Teaching Assistantships
Applicants may request consideration for a graduate teaching assistant (TA) position in the online application. TAs typically teach COMX 111, Introduction to Public Speaking, and may also have opportunities to assist in COMX 115, Introduction to Interpersonal Communication, or other introductory courses. Classes are capped at 25 students, and TAs usually teach 1 or 2 sections per semester. Occasionally, supplemental teaching opportunities (such as summer courses) may be available.
TA's receive a tuition waiver and an annual stipend, paid monthly. Though the stipend does not cover annual UM fees, TA's pay university fees at the Montana resident, rate regardless of residence status.
TA's in our program receive a significant amount of training and support. New and returning TA's participate in a multi-day orientation prior to the beginning of the Fall Semester. Then, they meet weekly during the academic year with faculty course directors who provide pedagogical training specific to the courses that you will teach. Regardless of whether they went on to become professors or teachers, our alumni report that their TA experience at UM gave them transferable skills (patience, quick thinking, critical thinking, time management, etc.) for all kinds of workplace situations and a real advantage when applying to Ph.D. programs.
Teaching Assistantships are competitive. To have priority consideration for a TA, you should submit your application so that it is received by February 1. TA offers must be accepted by April 15.