Biology Department Assistantships

The Biology Department has nine assistantships available at any one time. Often, several of these are taken by second year graduate students, so all nine are not always available to new students.

Recipients of the assistantships receive a tuition waiver and a stipend, and are required to teach three semesters of a lab class. TAs are prepared for this with two graduate courses: Effective Scientific communication (BIO 500) and Effective Teaching (BIO 600).

Research Assistantships are also sometimes available and are usually paid from the grant of the advisor. These assistantships do not require teaching.

Centennial Scholarships

Several of our students have secured Centennial Scholarships in the past. This is an grant given by JMU with the goal of increasing diversity on campus, and does not have to be repaid or accepted on MyMadison. This scholarship is open to Virginia residents from low income backgrounds (as determined by FAFSA).

Student Loans

JMU offers student loans directly, or you can apply for Federal student aid. Information about the various options can be found on the financial aid website.

Work-study

The federal work-study program provides eligible students with opportunities for flexible on-campus employment to supplement their income while studying.

External Fellowships

External funding opportunities will be posted here as they become available.