Scholarship and Funding

There are a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities for students interested in taking classes at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Some scholarships are funded by the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation.

Graduate

For graduate students, teaching and research assistantships require a commitment of 20 hours per week (one-half time) by the students, although some research assistantships are funded on an hourly basis. Fellowships require no specific time commitment, however, students are expected to spend a substantial portion of their time working on their academic and research programs.

Stipend and Funding

Student stipend support is available through both university and DISL fellowships, university and DISL-funded teaching assistantships, and grant-funded research assistantships.

Over the past several years, more than 95 percent of our students have been fully-funded. Tuition varies based on the student’s home institution, although at many schools, funded students in good academic standing are also provided with tuition fellowships that can cover 100 percent of tuition costs.

Current DISL stipend rates are:

  • $18,000 - $19,000 MS students
  • $20,000 - $21,000 for Ph.D. students who have been admitted to candidacy.

At many schools, funded students in good academic standing are also provided with tuition fellowships that cover 100 percent of tuition costs.

Research Assistantships

Numerous graduate students are funded through extramurally-funded research assistantships that are available through individual faculty through their research programs. In general, teaching and research assistantships require a commitment of 20 hours per week (one-half time) by the students, although some research assistantships are funded on an hourly basis.

Most students obtain research assistantships through their faculty advisor, however, in some cases students may be able to obtain assistantships through other DISL faculty who are in need of help with their research projects.

Interested students should contact prospective faculty directly to obtain information on prospective funding opportunities that have not yet been formally announced. Find current opportunities at disl.org/jobs.

DISL-FDA Graduate Fellowships

Deadline to apply for Fall 2023 is December 31, 2022.

Fellowships are open to incoming and existing graduate students working under the direction of a DISL resident faculty member and FDA researcher. Students must have applied to or be currently enrolled at a DISL member school. Interested applicants should contact Dr. Ruth H. Carmichael for more information.

Additional Information for Awardees

Summer Session

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation supports scholarships for summer session students each year to defer educational related costs

  • The Rita George and George Crozier Scholarships provide 12 weeks of room and board.
  • DISL Foundation Scholarships waive academic fees for summer school.

The scholarship application must be completed online and requires:

  • A cover letter (2-page max) describing background, qualifications, and financial need.
  • Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended (unofficial transcripts accepted).
  • Three (3) Letters of recommendation. These letters should be from individuals that can evaluate academic potential such as professors or employers.
  • A CV or resume describing relevant coursework, research/work experience, honors, and extracurricular activities.

For more information contact [DISL University Programs Registrar] via email [registrar@disl.edu)(mailto:registrar@disl.edu) or by phone (251) 861-2141, ext. 7526.

Work-Study

Students are needed to work as dorm monitors and library aides. Both graduate and undergraduate students are eligible to apply.

The application can be completed online and requires transcripts (unofficial accepted) and three letters of recommendation that are not from relatives.

Dorm Monitor

The student staff member for the Challenger Dormitory, the summer residence hall. This student is a leader among their peers and will act as an assistant to and under the supervision of the University Programs Registrar. There are two dorm monitors, one for each floor of students.

Responsibilities include assigning dorm rooms, helping to establish and maintain a healthy residential environment conducive to academic and personal growth, assisting with the disciplinary procedure as necessary, implementing University and Housing policies, and assisting with individual student needs such as transportation.

Dorm monitors receive $125 per week, receive a private dorm room and a meal plan.

Requirements:

  • Minimum of 2.50 cumulative G.P.A.
  • Residence hall living and/or student leadership experience.
  • Clean driving record and valid driver’s license
  • Attend CPR training if not certified.
  • Must be in residence for all three sessions
  • Be present on campus at least one-half of the weekends
  • Plan to arrive at least four to six days before the term starts

Library Aide

Library Aides assist with the DISL library and computer lab 10 hours per week after normal staff hours. Preference will be given to students enrolled in more than one summer session. Compensation is $10 per hour.

Laboratory Intern

Interns work in the lab of a DISL faculty member assisting with authentic research projects. Interns typically work 5-10 hours per week, but this is somewhat variable depending upon the nature of the work performed. Interns often work on weekends.

This opportunity provides a unique experience to gain research experience. Interns earn $10 an hour.