The Department of Chemistry supports all graduate students in good academic standing beginning with their first regular semester of study. Students are supported as Graduate Assistants-Teaching (GAT), Graduate Assistants-Research (GAR), or a combination of GAT and GAR.
All first year students are supported as GATs unless the student has made special arrangements to be supported as a GAR. Students must complete two semesters of teaching as part of the Ph.D. requirements
Support for our current students comes from a mix of GAR, GAT, fellowships, and traineeships. How a student is supported past the first year depends upon the funding level of the student's research advisor. Most advanced students have GAR support. Both international and domestic students in good standing are guaranteed support for up to 5 years of study.
Teaching Assistantship
- GATs receive a monthly stipend of $1900.
- A full-time GAT teaches 3 laboratory sections (3 hours each), grades lab reports, or may grade for a lecture instructor.
- A full-time GAT spends approximately 13-18 hours per week performing the duties of a teaching assistant.
Research Assistantship
- GARs receive a minimum monthly stipend of $1900.
- A full-time GAR normally works in the laboratory 45-60 hours per week. This work time will fluctuate according to research demands.
Fellowships & Traineeships
- A number of Departmental, University, National, and private fellowships or traineeships are available.
- Depending upon the conditions of the fellowship or traineeship a student may have less teaching responsibility. All fellowships or traineeships provide tuition support and other benefits analogous to those that GAT or GAR assistants receive.
Tuition
- Tuition and all mandatory fees are paid for all domestic and international Ph.D. students in good standing for up to 5 years of study.
Health Insurance
- As an employee of TAMU, you will be eligible for health insurance.
- The University offers four options for graduate students: a plan specifically for graduate students, a basic Blue Cross/Blue Shield package, a preferred provider cooperative, and a HMO program. Please refer to http://employees.tamu.edu/docs/benefits/insurance/AM_FY09Premiums.pdf for specific premium information.
Life Insurance
- Students are automatically enrolled in basic life insurance at no cost.
- For a small fee, you can receive life insurance for your family as well.
Other Group Insurance (available at modest cost)
- A&M Dental
- Long Term Disability
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment
- Long Term Care
Tax Saver Accounts
- Students are also eligible for Tax Saver Spending Accounts for out-of-pocket health care and dependent care expenses.