Graduate students may intern in literature or composition classes where they work closely with experienced professors. Interns are exposed to a wide range of teaching activities and experiences. Certain coursework must be completed before enrolling in a Graduate Internship; please consult with the Graduate Coordinator.

Consulting in the University Writing Center

Graduate students are encouraged to work in the Writing Center as volunteer writing consultants, working one-on-one with undergraduates helping them develop as readers and writers. Well-qualified volunteers may become paid tutors. Direct all inquiries to Professor Barbara Goldberg, UWC Director and Developmental Writing Coordinator.

Teaching First Year Composition

After completing prerequisite course work, graduate students who have prepared themselves well in internships may be considered for paid positions (Teaching Associate or Graduate Assistant) in First Year Composition (Engl 100) or Introduction to Literature (Engl 105). For more information, contact Tracy Duckart, Acting Director of Composition.

College Faculty Preparation Program

The College Faculty Preparation Program is designed to better prepare graduate students interested in a teaching career at the community college or university level. Participation requires completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, the English Master’s program. While not required for the M.A., it is an excellent way to obtain teaching experience and professional training.  Students successfully completing the mentored internship in the Community College track of the CFPP may apply in later semesters for a paid CR Faculty Internship if positions are available.

Federal Work Study Graduate Research Assistantships

Qualified master's students who are eligible for work-study funding may be matched with faculty or staff members who have research or creative projects requiring a research assistant. Awards of up to $5,000 per academic year (up to 15 hours or work per week) are typically available, contingent upon federal funding. Students must be enrolled in 6 units or more of course work to be eligible. While students are normally nominated by faculty for these positions, they may also apply independently. For further information, see the Office of Research and Graduate Studies.

The Office of Research and Graduate Studies also posts current information about such statewide competitions as the CSU Chancellor's Doctoral Incentive Program, as well as information about other local, regional, and national scholarships and fellowships.

The Office of Financial Aid is a good starting point for any student looking for information on funding. All students are encouraged to complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as early as possible. For details on how to apply for financial aid, click here.

Finally, the English Department annually awards as many as four grants of up to $500 for travel to academic conferences, writers' workshops, job interviews, and so on. You may download application instructions here.