FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When does the program start? [back to top]

The Digital Media (DM) Ph.D. program begins every Fall semester. Georgia Tech's Fall semesters begin in mid-August. There are generally orientation meetings the week before school starts. Students are only admitted for Fall semester enrollment. Exact dates are posted in the Georgia Tech Academic Calendar.

How many students apply to the DM Ph.D. Program each year? How many do you accept? [back to top]

Each year, between 70-100 students apply, and we usually enroll three new Ph.D. students each Fall semester.

What types of assistantships are available for DM Ph.D. students? Am I guaranteed to get one? [back to top]

For at least their first year of study, DM PhD students are usually guaranteed a tuition waiver, as well as a stipend of $1800 per month for 9 months (2 semesters). DM PhD students are still responsible for paying student fees, which vary from one semester to another. The DM program tries to continue funding DM PhD students beyond the first year of study, as long as students' good standing and observable progress to degree are maintained.

Assistantships are given in research, helping with faculty labs as well as in teaching, both assisting in the instruction of graduate courses and in lecturing for undergraduate courses.

The DM program offers most Ph.D. students support on a year-to-year basis in the form of one half-time (20 hours/week) Graduate Assistantships, paying $1800/month for 9 months (2 semesters). Graduate Teaching Assistants teach one undergraduate course per semester. Graduate Research Assistants work under the supervision of DM faculty on a variety of research projects. Students are not expected to require support for more than 4 years. Assistantships include remission of all tuition, but students are required to pay student fees each semester.