English graduate students gain valuable experience as teaching assistants (TAs). TAs do not teach in the first semester of employment, during which they participate in a training program to prepare them to teach a freshmen composition course. TA training activities include a workshop at the beginning of the fall semester taught by the director of composition, a seminar on teaching, apprenticeships under direct supervision of the director of composition, in-service mentoring and colleague supervision throughout the term of appointment, as well as supervised experience in special instructional areas (including the Writing Lab).

During the second semester, TAs are given full responsibility for teaching two sections of freshman composition, and afterward teach three sections per year. While most assignments are freshman writing courses, many experienced TAs will have the opportunity to teach in other areas as well, including advanced composition, literature, linguistics, technical writing, basic writing, and in multi-cultural World Civilization and ESL courses. Regular TAs (20 hours per week) are awarded to new and continuing graduate students on a competitive basis.

The stipend for those holding the B.A. degree (or its equivalent) will be approximately $14,449.00 for the 2019-20 academic year and is accompanied by a full tuition waiver including health insurance,  for a total package of $27,339/year. The stipend for those holding the M.A. degree (or its equivalent) will be approximately $15,331.00 for the 2019-2020 academic year and is accompanied by a full tuition waiver including health insurance, for a total package of $28,221.00/year. If you complete your graduate application online, you will have automatically indicated that you seek a Teaching Assistantship. If you have questions about Financial Aid and how to receive it, please visit our Financial Assistance Page. If you have questions, please contact Donna Campbell.