Financial Support

 

Graduate Assistantships

 

The WKU School Psychology program attempts to provide an assistantship to every graduate student who wants one and most years the department is able to support all of its graduate students. At times, students may obtain a graduate assistantship in other departments on campus. In the psychology department, graduate students who hold assistantships might be involved with faculty research, assisting professors with psychology classes, working in the Educational Computer Lab, or assisting with the Psychological Clinic. The amount of the stipends (paid monthly) may vary, depending on the particular assistantship duties. Most stipends for assistantships are currently $8,000 for the academic year. Assistantships are assigned through the Psychology Department Head. If interested in obtaining an assistantship, applicants should also complete and submit the "Graduate Assistantship Application Form" to the Graduate Studies office, preferably by March 1st.

 

Tuition Waivers

 

A few partial tuition waivers (amounts vary greatly) are currently funded by the Graduate Studies office and given through the graduate programs in the Psychology department. The availability and criteria for awarding the tuition waivers can vary from year to year. Program faculty consider a student's financial need and academic merit when making the awards. No application is necessary.

 

Scholarships

 

Dotson, Cave, & Bilotta: There are three scholarships named for three former psychology faculty members (Dr. Elsie Dotson, Dr. Lourine Cave, & Dr. Joe Bilotta) that are specifically for WKU psychology graduate students (any program). The Dotson and Cave scholarships are awarded to Kentucky residents. There is not a residency requirement for the Bilotta scholarship. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need and strong academic records. The Cave scholarship may be awarded to one student or divided among a very small number of students. Amounts awarded have typically ranged from $1000 to $4000. It is typically awarded to a second-year graduate student. The amount of the Dotson scholarship is approximately $500 and is typically awarded to an incoming (new) graduate student. The Bilotta scholarship is approximately $500-$1000. After being accepted into the program, you will receive an application for these scholarships. Applications are usually due in the spring or early summer.

 

Jesse Keeling: Due to the generosity of Jesse's family and friends, a scholarship is available specifically for a 2nd year school psychology graduate student. Jesse was a school psychology graduate student at WKU who tragically lost her life in a car crash at the end of her first year of study. The amount of the scholarship can vary; in 2011 the amount was $1500. Applications are given to current school psychology students.

 

Also see: Financial Support