Graduate Student Resources

Curriculum & Professional Development

GG Scholars engage in 12-credit coursework that takes two semesters to complete (6 credits per semester). This academic load provides ample opportunities for scholars to interact with their cohort over the course of the school year, but also leaves time to pursue other academic and scientific interests by taking additional classes and rotating in research laboratories across campus (three rotations are common for students entering the program undecided on their advisor). These activities help students build their collaborative capacity, while focusing their research interests and assisting them with selecting a faculty mentor as their primary PhD thesis advisor. Currently, over 150 NC State faculty from 27 different departments across the university are affiliated with the GG Scholars program, providing diverse training opportunities. Learn more about the GGS one-year curriculum.

The GG Scholars will also have access to graduate student resources that aid in their professional development from scientific communication in the field of Genetics & Genomics, to how to build an online presence, to how to give an effective talk to a wide audience. Learn more about the GGS professional development resources.

Funding

The GG Scholars program will award at least 15 graduate students with competitive one-year fellowships. These fellowships will include a stipend starting at $28,000 and full coverage of tuition and health insurance through the Graduate Student Support Plan (GSSP). Financial support of the GG Scholars after their year in the umbrella program will be provided by the graduate program and/or the laboratory the student selects for their PhD work. Typically, our PhD students are supported by research and teaching assistantships (RAs or TAs), or by training grants. When supported on a qualifying assistantship or fellowship, students will continue to receive coverage of tuition and health insurance through the GSSP for a limited number of semesters.

Please look below for more details about tuition and health insurance benefits via the GSSP.

The Graduate Student Support Plan (GSSP):

The GSSP is a competitive support package used to attract top students to NC State University. Graduate students that meet the requirements below are eligible to receive health insurance and tuition support (for a limited number of semesters).

  • Student is supported on a qualifying graduate assistantship (RA or TA) or fellowship of, at least, $666.67 per month.
  • Student meets the minimum enrollment requirement – Full-time, at all times.
  • Student is enrolled in an on-campus master’s or doctoral program. Distance Education and Graduate Certificate programs do not qualify for the Graduate Student Support Plan.

Participant students should read the Graduate Financial Support in the Graduate Student Handbook in order to become more familiar with the NC State Graduate Student Support Plan.

Learn more about the GSSP