Financial Assistant

Teaching Assistantships are provided to most students admitted to the program. The philosophy department typically awards 9 or 10 Teaching Assistantships. Stipends are commensurate with duties. They range from $10,850 to $12,700. (Lubbock's low cost of living allows this stipend to stretch further than one might initially expect.) Teaching Assistantships also include fee waivers that considerably reduce the cost of registration.

The typical duties of a teaching assistant are to grade papers, hold office hours, and sometimes to lead discussion sections. During their second year, teaching assistants may be given full responsibility for teaching a class. The Philosophy Department sometimes provides additional teaching opportunities during the summer for more experienced teaching assistants. Teaching assistants are provided with a computer-equipped office, Xeroxing privileges, and use of a pleasant conference room/lounge. Teaching assistants must register for at least 9 graduate or undergraduate hours each semester that they are under contract.

Teaching assistantships do not automatically accompany admission. However most of our present graduate students have teaching assistantships and our budget has recently increased substantially, so strong applicants have an excellent chance of receiving a teaching assistantship. Students wishing to be considered for a teaching assistantship for the fall semester should apply for admission as soon as possible. For full consideration, students should also submit a completed financial aid application (FAFSA) by mid-January. For forms or further information consult the Financial Aid Office.

Outstanding applicants to the philosophy M.A. program are considered for Texas Tech's prestigious $3,000 Chancellor's Fellowships and for other university awards. In addition, the Philosophy Department offers several scholarships ranging from $200 to $500 annually on a competitive basis to undergraduate and graduate students.