Financial Support for PhD Students
Financial support is awarded competitively based on academic achievement, research potential, faculty recommendations, program needs, and the availability of funding.
Admission to the PhD program does not guarantee financial support.
Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)
The School of Cybersecurity periodically offers Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) to qualified doctoral students.
GTA appointments typically provide:
- Tuition support
- Competitive stipend
- Professional development opportunities
- Teaching and mentoring experience
Graduate Teaching Assistants may assist faculty with:
- Laboratory instruction
- Course support activities
- Grading and assessment
- Student mentoring
- Educational technology support
- Other instructional responsibilities
For the inaugural cohort, the School of Cybersecurity currently has five funded GTA positions available.
Applicants seeking GTA support are evaluated based on:
- Academic qualifications
- Research potential
- Communication skills
- English language proficiency
- Prior teaching, tutoring, mentoring, or instructional experience
- Overall suitability for classroom and laboratory support responsibilities
International students may be required to complete university-mandated English proficiency assessments before beginning instructional duties.
In accordance with program requirements, all doctoral students are required to complete the Graduate Teaching Assistant Instructors’ Institute (GTAI), which provides training in effective teaching practices, instructional procedures, and classroom responsibilities.
Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)
Faculty members may support doctoral students through externally funded research grants.
Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) provide students with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge cybersecurity research while receiving financial support.
Research Assistantship opportunities are generally based on:
- Alignment between student interests and funded projects
- Faculty funding availability
- Research experience
- Academic preparation
Students interested in research assistantships are encouraged to review faculty research profiles and discuss research opportunities with potential advisors.
Faculty-Supported Students
Applicants who have secured financial support through a faculty member’s externally funded research project must still satisfy all admission requirements and receive approval through the standard admissions process.
Faculty funding support does not guarantee admission to the PhD program.
Fellowships, Scholarships, and Travel Support
Students may also be eligible for:
- University fellowships
- Graduate scholarships
- Research awards
- Conference travel grants
- Professional development awards
- External fellowships from government agencies, industry partners, and private foundations
Availability varies by academic year and funding source.
Funding Allocation Process
Admission and funding decisions are separate processes.
Following admission recommendations, applicants may be evaluated for available funding opportunities based on:
- Overall admissions ranking
- Research potential
- Faculty recommendations
- Alignment with funded research projects
- Availability of faculty support
- Programmatic teaching needs
Because funding resources are limited, not all admitted students will receive financial support.
Funding Priorities
When funding opportunities are limited, priority is generally given to applicants who demonstrate:
- Strong academic preparation
- Exceptional research potential
- Publications or research accomplishments
- Relevant cybersecurity expertise
- Alignment with faculty research areas
- Potential contributions to teaching and research missions
Applicants seeking assistantship support are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible, particularly for Fall admission when most funding opportunities are available.