Shelley Stoehr-McCarthy (MFA '19), J. Philip Smith Outstanding Teacher 2018

Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) in English Composition

Each year the department awards up to two teaching assistantships to new or current full-time graduate students in English. Successful applicants will receive training in the teaching of writing the first semester and conduct a section of freshman composition the second. After having completed the program, assistants in good standing will be eligible to become part of our adjunct staff. Total remuneration, including stipend, is approximately $9,000 for the year of the award. For further information, including qualifications, deadlines, and contact person, consult this year’s Call for Applications:  

2024-2025 GTA - Call for Applications 

R. G. Blood Memorial Scholarship in English

Each year, through the Graduate Dean, the department awards approximately $600 to a promising incoming graduate student in English, with preference given to someone 35 years of age or older. The scholarship was established by the family of Roger Blood, a former student in our program. Students do not apply for the award, but if anyone wishes information about it, she/he is encouraged to speak to the English Graduate Coordinator.

English MA/MS Start-Up and Continuation Faculty Award

For Fall 2021, the English Department faculty will once again sponsor $500 annual awards both for a first-time applicant to the English MA or MS and a current student who has completed or is completing 6 graduate English credits with a minimum 3.3 GPA. Eligibility: (1) Startup Award recipient(s) will be selected by the Graduate Committee from new applicants whose admission is complete by July 31, based on the statement of purpose and record of prior academic achievement in English (writing sample, undergraduate GPA, etc.). (2) Continuation Award recipient(s) will be selected on the basis of graduate record and by submitting to the Graduate Coordinator by July 31 a revised statement of purpose. To apply for a continuation award, send a 300-500 word statement updating the committee on how your career or professional goals, academic interests, and/or research plans have developed based on your coursework thus far in the Master’s degree. (Note: preference may be given to part-time or working graduate students who are unable to access other forms of graduate funding or assistantships.)  

Graduate School Graduate Assistantship (GSGA)

Each year the Graduate School awards 10 assistantships in a competition open to any full-time student who is working towards the Master's Degree or a Sixth-Year diploma. Stipends are typically $16,000, and successful applicants will assist a teacher/mentor in one of her/his classes. Students in the English Department have done quite well in obtaining assistantships, generally winning from one to two a year. For more information, see the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.

Graduate Research Fellowship Competition (GRF)

Each year the Graduate School awards 10 fellowships in a competition open to any full-time student who is working towards the Master's Degree or a Sixth-Year diploma. Stipends are typically $8,000. Students in the English Department have done quite well in obtaining fellowships, generally winning from one to two a year. For more information, see the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.

GSAC Grants for Academic Conferences

Money is available from the Graduate Student Affairs Committee (GSAC) to any graduate student enrolled in a degree program to help defray expenses when going to a scholarly conference. Students can receive up to $300 to attend a conference and up to $850 to deliver a paper. For further information, see the Graduate Student Affairs Committee page at the Southern website. 

University Graduate Assistantships

The English Department regularly receives requests from offices around campus for Graduate Assistants to serve in administrative capacities as research assistants, grant-writing assistants, and more. Average weekly hours are 19-20 hrs / week; full time graduate students also receive a waiver of university fees. If you’re interested in being considered for an external GA position within the university, please contact the English Graduate Coordinator.

Other Scholarships and Sources of Funding

The School of Graduate and Professional Studies maintains a list of all available foundation and need-based scholarships; see here: Financing Your Education.