Scholarships and Fellowships

The Department of Communication offers a limited number of teaching and research assistantships for especially well qualified PhD students.

PhD Funding

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  • World-class faculty experts mentor PhD students in a dynamic research and learning environment. Students can focus on their research and scholarship alongside renowned faculty while preparing for the careers and professions that await them after graduation.
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PhD Funding Opportunities

  • Academic year stipends of $23,000 and a full tuition waiver for all full-time, funded PhD students on 10-month academic teaching assistant, research assistant, or graduate assistant appointments.
    • UB’s stipend levels are competitive among public Association of American Universities (AAU) member institutions.
  • Additional Fellowship Opportunities:
    • Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship Program: Candidates are required to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must demonstrate how they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the diversity of the student body by facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and campus activities. Even though financial need is not a requirement for program eligibility, applicants may utilize economic disadvantage as a basis for eligibility. This scholarship program is open to any and all prospective candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and is consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law. All application submissions will be assessed and evaluated in accordance with the required eligibility criteria. Students may apply for the Schomburg Fellowship on the UB graduate application for their program.
    • Presidential Fellowships: To be eligible for Presidential Fellowships, candidates must meet the criteria listed on the Presidential Fellowship page. Both domestic and international students are eligible, if they meet these criteria. For any questions regarding funding for academic year 2025–2026, contact the director of graduate studies or department chair.
View Presidential and Schomburg Fellowship Details

Teaching Assistantships

The Department offers a limited number of Teaching Assistantships. Students receiveing assistantships are expected to spend approximately 20 hours per week in instructional activity. Students interested in a Teaching Assistantship must have outstanding test scores, grades, and letters of recommendation. To be eligible for consideration, the applicant must provide a completed application packet by January 15 to be considered for the following Fall semester.

Research Assistantships

Research assistantships are occasionally available through funded research of individual faculty members.

Other Funding

Opportunities also exist for students to apply for UB scholarships, such as the University’s Presidential Fellowship and the College of Arts and Science’s Dean’s Scholarship. The University Fellowships & Scholarships office has information about nationally competitive fellowships and scholarships. In addition, the Graduate Student Association and the Department often assist students financially to present research at national conferences in communication.