to explore the Graduate Faculty webpages to obtain some idea of their research interests and experience. Next call or write (e-mail) the appropriate faculty member(s) to inquire about their current research activity and availability of a GRA. Be aware, however, that a faculty member will likely not commit funds to support an applicant until after he/she has examined the applicant's complete file. Furthermore, an offer of an assistantship is contingent upon the applicant being admitted.
Graduate assistantship stipends depend upon the fractional appointment, usually from 0.20 to 0.49 of a full-time equivalent (FTE). Stipends are tied to the base rate established by the university and typically increase 2-3% per year. Fall term 2010 annual stipends at the 0.49 appointment level are $20,827 for MS candidates and $21,662 for PhD candidates. Higher stipends may be negotiated. Salaries at other fractional appointments are proportionally less. Students supported by graduate assistantships at the level of 0.20 or above pay student fees of about $546 per term. Tuition, however, is waived. The specific amount of a graduate assistantship is determined mainly by the major professor. The decision is based on the experience and qualifications of the student and available funds
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ARCO-Swallow Graduate Research Fellowships
The Department of Horticulture offers the ARCO-Swallow Fellowships to recruit outstanding applicants. An ARCO-Swallow Fellowship increases the base research assistant stipend of students by $3,000 per year over the course of the student’s graduate career. Application is open to all students with an offer to enroll in the MS or PhD program or with <1year residency in the program. Applications are submitted jointly by the student and their major advisor. Interested students should talk with their major advisors about the possibility of applying for ACRO-Swallow support.
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