Frequently Asked Questions
- How will I be supported after the first year?
ILS students receive full funding for the first year with no teaching requirements. Once you matriculate into a laboratory, you will become enrolled in the home department of your advisor. Future years of funding may come in the form of either teaching assistantships (TA), research assistantships (RA), or some combination of the two. You will guaranteed continued support at a level at least equal to that which you receive in year one. Tuition is remitted for all ILS students as well as all those who are supported by a TA or RA.
- What degree will I earn?
The ILS is intended to be an entry portal to graduate studies at UGA, it is not a degree program. Once you select an advisor you will become enrolled in the graduate program of your advisor’s home department and you will receive your degree from that department. You will be expected to meet all the doctoral degree requirements for your home department.
- Who will be on my graduate advisory committee?
In most departments, the graduate advisory committee is composed of faculty from both within and outside of the home department. In consultation with your advisor, you will select committee members who can best assist you with your graduate training and research. Committee members need not be participating members of the ILS program.
- Will I be expected to teach?
Development of instructional skills is an important part of your graduate education and training. While there are no teaching requirements for the first year of the ILS program, your home department may have a teaching requirement and your advisor may require you to serve as a teaching assistant at some time during your graduate program. This is a question that should be explored with all potential advisors.
- What happens if I am not selected for the ILS program?
Upon application, you will be asked to identify up to two additional UGA departmental programs in which you might have an interest. Your application will be shared with the graduate selection committee of these departments, and if you are not selected into the ILS program, you will automatically become eligible for admission into one of the other participating departmental programs.