Graduate Funding Opportunities
Learn about opportunities for Graduate students at the School of Communication.
At the School of Communication, we understand that you have concerns regarding the financial obligations of graduate studies. We recommend that you take a proactive approach to planning ahead. We encourage you to review the information at the links below regarding estimated tuition, living expenses, and other school-related expenses. A range of resources are available to help you successfully manage your financial responsibilities, including the following opportunities.
School of Communication Financial Award Opportunities
Most programs have a very limited number of graduate assistantships available. When you apply for admission to a graduate degree program in the School of Communication by the priority deadline (Feb 1st), you are given top consideration for SoC funding opportunities. All applicants, including those who live in the United States, as well as international applicants, are eligible for these awards. This funding typically is typically awarded to those who submit an exceptionally strong application and have exhibited a demonstrated ability to contribute to their field.
Even if the priority deadline of Feb 1st has passed, you may still be considered and are welcome to apply.
A separate application for SoC financial awards is required and includes a short essay (no more than 1 page) that responds to a series of prompts provided in the portal. In lieu of a written statement, applicants are welcome to submit your response to the prompts in a form of media (no longer than 2 minutes), such as an audio or video statement, creative work, or multi-media project (any format)
The application for School of Communication financial awards, such as graduate assistantships and partial tuition waivers, should be submitted to the Graduate School Application portal.
Tuition Waivers
The maximum value of our full tuition waiver awards is as follows:
| Type of Student | Credits required per semester |
|---|---|
| Masters Degree Student | Up to 9 credits per semester |
| Doctoral/M.F.A. Student | Up to 12 credits per semester |
| Type of Student | Credits required per semester |
|---|---|
| Masters Degree Student | Up to 9 credits per semester |
| Doctoral/M.F.A. Student | Up to 12 credits per semester |
Stipends
The monthly stipends vary depending on the program. For more information, you may contact individual Graduate Program Directors.
SoC STEAM Award
This award is intended address the shortage of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) teachers in South Florida, which may disproportionately impact certain students and prevent them from accessing specific types of educational opportunities that offer high financial returns.
The Department of Interactive Media provides an annual award to a student who commits to remaining in South Florida and teaching in a community college or in the public school system for a minimum of three years after graduation.
The Department’s Graduate Admissions Committee reviews applications on the basis of the applicant’s potential to contribute to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education and capacity to commit three years to teaching upon completion of the M.F.A.
Applicants are asked to submit a resume as well as a brief statement (no more than one page) that addresses how their background prepares them for an educational career in the field of Interactive Media and how their experience equips them to foster students’ curiosity and technological innovation. In lieu of a written statement, in answering the above prompt, applicants are welcome to submit a form of media (no longer than 2 minutes), such as an audio or video statement, creative work, or multi-media project. For more info on the SoC STEAM Award, contact l.grace@miami.edu. Applicants interested in being considered for a STEAM Award should submit their application in the Graduate School Application portal
Center for Communication, Culture, and Change Fellowships
The School of Communication provides special funding to support projects that focus on global aspects of communication. The Center for Communication, Culture, and Change Fellowships provide qualified Ph.D. or M.F.A. students with a primary focus on global, transnational, cross-cultural or diasporic aspects of communication research or creative work with specified release time for one semester, as well as an additional $2,500 stipend to use for research, creative work, to attend international conferences or for other activities related to their project. This award is for current students only. Details on the deadline and application process are made available each fall.