Materials Science Graduate Program

Q: Who is the Graduate Program Director (GPD)?

A: Professor T.A. Venkatesh. He is in room 306.

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Q: Who is the Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC)?

A: TBD.

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Q: How do I contact Prof. XYZ?

A: Check the email lists.

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Q: How do I pick my defense committee?

A. Click hereto view the graduate school's requirements.

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Q: Do I have to go to the seminars/colloquia?

A: Yes!!!!!!

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Q: Do graduate students have to TA classes?

A: Yes, as part of your academic obligations, all PhD students must be teaching assistants for their first five semesters.

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Q: Do I get paid a stipend?

A: Yes. Your first year you are paid a stipend by the department which means you are issued a state check every other Wednesday. Before the end of first year you must find an advisor who will support you for the remainder of your academic career. These checks are issued through the Research Foundation every other Friday.

Master students are not supported by the department but are sometimes supported by a faculty member.

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Q: How do I pick an advisor?

A: Talk to each of the faculty members and their graduate students.

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Q: Are my tuition costs covered?

A: Yes, as long as you are a PhD student and registered as full-time. For G3 PhD students this means 12 credits. For G4 and G5 PhD students this means 9 credits.

Master's students are not supported by the department but are sometimes supported by a faculty member. In this case a portion of your tuition will be covered.

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Q: Do I have to have health insurance?

A: Yes. You can enroll in a health insurance plan at a discounted rate through either the State or the Research Foundation, depending on how you are being paid.

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Q: Are graduate students reimbursed for conference travel?

A: Yes. Graduate students are reimbursed for conference travel, a maximum of $500 per calendar year. for more details click here.