Funding & Assistantships

Pursuing a graduate degree is a significant investment. The BDML program offers competitive funding opportunities for strong students — and unlike many programs, you do not need to ask separately to be considered. Every BDML applicant is automatically reviewed for available Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) lines as part of the standard admissions process.

Automatic Consideration for GTA Positions

You do not need to submit a separate application for GTA funding. All BDML applicants are reviewed for available GTA lines as part of the standard admissions review. If you are offered admission and a GTA position is available, you will be notified as part of your admission package.

GTA availability varies by semester and is not guaranteed — positions are competitive and awarded based on academic record, preparation, and available department need. Strong GPA and relevant background improve your chances. If you are not offered a GTA at admission, positions occasionally become available during the program — staying engaged with faculty and the department is the best way to be considered when openings arise.

Types of Funding

Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)

GTAs support faculty with course delivery — grading, lab sessions, tutoring, office hours, and proctoring. It is a structured way to deepen your understanding of the material while gaining professional teaching experience.

Graduate Research Assistant (GRA)

GRAs work directly with faculty on active research projects — data mining, deep learning, space weather forecasting, neuroimaging, and more. GRA positions are typically more competitive than GTA lines but offer direct research experience that strengthens your resume and can lead to publications.

GRA positions are not part of the standard admissions process — they are arranged directly between students and faculty. The best path to a GRA is to engage early with faculty whose research interests align with yours. Reach out, attend lab meetings if invited, and express genuine interest in specific projects.

What the Funding Covers

When awarded a full-time GTA or GRA appointment, you receive:

• Full tuition waiver for the semester (requires full-time enrollment)
• Monthly stipend as noted above
• Professional experience — teaching or research credentials that strengthen your resume and interview narratives

Note on fees and insurance: Full tuition is waived, but some student fees and health insurance costs may not be included depending on your appointment type. Verify the specifics of your offer with the CS Department Programs Coordinator before accepting.

Maintaining Your Appointment

Funding appointments come with responsibilities. To maintain your GTA or GRA:

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Enroll in the required minimum credit hours each semester
  • GTA: must enroll in 4+ credit hours of CSC 8982 (Lab in CS)
  • GRA: must enroll in 4+ credit hours of CSC 8981 (Research in CS)
• These enrollment hours count toward your full-time status requirement but do not count toward your BDML degree credit hours
• Perform your assigned duties satisfactorily — appointments are renewed semester by semester

GTA/GRA and Outside Employment

Students on GTA or GRA appointments should be aware that taking an outside internship or part-time position during an active appointment requires coordination. Before accepting any outside offer, discuss it with both the BDML Program Director and your direct supervisor. See the Internship page for more details.

Practical Advice

A few things worth knowing that are not always obvious:

• Apply early and engage with faculty before your first semester. Positions are competitive and decisions are often made before the semester begins. Waiting until orientation to ask about funding is too late.
• A strong application is your best funding argument. GPA, relevant coursework, and a clear statement of research or teaching interest all matter when GTA lines are being allocated.
• GRA positions are relationship-driven. Browse faculty research pages, read recent papers from groups that interest you, and reach out with specific and informed questions. A generic “I am interested in working with you” email is far less effective than one that references a specific project or paper.
• Funding is not guaranteed and can change. Department budgets and grant cycles affect availability. Plan your finances conservatively and treat any funding offer as a positive outcome rather than an entitlement.

Key Contacts

BDML Quick Links

• BDML Program Overview — Program mission, value proposition, and contacts
• Already a GSU Undergraduate? — No-repeat rules and direct admit info
• 4+1 Dual Degree: BS-CS → BDML — Accelerated pathway for CS undergrads (Spring 2027)
• 4+1 Dual Degree: BS-DS → BDML — Accelerated pathway for DS undergrads (Fall 2026)
• Capstone Project — DSCI 8930 requirements and expectations
• Data Science Internship — DSCI 8940 timing, requirements, and approval