Graduate Assistantship

Graduate Assistantship In Biotechnology Information And Instructions - Graduate Program in Biotechnology

The Program
Full-time graduate students (those enrolled for at lease nine semester hours of graduate credit) who have been admitted to degree programs are eligible for assistantships. The assistantships are generally awarded on an annual basis, with no guarantee of renewal. The assistantship is regarded as encouragement and/or reward for academic excellence rather than a means to relieve financial need.

International students: Assistantships cannot be used to indicate financial support on WVSU's Foreign Student Finanacial Statement form

Responsibilities
The graduate assistantship is viewed as part of the graduate student's education. The basic premis is that meaningful teaching, research, and college/public service experiences are an essential and integral part of a graduate program. Therefore, graduate assistants will be utilized only for assignments essential for fulfilling the mission of the college in teaching, research, and public service. Typical responsibilities in the Biotechnology graduate program include: teaching (Biology 101, 102, 120, etc. laboratories) and greenhouse or other similar facilities supervision.

Eligibility
Graduate assistantships are awarded to well-qualified students who have been admitted to a graduate degree program. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required for consideration, and higher GPAs are usually necessary for an award to be made. Awards are made without regard to financial status, race, color, national origin, gender, religious creed, etc.,

Application Review
Graduate assistantships are chosen on a competitive basis. Among the criteria are undergraduate and graduate GPA, scores on standardized tests, and professional experience and background relative to the graduate program.

Compensation
Assistantships currently pay a stipend of $7,000 for two semesters, plus a tuition waiver (up to twelve credits per semester) for graduate classes during the year. Graduate assistants are expected to work 20 hours per week helping with teaching, research, or administrative activities under the direction of a faculty member or administrator.

Return letters of interest to:

Biotechnology Graduate Program
101 Hamblin Hall
West Virginia State University
PO Box 1000
Institute, WV 25112
Phone: (304) 766-3102
Fax: (304)  766-4199
Email: biotechnology@wvstateu.edu