Ph.D. Program

Fellowship Award Basics

Fellowship awardees are designated as a TA (Teaching Assistant) in the first year. Under normal circumstances, assuming reasonable progress towards the degree and acceptable performance as a TA, awardees are typically supported for subsequent years as TFs (Teaching Fellows). It is anticipated that support will continue through the fifth year of study. Each TA/TF award includes a complete tuition scholarship, plus stipend paid over the nine-month academic year, plus office space equipped with networked computer (shared with one other TA/TF).

Fellowship Availability

All Ph.D. applicants are considered for fellowships.

TA/TF Responsibilities

TAs usually work together with full-time faculty in large lecture classes and conduct recitation sections, problem sessions, and perhaps some tutoring. TFs usually are responsible for teaching one section of a core-level Mathematics course in each semester. These activities require about 15 hours per week, above and beyond your attention to your own coursework. 

TA/TF Scheduling

Generally, TA assignments in the fall semester of the first year are based on incoming students' course schedules. In subsequent semesters, scheduling preferences for the upcoming term are solicited from everyone involved. We try to accommodate everyone as best we can although some compromises are necessary each semester.

Teaching Excellence Awards

Teaching Fellows who achieve the greatest success as a TF will be considered for a Donald White Teaching Excellence Award, a cash prize given to outstanding graduate student teachers at Boston College.

Graduate Teaching Seminars

The department requires Teaching Assistants and Teaching Fellows to participate in a weekly seminar designed to help students develop and refine their classroom skills. A major component of this seminar is the use of case studies.

Appreciation

As a Teaching Assistant or Teaching Fellow in the Mathematics Department, you will receive extensive support from the department in your teaching endeavors. We recognize the tremendous job done by our TA/TFs; year after year they play an essential role in our undergraduate Core curriculum and bring an exciting energy to the fifth floor of Maloney Hall.

You will work in an environment where your contributions are valued by everyone around you, including other students, faculty, and staff. Regardless of your future career, your experience as a TA/TF will contribute to your mathematical, management, and communication skills, and you will enjoy the experience.