1. History
  2. Graduate Program
  3. Financial Support

Financial Support

Claire Barnewolt outside of historical fort
Claire Barnewolt, inaugural student recipient of the Schilling Fund, during the summer of her thesis research at St. Augustine

Assistantships

Several graduate teaching assistantships (GTA) are available to qualified History graduate students in the Master's program. They pay the student a stipend of approximately $12,500. In return, the GTA works with a professor in an introductory-level undergraduate course. Typically, GTAs grade tests and papers, assist students in understanding course material, and perform other classroom duties. 

Applicants for a GTA should declare their candidacy in the personal statement submitted with their admission applications.  They should describe their qualifications and explain how a GTA will help them fulfill their educational goals.  The Financial Aid Office will assist with various other means of financing graduate study at VCU.

A GTA is eligible to receive four semesters of aid provided he/she is performing at a satisfactory level in his/her own graduate coursework and as a teaching assistant. A GTA does not need to apply for an assistantship each semester. GTAs are selected by the Department’s Graduate Affairs Committee. History students may also find additional opportunities for assistantships in other university programs. Please see the VCU Graduate School for more information.

Travel Funds

Due to the generosity of VCU alumnus F. Robert Schilling, Jr., History graduate students are eligible to apply for annual travel funds for up to $1,000 in order to conduct research or attend a conference. See Scholarships & Awards for more information. Additional funding for travel may also be available from the VCU Graduate School.