Funding Overview

Fellowships range from $24,000 and up, per year, for six years. 

In 2007, all students admitted to doctoral study in English will receive $24,000 per year in Fellowship support, renewable annually for up to six years, and with annual cost-of-living increases.  Additional stipends and scholarships may be available through the SMU Office of Research and Graduate Studies. 

The base package of Fellowship support includes:

• Medical benefits.
• Full tuition waiver.
• $500 moving allowance.
• Office computer.
• One course per semester teaching responsibilities commencing in year two.
• $1,200 per year in professional travel support, usually commencing in year four with successful completion of the Qualifying Exams.
• Two summer seminars at SMU-in-Taos (for first- and second-year Ph.D. students).
• Dissertation year as Research Fellow, with no teaching duties. 
• Possible seventh year as Visiting Assistant Professor of English, after completion of the Ph.D.  This is a competitive appointment. 

Fellowships are available only to students applying for Fall semester admission.  During their first year, Graduate Fellows have no teaching duties and enroll for full time coursework.  Beginning in year two, Teaching Fellows will have responsibility for one section per semester of First Year Writing; Teaching Fellows who have completed the Qualifying Exams may teach literature courses, and they will be given no teaching duties for one year (either year five, or six) as Research Fellows while writing the dissertation.  The Department’s Graduate Committee annually reviews the progress of all doctoral candidates, and a finding of inadequate progress toward the degree may be cause for revoking Fellowship support.  The seventh year of support as Visiting Assistant Professor is contingent on the completion and defense of the Ph.D. dissertation.  These appointments will be competitive.  The Guide to English Graduate Study details the full course of studies and the provisions and processes for advancing to the Ph.D.