We believe that a humanities-based graduate education at ASU is a meaningful and worthwhile investment in your intellectual, professional, and personal future. We offer financial packages, such as teaching assistantships and other awards, to doctoral (PhD) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) students on a competitive basis.
For tuition and fees, please review the in-person rates and ASU Online rates. For a breakdown estimate of prices including supplies and housing, please visit Standard Cost of Attendance. You may also use the Tuition Estimator.
Ways to fund your Graduate Education
- Department of English Scholarships and Awards
- ASU Financial Assistance.
- Graduate College
- Financial Aid and Scholarship Services for International Students
- Careers at ASU
- ASU's career platform: ASU Handshake
- Teaching assistantship (information below)
- Gradership (information below)
FAQs
- Are teaching assistantships guaranteed with admission?
No. Teaching assistantships (TAs) are awarded on a competitive basis and are not guaranteed. - Who is eligible for a teaching assistantship?
Priority is given to PhD and MFA students in English. MA and MTESOL students are not funded. - What is the teaching load?
TAs teach three courses per year on a 2–1 load (two courses in fall, one in spring). First-year TAs teach one course in fall and two in spring (1–2 load). - What is the application deadline?
January 1. TA materials are submitted as part of the graduate application. - What application materials are required?
PhD applicants: Statement of teaching philosophy
MFA applicants: Academic writing sample (10–15 pages) and statement of teaching philosophy (submitted as a single PDF) - What is the Statement of Teaching Philosophy?
ASU aims to serve a student body that matches Arizona's socioeconomic diversity with undifferentiated outcomes for success. In the statement of teaching philosophy, applicants should outline instructional experiences that have prepared them to serve our socioeconomically diverse student body in the context of first-year writing instruction. If candidates do not have teaching experience, they should explain how they will prepare for a prospective teaching appointment in ASU Writing Programs. Regardless of one's experiences, candidates should make a concerted effort to explain how their teaching principles connect to specific teaching practices. The statement of teaching philosophy should be between 500-750 words. - Are international students eligible?
Yes, but non-native English speakers must meet required speaking proficiency scores (TSE/SPEAK, TOEFL iBT, or IELTS). This requirement cannot be waived. - What funding is provided?
The $24,586 annual stipend includes a tuition award and health insurance. - What training is required?
New TAs must attend a mandatory summer orientation and enroll in two training courses, one in fall and one in spring. - What will I teach?
During the first year, TAs teach exclusively in the Writing Programs. Additional undergraduate teaching opportunities may be available in later years based on enrollment, expertise, and seniority. - Can TAs teach online or in the summer?
Yes. Hybrid, online, and summer teaching opportunities are available by application after required training and certification. - Who should I contact with questions?
Questions about teaching assignments should be directed to Writing Programs at [email protected]; program-specific questions should be directed to the Department of English Graduate Studies Office at [email protected].
- What is a gradership position?
A gradership is a paid, part-time student worker position that allows graduate students to work closely with Department of English faculty by grading course assignments while gaining professional experience and income alongside their graduate studies. - Who is eligible to apply?
A limited number of graderships are available to enrolled graduate students in Department of English graduate programs. Positions are competitive and subject to departmental need. - What are the responsibilities of a grader?
Graders evaluate assignments such as quizzes, exams, and writing projects according to instructor guidelines and rubrics. This may include grade norming and regular communication with the instructor of record to ensure consistent evaluation standards. - Is this a teaching position?
No. Graders do not provide instruction, hold conferences with students, or determine final grades. Questions about improving work or grade disputes are handled by the instructor of record. - What training is required?
Graders must complete a required, self-paced online orientation. Time spent completing training is paid. - How many hours do graders work?
Graders may be assigned 10, 15, or up to 20 hours per week, depending on the course. Work hours may vary week to week, with a firm maximum of 20 hours per week per session. - What is the pay and are benefits included?
Graders earn $15.12 per hour. This is a student worker position and does not include tuition waivers, health insurance, or additional benefits. Graders may not hold another ASU student worker position concurrently. - How do I apply?
Applications involve two steps:- Submit a Gradership Interest Form
- Fall semester deadline: June 15
- Spring semester deadline: October 15
- Submit the ASU student worker application (Job ID JR115175) via ASU Student Employment.
- Submit a Gradership Interest Form
- When will applicants be notified?
Applicants are typically notified 2–4 weeks after the deadline. Additional Graderships may be awarded on a rolling basis, and some students may be hired for a single semester only.