Financial Aid

There are two sources of financial aid: The University and the Department of Public Health (DPH)^**.

The University: A limited number of scholarships and job opportunities that include tuition and fee waivers are available. The University also has information about applying for federal loans. For additional information regarding financial aid or funding opportunities available to graduate students, call 413-577-0555, or visit the UMass Amherst Financial Aid Services website. Graduate student Policies and Forms, as well as information on the Graduate Employee Organization (GEO), are available online.

The Department of Public Health: Graduate assistantship positions (i.e., Teaching Assistantships, Teaching Associateships, Research Assistantships, Project Assistantships, Intern Assistantships, Fellowships and Traineeships) are available in the Department of Public Health. Students in these positions generally work 10-20 hours per week and are paid according to the GEO standard rate, which is about $21.99 per hour. In addition, graduate assistantship positions include a benefit of tuition and fee waivers, including out-of-state tuition and health and childcare benefits. Preference is generally given to full-time students, i.e., those enrolled in 9 credits of coursework. Master’s students who are in their last semester of work and not enrolled in 9 credits; and doctoral students who are working on comprehensive exams but not enrolled in 9 credits, may be viewed as being equivalent to full-time students. Students are generally limited to one RA/TA position, including those in other departments, in order to give everyone a chance to have a position. In general, master’s students will be funded for a maximum of 2 years; doctoral students will be funded for a maximum of 5 years.

Generally, graduate assistantship positions are announced towards the end of each semester for the following semester, although in some cases, new positions are announced during the semester. Positions are openly advertised on the SPPHS website, as well as the websites of the relevant academic program. Once positions are announced, applicants must complete an application form within the specified application period. Decisions on funding are made shortly after the close of the application period. Decisions for funding graduate assistantship positions are typically made by faculty in the respective academic programs. Decisions are based on the completed applications as well as posted requirements (such as SAS experience, course work, etc). Only applications for positions passing the screening are subsequently considered. Written notification will be given to all TA/RAs following the award decisions.

Non-native English speaking students serving as Teaching Assistants must take and pass the English proficiency Test.

Priority for funding Graduate Assistantship Positions within each Academic Program (highest to lowest):

• Projects with continuing Research/Teaching Assistant Positions
• 1st year students promised a graduate assistantship
• Doctoral students
• 2nd year Master’s students
• 1st year Master’s students

^**In addition to graduate assistantships offered through the department, a limited number of fellowships are available through the School of Public Health and Health Sciences and through the Graduate School on a competitive basis.