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Teaching Assistantship (TA)

A limited number of competitive Teaching Assistantships are available for full-time students. TAs typically teach laboratory classes in earth science, geology, geographic information systems (GIS), quantitative methods, and archaeology. Teaching Assistantships are awarded based on departmental need and the applicant’s qualifications. TAs receive:
  • A stipend
  • Out-of-state tuition waiver
  • Additional tuition assistance (when available)
  • Access to affordable health insurance options
For current stipend, tuition, and health insurance information, please contact the department.
Expectations for Teaching Assistants:

Attend an initial graduate TA meeting about one week before the start of the semester (Fall and Spring)

  • Enroll full-time (9 semester credit hours) each semester while serving as a TA

  • Reduced course load may be possible when enrolled in thesis hours, in consultation with the major professor

  • Support is generally provided for four long semesters, assuming satisfactory performance in teaching (evaluated via teaching evaluations) and coursework (minimum grade of B in each class)

Research Assistantship (RA)

Research Assistantships are often available through faculty research grants and are dependent on faculty needs and student expertise. The duration of an RA position varies according to the research grant.

Additional opportunities include:

  • Internships through private industry or local governments, organized via the department’s internship coordinator

  • Part-time employment in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, one of the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in the country, which may be available to students who do not secure an assistantship or prefer part-time enrollment