Funding

Teaching Assistants (TA)

For the M.A. degree, financial assistance may be given for a maximum of two academic years (or 4 semesters). For the combined M.A. and Ph.D., assistance may be given for a maximum of five academic years (or 10 semesters). Teaching Assistantships (TA) are awarded to both M.A. and Ph.D. students. Entry-level M.A. assistantships currently pay $15,450 for half-time employment for the academic year (September through May). Half-time graduate student employees receive the same health insurance as faculty and staff for the academic year and summer at no cost to the student. Spouses and families do cost extra and premiums are deducted from the student's salary. Teaching assistants normally help professors who are lecturing to large enrollment classes, such as persuasion, argumentation, nonverbal communication, organizational communication, and interpersonal communication. 

Take a look at the other benefits associated with being a TA on the University's student employment site.

Note: The salaries and fellowship amounts cited in this section are for Fall 2022, and are subject to change. We include this information only to give you a rough estimate of potential income.

Assistant Instructors (AI)

Assistant Instructors (AI) are awarded to persons who have a Master's degree and teach classes unassisted. Assistant instructorships currently pay $20,600 for half-time employment for the academic year (September through May). Half-time graduate student employees receive the same health insurance as faculty and staff for the academic year and summer at no cost to the student. Spouses and families can be covered at an additional cost and is deducted from the student's salary. Students may add visual and dental insurance at an additional cost. Normally, assistant instructors are asked to teach two introductory level undergraduate courses each semester, in areas such as professional communication skills, Speechmaking and Society, team based communication, organizational communication, and interviewing. 

Take a look at the other benefits associated with being an AI on the University's student employment site.

Note: The salaries and fellowship amounts cited in this section are for Fall 2022, and are subject to change. We include this information to give you a rough estimate of potential income.