Graduate Teaching Assistantships

Funding

GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIPS

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) are the primary source of support for graduate study in our Department. The most common type of GTA is the Dean’s Doctoral Assistantship (DDA), which is awarded on a competitive basis to newly admitted PhD students. The DDA provides a generous stipend and is renewable for up to five years so long as satisfactory progress is made toward the degree.

The Department’s First-Year Writing Committee screens applicants by reviewing their academic records, writing sample, letters of recommendation, and GTA application. Promising applicants are then interviewed. PhD students who do not receive a DDA—and, more rarely, exceptional MA students—may be awarded a different type of GTA.

To hold a GTA, a student must be admitted unconditionally into our MA or PhD program (for a DDA, into our PhD program), take the minimum number of hours as specified by the terms of the assistantship in each long semester, and make satisfactory progress toward the degree.

GTAs need to have an MA or a minimum of 18 graduate credit hours in English. In addition, GTAs must enroll in the composition pedagogy courses ENGL 5389 (during the first year) and ENGL 5359 (during the second year). All new GTAs must attend an orientation held in August, shortly before the start of the classes.

GTAs typically teach two courses and take three courses each long semester; occasionally, summer teaching opportunities are available, but summer support is not guaranteed. Initially, GTAs teach first-year writing courses; however, after passing their PhD comprehensive exams, GTAs may have opportunities to teach sophomore-level literature and/or technical writing courses, based upon their coursework and other qualifications and upon departmental needs. They may also, as needed, work as consultants in the Writing Center and the First-Year Writing Program.

A benefits package, including health insurance, is provided. Optional vision and dental insurance are available for a fee. GTAs pay in-state tuition, which is among the lowest in the nation. See the UTA Office of Graduate Studies Website for information about tuition and fees.

The GTA application form may be downloaded here. Applications are accepted and reviewed as they are received, with offers made to qualified candidates until all assistantships are filled. To receive full consideration for an assistantship we recommend submitting your GTA application by April 15th. Assistantships are contingent upon unconditional admission to graduate studies in English, but we will consider your application while admission is pending.

Please direct all inquiries to:

Dr. Justin Lerberg
Director of First-Year Writing
Department of English
Box 19035
The University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, TX 76019-0035
jlerberg@uta.edu
817-272-2488

Note: GTAs in English are restricted to PhD students in our Department. Students in other academic programs at UTA should pursue funding through their own departments.