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Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology Funding

Graduate Student Support and Funding

CRM J graduate students are funded by teaching or research assistantships. The majority of internal department funding is typically reserved for Ph.D. students, which are eligible for three to four years of teaching assistantship support. Additionally, Ph.D. and M.A. students may be eligible for a research assistantship with a faculty member depending on the faculty needs.

Ph.D. Students

Departmental Funding: Students funded by the department with a Teaching Assistantships (TA) or Research Assistantships (RA) receive a specified stipend each month (for nine months), health insurance benefits, and an in-state tuition waiver (for WA state residents). Out-of-state tuition is waived the first year until the student establishes residency.

Teaching Assistantships: Teaching Assistants are obligated to provide 20 hours of instruction-based service per week. The awarding of teaching assistantships is a very competitive process. There are two types of TAs: support and independent section TAs. Support TA positions assist a faculty member teaching a large course, usually with over 80 students. Independent section TAs teach their own class. All TAs should strive for the highest quality of instructional pedagogy and delivery of services to students. All grading and other responsibilities should be fulfilled thoughtfully and in a timely manner.

Graders: When funds allow DCJC hires a number of Ph.D. students who assist instructors with undergraduate course grading. Graders are assigned to support individual courses and are paid a set amount for a set number of hours. These positions are compensated at an hourly wage and do not include benefits or a tuition waiver. If Ph.D. students already have a graduate assistantship, they can only work up to 5 hours in addition to the 20 hours a week from their priority assistantship.

Research Assistantships: Research assistantships are funded from external grants and contracts obtained by individual faculty members. RAs are employed and selected at the discretion of the faculty Principal Investigator (PI) on the grant or contract. RAs are expected to work 20 hours a week on research under the direction of a faculty member. Generally, announcements will be made to all students when a RA position becomes available.

Residency: To qualify for resident tuition, state law requires you be a state resident for 12 months. If you are a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident and have come to WSU from out of state, establish residency in order to avoid paying out-of-state tuition. To establish residency, get your Washington State Driver’s license within 30 days of arrival; register your car; register to vote; establish a bank account; and live in- state for one year. Additional residency information is here.

Procedures for Application

Current Students: Submit application for departmental teaching assistantships by late January for the following academic year to the Graduate Coordinator.

Prospective Students: If you are applying to our Ph.D. program and submit your application materials by the priority application (January 10th) deadline established for fall semester, you will be considered for an assistantship in conjunction with being considered for admission.

M.A. Students

Internal department funding is typically reserved for Ph.D. students. Various university offices hire Graduate Assistantship positions, such as the Women’s Resource Center, Center of Community Standards, Health & Wellness Services, Multicultural Student Centers, Center for Civic Engagement, Admissions Office, Office of Financial Aid, etc. See handout here with additional information.  To inquire about any positions, you will need to reach out to these offices directly. Some offices may require a cover letter and a resume.

Graders: When funds allow DCJC hires a number of M.A. students who assist instructors with undergraduate course grading. Graders are assigned to support individual courses and are paid a set amount for a set number of hours. These positions are compensated at an hourly wage and do not include benefits or a tuition waiver. If M.A. students already have a graduate assistantship, they can only work up to 5 hours in addition to the 20 hours a week from their priority assistantship.

Procedures for Student Travel Funding

Due to limited funds available for graduate student conference travel, every academic year the department will only support a certain number of students. Please check at the beginning of academic year with the Graduate Director or Graduate Program Coordinator for the specific number. The award will provide for a reimbursement for travel costs (i.e. airfare, food, and lodging). Please note, future years may adjust travel amount based on funds available. See handout here for application criteria and deadlines