Several research assistantships are also awarded each year. Graduate research assistants are supported to participate and contribute in funded research activities under the direction of one or more department faculty members. Research assistants are expected to devote a prescribed amount of time to these projects, normally from 12 to 20 hours per week depending upon the appointment. Individuals who receive these appointments are often, but not always, students who have been in the department for a period of time so that their capability to contribute to funded research projects has been demonstrated. Fellowships are available to graduate students on a limited basis, depending upon industrial and government funding levels.
Students receiving fellowship awards receive full tuition plus a stipend.
No commitments are imposed upon graduate fellows with regard to the nature of project activities. Prospective graduate students who wish to be considered for financial aid should submit the third copy of the Graduate School application and all supporting information directly to the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rogers Hall 204, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331. Financial assistance applications should be submitted by the middle of February preceding the start of the academic year in September. Notification of financial assistance awards is normally given around the middle of March preceding the start of a given academic year. Although financial aid awards usually are made at the times indicated, applications are entertained and awards made for individuals whose graduate work begins other than at the start of the fall quarter.