The UNC Charlotte Graduate School is continuing support for assistantships aimed at attracting military veterans to its extensive list of master’s and doctoral degree programs. Since 2015, the Graduate School has offered up to three graduate assistantships each year designated exclusively for veteran students.
Each two-year assistantship is now valued at approximately $38,000 to $50,000 and includes full in-state tuition, health insurance and an assistantship stipend. Master’s degree students receive an annual stipend of $12,000, while doctoral students receive $18,000 annually. Applications are now being accepted for veterans planning to begin graduate studies in fall 2018.
Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School Tom Reynolds, a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, said he is gratified by the success of the program to date.
“So far, eight outstanding veterans have benefitted from this program, and that makes me quite proud,” Reynolds noted. “As a Navy veteran, of course, I’d like to see more applicants from that branch, but I must acknowledge that the Army and Air Force have been well represented.”
He also is pleased with the broad spectrum of programs chosen by the award recipients. “We’ve supported master’s degree students through programs in mechanical engineering, mathematical finance, health administration, counseling and social work, as well as doctoral students in health psychology. Without exception, these fine veterans have demonstrated tremendous capacity for academic achievement. Several have already launched their civilian careers, and it’s no surprise they’re doing well there as well. The combination of military skills and experience plus a respected graduate degree is a powerful one.”
Reynolds pointed out that UNC Charlotte began in 1946 as the Charlotte Center to serve the higher education needs of returning World War II veterans. “This is our heritage and a big part of who we are,” Reynolds said.
The assistantships are open to military veterans from any branch of service with an honorable discharge admitted to any UNC Charlotte master’s or doctoral degree program. UNC Charlotte offers nearly 100 graduate degree programs, including 23 doctoral programs. (See the listing of programs online).
The assistantships may involve either teaching responsibilities or assisting faculty with research projects. The award obligates the recipient to perform these duties up to 20 hours per week, and recipients may not be otherwise employed on or off campus. Recipients must enroll in at least six credit hours (typically two classes) each term.
Candidates must first apply and be accepted into a UNC Charlotte graduate degree program, then be nominated by the program director. The nomination deadline for the fall 2018 term is March 16. Details on the graduate application process are on the Web.