Note: All financial figures below are approximate and subject to slight increases based upon the new bargaining agreement between FSU and GAU.
MSGIS
MSGIS students are typically self-funded for all or most of the program; department funding is not guaranteed. When departmental resources allow, however, we try to provide some financial support to MSGIS students.
Geography Masters
Full financial support may be available for qualified students. Current funding is $19,650 per year renewable for 2 years, plus a 9-hour tuition waiver (Fall and Spring). Students are liable for FSU fees. Fully funded students may be allowed up to 10 hours per week of outside employment. Funding is conditional on good scholastic standing and available departmental resources. To qualify for funding, students must have an undergraduate degree and a GPA well above 3.0.
Geography PhD
Full financial support is available for qualified students. Funding is $21,000 per year (fall and spring) plus a 9-hour tuition waiver (with a possibility of summer teaching for an additional ~$3,500). To qualify for funding, students must have an undergraduate degree and a GPA well above 3.0. Students are liable for FSU fees. Funding for students with a master’s degree is renewable for 4 years, and 5 years for students without a master’s degree. Funding is conditional on good scholastic standing and available departmental resources.
Tuition Waivers
- Students supported by departmental graduate teaching or research assistantships receive a stipend and a tuition waiver. These assistantships are NOT tax exempt from the IRS.
- Students are required to perform up to 20 hours of work per week for the Department, as well as registering for a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester (Fall & Spring). In return, students receive in-state and/or out-of-state tuition waiver and a stipend of $9,000 for the fall semester and approximately $9,000 for the spring semester. Summer semester funding is available, but is more competitive and pays ~$3,500. Students are still liable for paying University fees.
Reappointment Letters
- Students receive a reappointment letter before each semester of their Teaching Assistantship. This letter outlines the specific assignment for the semester. It also provides financial estimates on stipends, tuition waivers, and additional fees for the student. These letters MUST be signed and returned by appropriate deadlines.