|
Graduate student researcher (GSR) assistantships are awarded by members of the epidemiology faculty to selected doctoral program applicants who have been accepted by Pitt Public Health or current doctoral students desiring funding support. GSR funding is typically provided through research grants obtained by individual faculty members in the Department of Epidemiology. Responsibilities may encompass training related to students’ individual dissertation preparation or may be based upon other projects. All assistantships provide students with invaluable opportunities to collaborate with faculty and colleagues and acquire transferable skills.
Candidates are identified by faculty based upon individual academic background and experience sought, and in some cases, comparable research interests. Those selected for interviews are contacted directly by faculty via phone or email. Most assistantships are awarded by the end of April prior to the beginning of fall term, although intermittent offers may be extended during the summer months. Accepted doctoral program applicants who plan to matriculate in spring term may also be considered for these assistantships, if available.
The GSR program is competitive because of the great demand for assistantships. With this in mind, it is not possible for the Department of Epidemiology to offer assistantships to all who apply, and those not receiving this support should be prepared to provide their own sources of funding.
Program Description
Graduate student researchers in the Department of Epidemiology are doctoral degree candidates who are receiving financial support in return for specified duties while gaining research experience under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Candidates interested in obtaining funding must apply for these assistantships.
Eligibility
Only accepted doctoral program (PhD) applicants or continuing doctoral students may be considered for GSR assistantships in the Department of Epidemiology. Master’s program (MPH or MS) applicants and continuing master’s degree students are not considered for these assistantships. The department will review accepted doctoral program applicants for funding eligibility. However, due to the strong interest in funding and our available financial resources, not all applicants are offered assistantships. Applicants accepting their admission offers and matriculating may receive funding in the future, although this cannot be guaranteed. Those not receiving GSR assistantships when they begin their programs of studies should be prepared to provide their own sources of financial support for the entire length of time required to complete their degrees.
Application submission
Continuing Pitt Public Health students accepted to an epidemiology PhD program who wish to be considered for funding should contact the Student Services Manager and Program Administrator Lori Smith about how to proceed.
Effort and course registration requirements
Full-time GSRs are expected to devote twenty hours per week to the research project they are assisting. GSRs may be required to devote more hours if the research pertains to their thesis or dissertation. Time expenditure of part-time GSRs is proportional to this standard of twenty hours (i.e. half-time GSRs must devote ten hours per week to their research project, and more if the research pertains to their thesis). GSRs must maintain a full-time credit load during fall and spring terms (9-15 credits). Please see the Department of Epidemiology GSR Summer Enrollment Guidelines for summer term registration guidelines.
Appointments
GSR appointments range from one to two terms at a time (fall, spring). Summer term appointments are awarded individually. Appointment renewals are subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding support.
Stipend
The stipend rate GSRs is currently $10,000/term.
Tuition Scholarships
GSRs will receive full tuition scholarships to cover up to 15 credits. Tuition scholarships will be renewed each period subject to satisfactory academic performance and continuing funding availability.
Health Insurance
GSRs will be provided individual coverage under the UPMC Health Plan for graduate students. Family coverage is available at an additional cost to the student.
|
