Research Advisors - Selection Process

A first-year student with a graduate teaching assistantship (GTA) or graduate research assistantship (GRA) typically takes three courses each semester. Course loads are substantially reduced in subsequent years when the bulk of the student's effort is devoted to research. The University requires that full time graduate students receiving stipends register for nine credit hours per semester. To be considered full time during the summer semester, students must register for a minimum of one credit or one course. Please consult with your advisor for updates regarding rules for support and full-time status, especially during the summer and in the semesters approaching graduation. Once students finish required courses, they may submit the petition to the Graduate School to enter research (https://www.mtu.edu/gradschool/policies-procedures/forms-deadlines/). Students must still maintain full-time status but are eligible for a lower full-time research tuition rate. Students should check with the Graduate School in advance for the most up-to-date requirements.

Graduate teaching assistants are expected to devote 20 hours per week to their teaching assignment. Graduate research assistants are expected to work full-time on their research and studies. Graduate students supported financially by the CEGE department with a full GTA or GRA position may not be on the payroll of other departments. If this procedure is not followed, the graduate student will be billed for the tuition charges incurred.