The department realizes that graduate study is expensive. If you're
admitted to the program, you can apply for a teaching or research
assistantship to help meet expenses and, if you plan a career in
higher education, to give you valuable experience in the classroom.
Most of our doctoral students and about one third of our master's
degree students are awarded assistantships.
Many T.A.s are responsible for teaching two or three sections of
the Fundamentals of Public Speaking course (COMM 110) required for
all university undergraduates.
Graduate students may also be offered teaching assistantships in
media courses or assist with media-production. Other assistantships
in media-related areas may be available on campus, including sports
information, university relations, agricultural communication, and
student union services.
Graduate assistants receive a stipend and tuition waiver. The
number of assistantships and stipends offered changes from year to
year depending on department resources. Screening of candidates
begins in February. Those wishing to be considered for
assistantships must submit their application by March 1.
For more information on graduate assistantships, contact Dr. Paul E. Nelson.