The first and fourth years are funded by The Graduate School, with no teaching or research service required of the student. Master of Fine Arts students are jointly supported by The Graduate School and their department for three years. In addition, tuition and related fees will be waived within some limits. Fellows must maintain strong academic performance and make normal progress toward their degrees. Ten to twenty fellowships are available to allow students to devote full time to writing the dissertation with the goal that the dissertation will be completed during the tenure of the fellowship.
Colleges have the option to renew support for a second semester in special cases.
Other MSU financial support, held simultaneously with the fellowship, cannot exceed a one-quarter time assistantship or the equivalent. Selection of fellowship winners will be made by a student's college. The colleges will set the conditions and application procedures for the Graduate School Dissertation Fellowships and will notify the Graduate School of the winners. The Fellowship awards will be dispensed by the Graduate School. The deadline will be announced by The Graduate School, but is usually during the Fall Semester.