• Doctoral students will receive four years of support. The first and fourth (or final) years are funded by the Graduate School, with no teaching or research service required of the student. During the second and third years of fellowship support, students receive a departmental assistantship that requires them to assist in research and teaching.
  
  
• Master of Fine Arts students are jointly supported by the Graduate School and their department for three years.

Distinguished Fellowship recipients beginning study in 2002 will receive a 12-month stipend of $22,000 plus health insurance. In addition, tuition and related fees will be waived within the limits described below. Stipends are reviewed annually and may be increased for future years. Fellows must maintain strong academic performance and make normal progress towards their degrees.

During the fall and spring semesters of the first and final years, fellows must register for at least nine credits. While on a departmental assistantship, the normal registration is six credits. Fellows will have tuition and related fees paid for a maximum of twelve credits during fall and spring semesters and six credits during summer semester. During the summer semester, minimum registration is three credits. These registrations may include directed readings, research, or special projects. Fellows may arrange for a leave of absence during the summer with an appropriate stipend adjustment.


Eligibility

Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree; students who have earned a master's degree are eligible for shorter terms of support. Students must be new to graduate study at MSU and plan to earn a doctoral (Ph.D. or D.M.A.) or M.F.A. degree. Only citizens or permanent residents of the United States are eligible. Applicants may also compete for the Competitive Doctoral Enrichment Fellowships and other MSU-sponsored fellowship programs; awards will be coordinated among the programs.

How to Apply

Students interested in the Distinguished Fellowship Program should obtain an application for admission to Michigan State University from the Office of Admissions and Scholarships, Michigan State University, 250 Administration Building, East Lansing, MI 48824-0590; telephone 517.355.8332. This application for admission serves as an application for most forms of financial support provided by MSU, including the Distinguished Fellowship Program. However, individual graduate programs may have their own application procedures. Students should contact their intended graduate program for more information.

Applicants must submit one copy of official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended and three letters of recommendation. Additionally, scores on standardized tests (such as the Graduate Record Examination [GRE]) may be required by the student's intended major department.

Specific questions regarding the program may be directed to Dr. Judith Stoddart.