• An opportunity to work on cutting-edge computing projects, with experienced research faculty.

• A fun way to add value to your graduate experience.

A limited number of Assistantships are available for students in the MSACS program. Four levels of support are possible, depending on the merits of the project and student effort. Generally, only the GA-1 will be awarded to students in their first semester. The application process starts with the online application form. Applications will be evaluated by the MSACS program director, in conjunction with the faculty member to serve as research director.

• GA-1: The GA-1 is for students who would like to enrich their graduate educational experience, concurrent with work and family commitments. The GA-1 projects might be readings/applied project work that can be assigned at the beginning of the term, and will require minimal supervision and guidance from a faculty member. The GA-1 will require approximately 7 hours of work per week. Students are paid a stipend based on the hours worked per week, to total approximately $1000 per term.
• GA-2: The GA-2 is for more substantial projects, and for projects that are maturing, and may include research aspects. The GA-2 projects will vary greatly, depending on faculty research directions, and are likely to require independent student learning. The GA-2 will require approximately 13 hours of work per week, and may receive up to 1 credit hour per term for the project. Students are paid a stipend based on the hours worked per week, to total approximately $2000 per term.
• GRA: The GRA (Graduate Research Assistant) is a step beyond the GA-2, and is for substantial and maturing research projects. The GRA projects will vary greatly, depending on faculty research directions, and will require independent student learning. The GRA will require approximately 13 hours of work per week, and wil receive from 1 to 3 credit hours per term for the project. Students are expected to participate in giving presentations and preparing publications from the research. Students are paid a fixed stiped of approximately $2000 per term, and receive a partial tuition waiver of about $900 per term.
• Funded-GRA: The Funded-GRA availability is contingent upon research funding brought in by faculty through grants, and is for substantial research projects. The Funded-GRA projects will vary greatly, depending on faculty research directions, and will require independent student learning, and publications. The Funded-GRA will require approximately 20 hours of work per week, and wil receive from 1 to 3 credit hours per term for the project. Students receive a combination of stipends, tuition waivers, and paid tuition to cover the entire $5000 per semester cost of the program. Full-GRAs will be required to participate in research publications and presentations. Funded-GRAs will be fully-committed to graduate studies and research, excluding outside employment.

Students are encouraged to speak with a MSACS graduate faculty about their research projects, and ask for a letter of support to be directed to the admissions committee, with a faculty member commitment to utilize the student in their research.

Continued GRA funding on a semester-to-semester basis, is contingent upon satisfactory work toward the sponsoring faculty's research project and maintenance of a 3.0 GPA.