Arrival Information Qualifying Exam About Syracuse Degree Programs Financial Support Practical Info	Almost all students are fully supported by one of more of the following four types of support: Graduate Scholarships, Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships, and University Graduate Fellowships. However, tuition and stipend support are not guaranteed. Graduate Scholarships The College of Arts and Sciences awards scholarships to support graduate study for students with superior qualifications recommended by the physics department. In most cases the award provides full tuition for one academic year. Teaching Assistantships Most students accepted into the department through normal admissions procedures are also offered teaching assistantships. A teaching assistant spends an average of no more than 20 hours per week in teaching laboratory or recitation classes, grading, and preparation. Summer teaching assistantships are also available. Research Assistantships Some graduate students are offered research assistantships. A research assistant is generally paid for research work leading to a master or doctoral dissertation, although a student may also be supported as a research assistant before a formal commitment to a research advisor has been made. Summer research assistantships are also available, and are a good way for students and potential advisors to get to know each other before committing to a formal advisor/student relationship. Research assistantships are obtained through negotiation between the student and the individual research groups. Interested students should contact the research groups for more information. University Fellowships The Graduate School awards stipend and tuition support graduate study for those few students each year who present truly outstanding qualifications and the potential to make significant contributions to their future professions. The department nominates candidates, both new and those enrolled for their last year of study. Candidates are recommended by a faculty advisory group. Fellowships awarded to new graduate students are awarded for more than one year, typically the first and fifth years of graduate study. Updated November 3, 2008 by  Diane Sanderson	If you have a special situation and wish to discuss it with us, please send us e-mail at graduate@phy.syr.edu. For example, some students who have funding from their own country are interested in the possibility of extra years of support from our department. This can usually be arranged. Our goal is to be flexible and to accommodate as many special cases as possible.