Northern Illinois University
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Most graduate students in the department receive some form of financial support. If otherwise eligible, students in the M.S. program may receive teaching assistantships for 2.5 academic years after their admission date. For Ph.D. students, eligibility extends five academic years after admission.

Teaching Assistantships

Graduate teaching assistants help tutor and teach laboratory sections and recitations. The teaching load varies by semester but usually involves six to 10 contact hours each week. In the summer, hours are scheduled so teaching assistants can devote most of their time to research.

Teaching assistantships typically span 12 months. Stipends are competitive and awarded based on the applicant’s experience and qualifications. All teaching assistantships include a tuition waiver, though recipients are responsible for university fees. Assistants must maintain good academic standing to retain their appointments. To ensure availability, apply early. Further details can be found on the Graduate School website.

Research Assistantships

Research assistantships typically come from external agency grants held by individual faculty members. Eligible students working with a faculty member who has external funding may apply for a research assistantship through that faculty member. Appointment terms vary according to the faculty member’s needs, Graduate School regulations and any grant conditions set by the funding agency.

Fellowships

Graduate School Fellowships are awarded annually based on departmental nominations and universitywide competitions. For students beginning in the fall, admission applications with supporting fellowship materials should arrive well before Feb. 1 for departmental nomination.

The Graduate School also offers Dissertation Completion Fellowships each year. These competitive grants assist final-year doctoral candidates. A formal application and departmental nomination are required for consideration.

More information about fellowships and awards is available on the Graduate School website.

The Sponsored Programs Administration office helps graduate students seeking external financial assistance. Located in Lowden Hall, it offers information and applications for a variety of outside granting agencies.