Doctoral Program Support Policy

Starting Fall 2011, all Ph.D. students in good academic standing will receive an annual stipend of $27,000. In addition to the stipend, the full costs of tuition, fees, and health insurance are covered for the student. The total support package ranges between $37,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on residency status. Primary sources of support are the University of California block grants, training grants from federal agencies such as NIH and NSF, teaching assistantships, graduate fellowships, and faculty research funds.

Campus Fellowships and Awards

Below is a list of common campus fellowships and awards for incoming students in the chemical and biochemical sciences. If the fellowship program awards a lower stipend than the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department support level, then supplemental funding through the department will be provided. Some fellowships may also include on-campus graduate student housing, travel, and supplies.

• Cota Robles Fellowship and the San Diego Fellowships: Provides a stipend, fees, and out-of-state tuition (if applicable). The fellowship application is part of the online UCSD GradApp.
• UCSD Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP): UCSD AGEP is a partner in the system-wide effort to increase the number of underrepresented minority students (African American, Hispanic/Latino, Puerto Rican, Native American and, Native Pacific Islander) who are in science, engineering, and mathematics graduate Ph.D programs and who are interested in careers in the professoriate. UCSD AGEP provides activities and support services for eligible undergraduate and graduate students. Entering eligible doctoral students can apply for summer research opportunities, preferential access to on-campus housing, and first year AGEP Fellowships ($16,000).
• ARCS Scholars: The generosity of local residents with an active interest in promoting the graduate education in science and engineering make this fellowship unique. The Department nominates exceptional students for these awards.

Departmental Fellowships and Awards

The department selects its best and brighest for these merit-based awards. Only the Teddy Traylor Fellowship requires an application from the student.

• Teddy G. Traylor Fellowship in the Chemical Sciences: Prof. Traylor was one of the early members of our faculty. Colleagues and friends recognize his scientific and personal achievements by funding this award for exceptional graduate students who have recently Advanced to Candidacy. Awards vary.
• Teaching Assistant Excellence Award: Over 300 teaching assistants participate in the teaching of our undergraduate curriculum in Chemistry and Biochemistry. Those who show repeated excellence in their efforts receive a cash award and their name on a plaque.

Interdisciplinary Training Grant Programs

Interdisciplinary research and collaboration at UCSD is enhanced through a variety of training grants. These programs provide financial support for exceptional graduate and postdoctoral scholars and also unite researchers from across campus and throughout the research community in special seminars, retreats, and courses. Students are usually placed on training grants in their second year or later.

• Interfaces Graduate Training Program
• Cell, Molecular, and Genetics Training
• Molecular Biophysics Training Grant
• NIH Training Grant: Biochemistry of Growth Regulation and Oncogenesis

Other Fellowships

Students are encouraged to apply for fellowships. These are important career honors to have listed on your resume! The department supplements all fellowships to meet and sometimes to exceed the standard departmental stipend. Application deadlines for competitive fellowships, such as NSF Graduate Fellowships, are often up to a year in advance.

These are some websites for more information about fellowships:

• UCSD Office of Graduate Studies (OGS Application Guidelines)
• UCSD Graduate Funding Blog
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellowship
• National Science Foundation Fellowship
• Fannie and John Hertz Foundation Fellowship
• National Physical Sciences Consortium
• Ford Foundation

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

It is often required to prove eligibility for student aid and graduate fellowships. We strongly suggest, but do not require, that applicants file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The forms for FAFSA are available in financial aid offices at colleges and universities or can be ordered by calling 1-800-433-3243. You can also apply online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov.