Assistantships, fellowships, awards, and financial aid
The Graduate Program in English awards several sources of financial aid. All students who apply to the program can be considered for these awards.
Assistantships
Assistantships include a stipend and tuition waiver. Active training, mentoring, and other support is provided for all assistants. All students who apply to the program are considered candidates for assistantships unless they decline consideration.
- Graduate assistantships
- Students work 15 hrs per week as writing consultants in the University Writing Center.
- Teaching assistantships
- Students teach two sections of ENG 180 each semester, working closely with the director of the Writing Program. New TAs are required to take ENG 580, the Teaching Assistants’ Practicum.
Assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis. Selections are made by the Graduate Committee, in consultation with the Director of Writing and the Director of the Writing Center. Most openings occur in Fall. However, openings do occur during the Spring semester.
Fellowships and awards
The following scholarships and fellowships are awarded in the Spring semester. Applications for these awards are due April 1.
- Walker fellowship
- Two awards which provide a summer stipend.
- Mahoney research fellowship
- Awards which support travel for research.
- Conger essay award
- Given to the best essay written by a graduate student in each academic year.
Additionally, graduate students are eligible for:
- Certain departmental scholarships offered by English & Journalism (deadline usually two weeks before Spring Break);
- School of Graduate Studies Professional Development Awards (deadlines Sept 15 and Feb 15);
- the College of Arts & Sciences graduate assistantship associated with the WIU-QC writing center.
If you intend to apply, please contact the Graduate Program. We are happy to help you prepare applications for these awards; just ask.
Other financial aid
The WIU Financial Aid office can help you find additional scholarships, grants, and loans.
