The Department of Communication is fortunate to have significant funding opportunities for graduate students. Application for admission and application for financial assistance are two different processes, usually with different deadlines. Do not wait for formal acceptance to the university before researching financial assistance and deadline dates, which often occur early in the academic year.
Students should begin seeking financial assistance early in the application process.
Students are eligible for financial awards from the Department of Communication and from Florida State University. You must make separate application for each kind of award you seek. Domestic students should complete a FAFSA form at fafsa.ed.gov early in the application process.
Florida State University Financial Assistance
Graduate students are encouraged to seek funding at the university level as early as possible in their application process. Please contact the following offices to learn more about funding options at the university level.
Office of Graduate Studies
408 Westcott Building
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1410
(850) 644-3500
www.gradstudies.fsu.edu
Office of Financial Aid
4400A University Center
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1023
(850) 644-5716
www.finaid.fsu.edu
Student Aid and Resource Center
4417A University Center
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2430
(850) 644-4840
Department of Communication Financial Assistance
Assistantships
Students who receive assistantships are given tuition waivers and a monthly stipend.
Teaching Assistantships
Duties: Teaching Assistants provide faculty support for a specific course including grading, leading discussions, and lecturing.
Examples of the types of courses a student might assist with include: Fundamentals of Speech, Public Speaking, Principles of Advertising, Mass Media Law, Communication and the Internet , Elements of Film, Introduction to the Mass Media, Introduction to Public Relations, Media Techniques, and Elements of Broadcasting.
Application Process: None. All students admitted to a graduate program are automatically considered for departmental assistantships. In assigning assistantships, we consider students’ academic performance, language and writing competency, as well as preparedness to assist the department.Research Assistantships
Duties: The Department of Communication has been successful in winning contracts and grants that allow students to work with faculty on research projects. Duties vary.
Application Process: None. All students admitted to a graduate program are automatically considered for departmental assistantships. In assigning assistantships, we consider students’ academic performance, language and writing competency, as well as preparedness to assist the department. These opportunities may be discussed with the department chair.
Need- Based Fellowships
The Department of Communication offers a number of need-based fellowships each year. Students should complete a FAFSA form at fafsa.ed.gov and a need-based fellowships application to apply for a need-based fellowships.
Merit Scholarships
Student Scholarship Application Instructions for Fall, 2007
Instructions: The College of Communication invites applications for student scholarships for 2007. Scholarships are awarded to students who are full-time students and Communication majors at Florida State University. Students must meet the criteria established for each scholarship. Students may apply for multiple scholarships but will receive only one per year. It is university policy that all scholarship recipients must prepare a letter of appreciation to the donor with a copy to the department before any funds are disbursed. The minimum award granted is $500.00.
Please note: Scholarships may cause an adjustment to financial aid award packages. Students are responsible for consulting the Financial Services Office to determine if their awards will be affected by any additional funds.
Applications will be accepted between October 1 and November 1, 2007. Application packages are due in the Department of Communication (University Center Building C, Suite 3100) or must be postmarked by 5:00 pm November 1, 2007. Applications received or postmarked after the deadline will not be considered.
One copy of the application package must be completed and submitted for each scholarship. Students may be required to appear for an interview. Each application package must include:
- A completed student information form (attached application form)
- An official or unofficial copy of the FSU transcript
- A scholarship list indicating the scholarships requested (in attached application form)
- A resume
- Two letters of reference (if required)
- A written statement not exceeding two pages double-spaced outlining program goals and financial need
- A portfolio or video (if required)
Successful applicants will be invited to attend the College of Communication Awards Day in the Spring 2008 semester.
Materials should be sent to:
Scholarship Committee
Attn: Ms. Nakeesha Carter
Department of Communication
University Center Building C, Suite 3100
P.O .Box 3062664
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2664
Bill McGrotha Endowed Scholarship Graduate or undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need |
C W Shipley Endowed Scholarship Graduate or undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need 3.5 GPA or higher required |
Boyle Scholarship Endowment Graduate and undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need |
Joanne & James Lynagh Fellowship Graduate students |
Dan J. St. John Internship Award Supports students who have a 1) an unpaid internship with an advertising agency or public relations firm; 2) achieved junior status or higher; 3) earned a 3.0 GPA or greater; 4) have a major in advertising or public relations |
Jason Holtz Memorial Scholarship Endowment Graduate or undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need |
Patricia Sibley Scholarship Graduate or undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need with an interest in a career in media buying, advertising, or public relations. Applications should include a portfolio of work. A personal interview will be required. |
Laurie H. Hosford Scholarship Graduate or undergraduate students |
Bill & Eloise Mills Scholarship Undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need |
John H. Phipps, Inc. Fund for Excellence Graduate students with high academic performance who demonstrate financial need |
Pablo J. Lopez Memorial Scholarship Graduate or undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need Must demonstrate an interest in Hispanic Marketing Communication |
Fry Hammond Barr Scholarship in Hispanic Marketing Communication Graduate or undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need |
Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Graduate or undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need 3.0 GPA or higher required |
Karl and Madria Bickel Scholarship Graduate or undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need Must have a demonstrated interest in journalism, political communication or writing |