The department offers a financial package that funds the five years that a student is in the graduate program. This support package combines Research Assistant positions and Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) positions for a total of 5 years of support with health insurance. As a Research Assistant, students engage in their own research and research in collaboration with their faculty mentor in Psychology. The financial offer is equivalent for all students admitted into any of the six areas of psychology with a few differences for the students in Clinical Psychology.

The graduate program is composed of two phases: 1) the first two years when a student is taking courses and acquiring specific intellectual and research skills necessary to become a candidate for the Ph.D.; and 2) years 3-5 when a student is conducting their dissertation research and strengthening other skills. Similarly, the support package is in two phases. During the first two years in the graduate program, a student is supported as a Research Assistant for three academic terms, as well as over the summers, and they will be supported as a GSI for one term. Support for subsequent years in the program is contingent on having achieved candidacy.

During years 3-5, students begin their dissertation research and have the opportunity to expand their teaching experiences with five additional terms of GSI support. Most students will be a GSI during the third and fourth year, and the first semester of the fifth year. In the final term, students receives Research Assistant position to facilitate the completion of their dissertaion by the end of the fifth year. Clinical Psychology students follow a different plan which is explained below. During years 3-5, students are supported during the academic year only. Mentors may be able to provide financial support during the summer months, and students should discuss this with their mentor.

**The Clinical Psychology Program requires that during years 3-4 the students complete an internship appointment at an agency in the Michigan Internship Consortium. Students will also be eligible to apply for a research stipend in addition to the Intern duties during year 3, which will allow them to collect pilot data for the dissertation. Most students will be a GSI during the fourth year. During the academic months of year 5, students will receive a research stipend. Financial support will be available for the academic year only (intern support will usually continue during the summer months, but this is independent of the department's offer).

While support is guaranteed as described for 5 years, all eligible students are expected to apply for funding from NSF during their first year of graduate school and other sources of funding throughout their graduate career. If a student receives funding from an external foundation or institute (NSF, NIMH, etc.), the department can combine funds in a way that will enhance the overall support package.

An undergraduate who is seriously contemplating study at the doctoral level is well advised to explore the many sources of individual fellowship support available to outstanding students. No later than the end of their junior year, students should consult counselors at their undergraduate colleges or universities regarding fellowships available from both federal and private sources. Students who receive an individual fellowship may use it at any university to which they have been admitted. Many of these fellowships provide several years of support.

Exceptional students are strongly encouraged to apply for a National Science Foundation predoctoral fellowship during their senior undergraduate year. These fellowships give three years of support. Information and application forms may be obtained from the National Science Foundation Fastlane website at https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/fastlane.jsp or by emailing info@nsfgradfellows.org . Students who have entered the Biopsychology program are encouraged to apply for NIH or NIMH predoctoral fellowships. Further information can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/training/nrsa.htm.

For more information, interested students should consult with Psychology Student Academic Affairs, the Rackham School of Graduate Studies, or the Office of Financial Aid:

• Psychology Student Academic Affairs
  530 Church Street
  Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1043
  Phone: (734) 764-2580
  
  
• Director of Fellowships
  160 Rackham
  University of Michigan
  Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070
  Phone: (734) 764-8119
  
  
• Office of Financial Aid
  2011 Student Activities Building
  University of Michigan
  Ann Arbor, MI 48109
  Phone: (734) 763-6600