Research Requirement Students will participate in research projects directed by faculty for at least three semesters before beginning their dissertation. These projects will provide the student with the necessary research experience before beginning the independent research required by the dissertation. There are a limited number of teaching and research assistantships available. Duties of assistants vary according to the needs of the department. Teaching assistants may be responsible for discussion sections of the undergraduate introductory Process of Communication course, or sections of the Public Speaking course, or they may serve as aides to instructors in upper division undergraduate courses.
All teaching is done under faculty supervision.
Research assistants work with faculty on funded research projects. Teaching and research assistants receive a stipend for nine months. Decisions for awarding money are made by the department in mid-April. Eligible graduate students may also receive work-study money. There are also a number of loan programs available.