Assistantships
Teaching and research assistantships are a primary source of financial aid to graduate students. If you wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship in the Department of Marine Science, please complete the financial aid supplemental information for the graduate program in the Application for Admission to Graduate Study. The application for admission, transcripts, GRE scores, statement of objectives, and three letters of reference must be received by the Department's Graduate Advisor no later than December 1. Applications received after that date will be considered for an alternate list only.
Graduate Research Assistants are hired directly by individual faculty members at the Marine Science Institute. The Graduate Adviser will help you identify potential supervisors.
Non-resident students who are employed half-time by the University as teaching and research assistants are eligible to receive a waiver of the non-resident tuition and fees and will pay the same charges as a Texas state resident. They are also eligible to apply for medical and dental insurance coverage.
No graduate student shall be eligible for reappointment as a teaching assistant after having served in that capacity for fourteen long-session academic semesters. The total combined service as a teaching assistant, graduate research assistant, academic assistant, assistant (graduate), and assistant instructor shall not exceed fourteen long-session academic semesters.
Nine hours of tuition will be paid by the University when you hold a teaching assistantship.
Scholarships
Generous donors have provided support for marine science graduate students of exceptional merit:
- Coastal Conservation Association Eugene William (Bill) Schwarzlose, III Graduate Student Endowment
- Robert Ellington Farley & Cyrus Eugene Farley Fellowship
- The Abell Family Fund for Graduate Student Support
- Batterton Family Fund for Graduate Student Support
- Laura Brooks Flawn, M.D. Endowment Fund
- Port Aransas Rod and Reel Club Fund for Graduate Student Support in Fisheries
- Julian C. Barton Regents Endowed Scholarship in Marine Science
- E. J. Lund Founder's Fund
- James Howell Stuckey Endowed Scholarship Fund in Marine Science
- Harry Debutts Page Endowed Fellowship in Marine Science
- Coastal Conservation Association Scholarship
- Allen Jacoby Memorial Scholarship
Students are selected through an annual competition and supported for up to twelve months. Awards are limited to students who reside at the Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas when they use the award. Announcements and applications occur in May.
University Fellowships
The Office of Graduate Studies administers a small number of highly competitive fellowships. The recipients are selected on the basis of merit and academic excellence. These University Fellows receive tuition and fees in addition to their stipend. Awards are offered as soon as an eligible candidate is identified until all the funding has been committed. Obviously, it is urgent that the application file be completed at the earliest possible date.
Fulbright U.S. Student Awards
Deadline: Opens annually 31 March
Contact: Fulbright@austin.utexas.edu
Resources for MSI Graduate Students
Accommodations for Graduate Student with Children
CNS offers 4 types of accommodations for graduate students who start or expand their families during their time in our graduate programs: Academic Accommodation, Teaching Assistant Accommodation, Graduate Research Assistant Accommodation and Parental Leave with the possibility of receiving Parental Assistance Funds. Students are encouraged to talk with their Departmental Contact, Faculty Supervisor and Graduate Adviser to work out a plan that is appropriate for their individual circumstances.
Professional Development and Career Support
The Office of Texas Career Engagement offers support for career advancement and professional development opportunities, such as seminars and individual consultations.
The Office of Career & Life Design
Supported by the Graduate School, the Office of Career and Life Design offers resources and opportunities for graduate students and postdocs, including individualized advising, workshops, and career design classes. Learn more at gradcareer.utexas.edu.
University Writing Center
With the support of the Graduate School, the University Writing Center has valuable resources and opportunities for graduate students, including but not limited to retreats, workshops, and presentations.