Financial Support
Graduate study in chemistry is a full time job. Therefore, most students pursuing graduate degrees in chemistry will be fully supported as teaching assistants (TAs), research assistants (RAs), or on University or external fellowships. There is not a separate application for financial aid. All students who apply to the graduate school will be fully considered for financial support. Students are generally eligible for TA support during their first 5 years in the PhD program and during the first 2 years of the MS program, provided they remain in good standing. Additional support beyond these periods as an RA is possible if the research advisor agrees to provide support.
Teaching Assistants: Most first year students will be supported as TAs during their first year in the program. All TAs will receive a stipend, which is currently starts at $21,000/year. In addition, tuition and fees will be waived for TAs. Students will have to pay $30-60/semester in course fees to the College of Arts & Sciences, although we hope to have this fee covered starting in Fall 2008. Thus the total package (stipend plust tuition waiver) for in-state students is approximately $27,000, while the out-of-state package is approximately $38,000. In addition, all students on TA will receive health insurance. TAs will generally be in charge of lab sections in the freshman, organic, or upper level lab courses. TAs are expected to work approximately 20 hours/week. This work load will be distributed between student contact time, office hours, preparation, and grading. Typically students are assigned approximately 10 hours/week of contact time (3 freshman labs or 2 organic labs).
Research Assistants: Senior students are generally supported as RAs by their research advisors. While the research advisor determines the RA salary, RAs generally receive the TA stipend. Like TAs, RAs receive a full tuition and fee waiver. Health insurance will generally be provided to RAs although this coverage will depend on the availability of grant funds for this benefit. RAs are expected to work full time on their research projects and coursework.
Fellowships: The Department of Chemistry and UA offer a number of graduate fellowships. In addition, qualified students are encouraged to apply for external fellowships funded by government and private agencies. Students on fellowships are relieved from teaching duties, and are free to focus on their classes and research. Internal fellowships also may provide higher stipends than the standard RA or TA appointment.
Fellowships available from UA and the Department of Chemistry
- Bridege to Doctorate Program - $30,000/year stipend for two years plus additional funds for travel for students who participated in LSAMP program as undergraduates.
- Dean's Merit Assistanceship - $6,000 in addition to the normal TA or RA stipend, renewable for 3 years
- Graduate Council Fellowship - Receive full assistantship stipend with no teaching responsibilities during the academic year. In addition some exceptional students are offered $20,000 for 9 months plus 3 months of GTA or GRA ($25,525 total).
- Future Faculty Fellowship - Receive full assistantship stipend with no teaching responsibilities during the academic year.
- Alabama Alumni Associate Fellowship -Receive full assistantship stipend with no teaching responsibilities during the academic year.
- In addition to full fellowships, the department offers a number of add-on fellowships that offer up to $2,000 for the first year in addition to the normal stipend.
Health Insurance: All students funded as TAs will receive single health insurance from the university at no cost. More information about this benefit can be found on the Graduate School web site.
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