Funding Opportunities For Master's Students At Southern Connecticut University

Southern Connecticut State University offers several funding opportunities for master's students in the form of assistantships, scholarships, and grants. The availability and amount of financial aid awarded depend on the student's merit, need, and program of study. The university provides assistantships specifically designed for graduate students, including Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) and Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs). Additionally, the Department of Computer Science and the English Department offer assistantships to graduate students. The university also offers need-based scholarships, grants, and federal loans to eligible students. The average need-based scholarship awarded to first-year students is $9,122, and 82% of first-year students received need-based financial aid. Merit-based scholarships are also available for students with specific talents or academic achievements, with an average award of $4,583.

Graduate assistantships in the English department

The English Department at Southern Connecticut State University offers a variety of graduate assistantships and scholarships for students pursuing a Master's degree in English. Here is some detailed information about these opportunities:

Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) in English Composition:

Each year, the English Department awards up to two teaching assistantships to new or current full-time graduate students in English. Successful applicants receive training in teaching writing during their first semester and conduct a section of freshman composition in their second semester. After completing the program, assistants in good standing may become part of the adjunct staff. The total remuneration, including a stipend, is approximately $9,000 for the year of the award.

R. G. Blood Memorial Scholarship in English:

Annually, the department awards approximately $600 to a promising incoming graduate student in English, preferably aged 35 or older. This scholarship is established by the family of Roger Blood, a former student of the program. While students do not apply for this award directly, they can inquire about it by speaking to the English Graduate Coordinator.

English MA/MS Start-Up and Continuation Faculty Award:

The English Department faculty offers $500 annual awards for two types of students: a first-time applicant to the English MA or MS, and a current student who has completed or is in the process of completing 6 graduate English credits with a minimum 3.3 GPA. The selection is based on the applicant's statement of purpose, writing samples, undergraduate GPA, and other factors.

Graduate School Graduate Assistantship (GSGA):

The Graduate School offers 10 assistantships annually to full-time students pursuing a Master's Degree or a Sixth-Year diploma. Students in the English Department have been successful in obtaining these assistantships, winning up to two per year. The stipends for these positions are typically $16,000.

Graduate Research Fellowship Competition (GRF):

The Graduate School also offers 10 fellowships each year to full-time students working towards a Master's Degree or a Sixth-Year diploma. Students in the English Department have a strong track record of obtaining these fellowships, winning up to two annually. The stipends are typically $8,000.

University Graduate Assistantships:

The English Department often receives requests from various campus offices for Graduate Assistants to serve in administrative roles such as research assistants, grant-writing assistants, and more. These positions typically require 19-20 hours of work per week, and full-time graduate students receive a waiver of university fees.

Other Scholarships and Sources of Funding:

The School of Graduate and Professional Studies provides a comprehensive list of all available foundation and need-based scholarships. Additionally, funding is available for graduate students presenting their creative or scholarly work at academic conferences through GSAC Grants for Academic Conferences.

Graduate assistantships in the Computer Science department

Southern Connecticut State University offers graduate assistantships for students in the Computer Science department. The Department of Computer Science provides several assistantships to graduate students throughout the academic year. To be eligible for admission, candidates are expected to have a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (out of 4.0).

Graduate assistantships are a form of financial support for graduate students, where they work part-time, usually 10 hours per week, in a department or office on campus. In exchange for their work, graduate assistants receive a stipend or salary and may have certain fees waived. The specific responsibilities and qualifications for graduate assistantships can vary depending on the department and the position.

In the Computer Science department at Southern Connecticut State University, graduate assistants may have the opportunity to assist with teaching, research, or other departmental tasks. They may also gain valuable experience in their field of study and make connections with faculty and staff.

To learn more about the specific graduate assistantship opportunities available in the Computer Science department, interested students should contact the department chairperson. The university's website also provides information on fellowship programs and competitions that are specifically designed for graduate students. Additionally, the Computer Science department has rolling admissions, so students can apply at any time.

Graduate assistantships in the Psychology department

Southern Connecticut State University's Psychology department offers graduate assistantships for master's students. The university's master's program in psychology is a research-based program that develops students' creative problem-solving skills for application in research, clinical, industrial, and educational settings.

The program is ideal for students who plan to apply for further studies in psychology or related fields, work in a research setting, pursue a career in psychology or related fields, or are professionals who want to update their credentials in employment settings related to psychology. The program is also suitable for secondary school teachers who want to acquire knowledge and skills for teaching psychology in addition to their current certification.

Students can choose between a thesis track, which includes an empirical master's thesis project, or an exam track, which includes coursework and a comprehensive exam. The program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, and graduate assistantships and research assistantships are available, although they are competitive. While the program does not lead to licensure, some courses are relevant to clinical psychology, and faculty advisement is provided to tailor the program to individual student needs.

The graduate faculty in the Psychology department are active and engaged, with several members recognized for excellence in teaching and research. Graduate students often collaborate with faculty on research or develop their own theses, and research involves both human participants and animal research in laboratory and field settings. The department has well-equipped laboratories for behavioral, physiological, and cognitive/developmental psychology, as well as computer research labs. Off-campus research internships are also supported.

The program also provides clinical and assessment opportunities. Several graduate faculty members are licensed clinical psychologists, and while the program does not lead to licensure, it provides a foundation for later application to a clinical program through coursework and field experiences. Field experiences allow students to explore careers in applied settings and work with professionals from diverse backgrounds. The department is also developing an on-campus assessment center where graduate students can provide psychological assessments under faculty supervision.

Scholarship opportunities for Masters students

Southern Connecticut State University offers various scholarship opportunities for Masters students. The university provides need-based and merit-based scholarships, with the average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students being $9,122, and the average non-need-based scholarship or grant being $4,583.

The SCSU Foundation manages over 300 scholarships available to graduate students, including:

• Gilman Scholarship - For Study Abroad
• CT Community Foundation (renewal students)
• Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
• Network of Executive Women Scholarship
• TMCF Bridging the Dream (for graduate students)
• CONNTAC Inc. Scholarship (includes international and DACA students)
• Teacher Certification
• CT Assoc. of Latinos in Higher Education (includes DACA and undocumented students)
• Manchester Scholarship Foundation
• Human Resource Assoc. of Central CT
• Flagship Scholarship
• The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program (includes international, DACA, and undocumented students)

Additionally, the English Department at Southern Connecticut State University offers several assistantships and scholarships for graduate students. These include:

• Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) in English Composition: Two assistantships are awarded annually to new or current full-time graduate students in English, with a total remuneration of approximately $9,000 for the year.
• R. G. Blood Memorial Scholarship in English: A $600 scholarship awarded annually to a promising incoming graduate student in English, with preference given to those 35 years of age or older.
• English MA/MS Start-Up and Continuation Faculty Award: $500 awards for a first-time applicant to the English MA or MS, and a current student with a minimum 3.3 GPA.
• Graduate School Graduate Assistantship (GSGA): Ten assistantships are awarded annually to full-time students working towards a Master's Degree, with stipends of $16,000.
• Graduate Research Fellowship Competition (GRF): Ten fellowships are awarded annually to full-time students working towards a Master's Degree, with stipends of $8,000.
• GSAC Grants for Academic Conferences: Funding is available to any graduate student enrolled in a degree program to help with expenses when attending a scholarly conference, with up to $300 to attend and up to $850 to deliver a paper.

The university also offers Graduate Assistant positions in various departments, which provide part-time employment and may include stipends, fee waivers, or other benefits. These positions are available in areas such as the Office of Educational Services, Faculty Development, Interdisciplinary Studies, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Computer Science.

Furthermore, Southern Connecticut State University provides tuition waivers for certain categories of students, including veterans, senior citizens, dependent children of police officers or firefighters, and more.

For more information on scholarship opportunities and financial aid at Southern Connecticut State University, students can explore the university's website and contact the relevant departments and organizations.

Tuition fees and waivers for Masters students

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) for the 2024-25 academic year are $13,438 for in-state students and $27,378 for out-of-state students. These figures include both tuition and fees. The total cost, including food, housing, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, is $32,844 for in-state students and $46,120 for out-of-state students.

Scholarships

SCSU offers a range of scholarships for graduate students, including:

• The R. G. Blood Memorial Scholarship in English: a $600 award for a promising incoming graduate student in English, with preference given to those aged 35 or older.
• English MA/MS Start-Up and Continuation Faculty Award: $500 awards for a first-time applicant to the English MA or MS, and a current student who has completed or is completing 6 graduate English credits with a minimum 3.3 GPA.
• Graduate School Graduate Assistantship (GSGA): 10 assistantships are awarded annually, each with a stipend of $16,000.
• Graduate Research Fellowship Competition (GRF): 10 fellowships are awarded annually, each with a stipend of $8,000.
• GSAC Grants for Academic Conferences: grants of up to $300 to attend a conference and up to $850 to deliver a paper.
• SCSU Foundation Scholarships: over 300 scholarships are available to graduate students through the SCSU Foundation.

Assistantships

SCSU offers several assistantship opportunities for graduate students, including:

• Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) in English Composition: two teaching assistantships are awarded annually to new or current full-time graduate students in English, with a total remuneration of approximately $9,000 for the year.
• Computer Science Graduate Assistantships: the Department of Computer Science provides several assistantships to graduate students throughout the academic year.
• University Graduate Assistantships: the English Department regularly advertises graduate assistant positions for administrative roles such as research assistants and grant-writing assistants. Full-time graduate assistants also receive a waiver of university fees.

Fee Waivers

SCSU offers a range of fee waivers for graduate students, including:

• Graduate Assistants Full-Time: full-time graduate assistants are required to pay full-time tuition, but the University Fee, University General Fee (except for the portion attributable to student accident insurance), and the Student Activity Fee are waived.
• Graduate Assistants Part-Time: part-time graduate assistants enrolled for less than nine hours are required to pay appropriate registration and course fees, but 90% of the General University Fee is waived.

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