Tuition Waivers and Graduate Assistantships

We pledge to provide partial tuition waivers to ALL accepted students who are not receiving full funding from outside sources. Tuition waivers are provided for up to 9 credit hours depending on the student need and qualifications. Both international and domestic applicants are eligible for tuition waivers. It is vital that you openly discuss these options with the Program Director Dr. Sarbeswar Praharaj (spraharaj@miami.edu) or Graduate Recruitment Officer at the stage of admission offer. Please indicate in your application if you would like to be considered for financial aid. No additional documentation is needed to prove eligibility.

Most of our students are offered Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) providing the opportunity to contribute to faculty-led research addressing urgent challenges of sustainability and resilience in cities. These research appointments are designed to enhance students’ academic experience through meaningful engagement in research that advances the UM’s mission as a premier research university.

GRA positions are competitive and are typically awarded to students who demonstrate strong academic performance, analytical ability, and clear research interests aligned with ongoing projects within the School of Architecture, the Department of Geography and Sustainable Development, and affiliated research centers such as the Climate Resilience Institute.

Graduate Research Assistants work closely with faculty mentors on projects funded by external organizations such as the National Science Foundation. Assistantships can also be organized internally funded by the schools. Responsibilities may include conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing geospatial data, developing mapping and visualizations, supporting publications, and participating in workshops or stakeholder engagement activities.

Assistantships typically require a commitment of 10–20 hours per week during the academic semester. Appointments are renewable based on satisfactory academic standing, performance, and the availability of research funding. Prospective students interested in being considered for a Graduate Research Assistantship are encouraged to visit the program website for information on projects and connect directly with faculty members whose research aligns with the candidates academic and professional goals.

Teaching Assistant (TA) positions are also available, offering graduate students with valuable opportunities to gain instructional experience and strengthen their academic and professional skills. Teaching Assistants support faculty in delivering core and elective courses within the program—assisting with classroom preparation, leading discussions or lab sessions, grading assignments, and mentoring undergraduate students. Through these roles, students deepen their subject matter expertise, develop communication and leadership skills, and contribute to the program’s dynamic learning environment.

TA positions are competitive and limited, typically awarded to students who demonstrate strong academic performance, effective communication skills, and subject knowledge relevant to the course they assist. Appointments typically include a lump sum stipend or hourly pay, generally requiring a commitment of 10–15 hours per week during the semester. Teaching Assistants are mentored by faculties who offer guidance on pedagogy, assessment, and classroom management, helping students build teaching experience that is particularly valuable for graduates interested in pursuing research or academic career paths.

The Program Director’s Assistantship provides select graduate students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in academic administration, program coordination, and student engagement. Assistants work directly with the Program Director and administrative team to support day-to-day operations, including event planning, student communications, data organization, social media outreach, and program documentation. This role is ideal for students who demonstrate strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills, and who are interested in learning how academic programs are managed within a university setting.

These assistantships are awarded competitively and typically require a commitment of 10–20 hours per week during the academic year. Students in this role develop practical administrative experience while contributing to the success and visibility of the program. Responsibilities may evolve based on program needs and the student’s strengths, offering flexibility and opportunities for professional growth. Performance is evaluated each semester in coordination with the Program Director and the Department Chair.

At the University level, UM Office of Student Affairs offers any graduate student to the opportunity to apply to serve as a graduate assistant in a student affairs area or partner area. Based on the individual department, students may engage in program development and planning, student advising, administrative support, student mentoring, supervising, and more. Becoming a graduate assistant enables you to apply the theory you learn in your graduate program into practice. Graduate students are encouraged to visit the UM Career portal for available opportunities: https://www.hr.miami.edu/careers/index.html.

MPS in Urban Sustainability & Resilience Program participates in UM’s Tuition Remission program for eligible UM employees.  For more information, please visit https://my.hr.miami.edu/benefits-and-wellness/work-life/tuition-benefits/index.html.