Students holding assistantships are expected to perform satisfactorily in their assigned duties and to make good progress in their academic work. Renewal of financial aid is not automatic. Due to the size of our program, we can only guarantee financial aid for 10 semesters for students entering with a Bachelor's degree; those entering with a Master's degree can expect to receive financial aid for 8 semesters. The department, however, will make every attempt to provide some form of funding for qualified students during their tenure.
For continued support beyond the 3rd year, a student entering with a Bachelor's degree must pass the Candidacy Exam by the beginning of his/her 6th semester. A student entering with a Master's degree must pass the Candidacy Exam by the beginning of his/her 4th semester in order to be guaranteed continued support beyond the 2nd year. For a student who does not pass the Candidacy Examination on the first try, there is no guarantee for support for the following academic year. However, a student may make a second and final attempt to pass the Candidacy Examination, and if the attempt is successful, the department will make every effort to secure funding for such a student.