{"id":63,"date":"2023-03-18T02:03:19","date_gmt":"2023-03-18T02:03:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/diversity-in-stem-cooperative\/?page_id=63"},"modified":"2026-08-30T01:22:27","modified_gmt":"2026-08-30T01:22:27","slug":"applying-for-grad-school-at-nau","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/diversity-in-stem-cooperative\/applying-for-grad-school-at-nau\/","title":{"rendered":"Applying for grad school"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is graduate school, and what should you know before applying?<\/h1>\n

In most scientific disciplines, graduate school means doing a Master’s (MS) and\/or PhD with a strong research focus. Instead of taking classes, you will focus on a major research project, often called a thesis or (for PhD students) a dissertation. Because this research is important not only for you but also for the professor you work with and the university where you are working, most programs will waive or pay your tuition, provide your health care coverage, and supply some amount of stipend. To earn this support you may serve as a Teaching Assistant (TA) or a Research Assistant (RA). These are two different types of Graduate Assistantships (GAs). Usually TA positions are supplied by the Department, whereas the availability of an RA position depends on whether the professor you are working with has research funding for your project.<\/p>\n

Whether you are interested in attending graduate school at NAU or another university, there are a few important things to know. Fortunately NAU has multiple programs designed to help you succeed!<\/p>\n

Resources to explore grad school options, find the right program, and prepare successful applications:<\/strong><\/p>\n