It is the policy of the Finance Department to provide teaching, research and fellowship support to a doctoral student, when support is available. In addition to the monetary compensation, a Graduate Teaching Assistantship carries an automatic out-of-state tuition waiver. An in-state student may be eligible for an in-state tuition waiver, if they have
filled out the Family Financial Statement Packet (see the Coordinator for details). While every effort will be made to provide financial assistance, assuming satisfactory performance, it should be recognized that circumstances may require modification in the level of support.

Financial assistance from the Department of Finance requires the performance of services by the graduate student and constitutes employment by the University. Typically, every student in the program is required to teach or serve as a research assistant at some time during the student’s course of study.

It is expected that the student shall work approximately 10 hours per week for a quartertime assistantship, or approximately 20 hours per week for a half-time assistantship or instructorship. Normally at the doctoral level, those receiving stipends are employed one-half time.

If a student has the opportunity to be employed for more than half-time, the student must seek and gain the approval of his or her Program Committee. The Program Committee will evaluate the request and consider giving approval depending upon the perceived impact of the overload on the student’s normal academic progress toward the Ph.D.
degree.

The decision to award financial aid to a doctoral student is made by the Department Head, with the advice and counsel of the Coordinator. A student assigned teaching responsibilities is evaluated on their classroom instruction and must meet minimum expectations.

The Department assumes an obligation, subject to budget constraints, to continue financial support for four (4) years. Poor academic performance, unacceptable performance of assigned duties, or lack of progress toward the degree will result in the termination of financial assistance.

Graduate Teaching Assistant Application

Financial aid is available from sources within the Spears School of Business, the Graduate College, and other programs administered through the University. Applicants should realize that graduate degree programs at OSU require students to devote a considerable amount of time to study and research each week. Because of the heavy time demands of each academic program, students are discouraged from seeking employment unrelated to their studies.

Student Loans

While every effort will be made to provide financial assistance, assuming satisfactory performance, it should be recognized that circumstances may require modification in the level of support. Student loans are administered through the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, 119 Student Union, Oklahoma State University (405.744.6438). Different types of loans are available, including those from private loan funds and government loans such as the National Direct Student Loan and the Guaranteed Student Loan. Students interested in loans should contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid directly.