Research Assistantships are available to graduate students through research grants and contracts held by faculty members in the department. They may pay a somewhat higher rate than the teaching assistantships and are awarded based on availability and the qualifications of the recipients. Most students work as Research Assistants after one or two years as a Teaching Assistant. R.C. Edwards Fellowships and Alumni Fellowships are awarded by the Graduate School. The department nominates candidates who compete with other nominees throughout the university.
Fellowships require no explicit duties.