Investing in Your Success

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management is committed to helping graduate students achieve their academic and professional goals. Through teaching and research assistantships, fellowships and other financial support, we offer opportunities for qualified students to fund their education and gain valuable experience.

Financial Support

Most of our Master of Science and doctoral students receive financial support through graduate teaching or research assistantships. Depending on the appointment and eligibility, financial support may include:

• A competitive stipend
• Tuition support
• Health insurance
• Professional experience in teaching or research

Graduate assistantships typically require 20 hours of work per week. Appointments may be renewed annually based on funding availability, satisfactory academic standing and progress toward degree completion.

Eligible students may receive tuition and health insurance benefits through NC State’s Graduate Student Support Plan.

Graduate Assistantships

PRTM offers teaching and research assistantships that provide opportunities to develop professional skills. Available positions vary each year based on departmental needs and funding.

Opportunities

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate teaching assistants support the department’s undergraduate academic programs. Responsibilities may include assisting with classroom instruction, leading laboratory sessions, developing assignments, grading coursework or serving as the instructor of record.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Graduate research assistants work alongside faculty on research projects. Responsibilities may include conducting literature reviews, developing research designs, collecting and analyzing data, and sharing research findings. Research activities often contribute to a student’s thesis or dissertation. Opportunities depend on grant funding and may become available throughout the year.

For information about research projects and potential assistantship opportunities, review our research areas and experts and contact PRTM faculty members.

How to Apply

Prospective graduate students can request consideration for financial support when applying to NC State.

1. Request financial assistance. When completing your graduate application, check the box to request consideration for financial assistance. Your application materials will be used to assess your qualifications for departmental funding. No separate application is required for initial assistantship consideration.
2. Explore faculty research opportunities. Review PRTM faculty members and contact those whose research aligns with your interests to learn about potential assistantship opportunities..

Fall 2027 admission deadline: Jan. 15, 2027, for on-campus, research-based master’s and doctoral programs.

Graduate Fellowships

In addition to assistantships, PRTM graduate students may qualify for competitive fellowships offered by the department, NC State Graduate School and other university programs.

PRTM Graduate Fellowships

Each year, PRTM awards a limited number of competitive fellowships to eligible master’s and doctoral students. These donor-supported awards have specific eligibility requirements and award amounts.

• Application deadline: Dec. 15, 2026.
• Review the Fellowship and Application Guidelines for eligibility and application instructions.

Global Change Fellows Program

The Global Change Research Fellows Program provides financial support, research training and professional development opportunities for graduate students conducting interdisciplinary research on global environmental change.

• Review the Global Change Fellows Program website for eligibility requirements and application information.

Additional Graduate Funding Resources

Explore additional financial support opportunities, benefits and university policies.

• NC State Graduate School Funding Opportunities — Explore fellowships, grants and other graduate funding opportunities.
• Graduate Student Support Plan — Learn about tuition and health insurance benefits for eligible graduate students.
• Assistantship and Fellowship Policies and Benefits — Review university policies and requirements.
• University Scholarships and Financial Aid — Explore additional resources to help cover educational expenses.