Graduate Studies

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Thesis/Project/Dissertation Support Program

Spring 24 Application

Application Period

  • Open: Monday, January 29th
  • Student Due Date: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 by 12:00 PM
  • Thesis/Project/Dissertation Committee Chair Approval Due Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 by 5:00 PM

This program provides funding to graduate students to offset the costs associated with working on a thesis, dissertation, or graduate project. Awards up to $1,200 may be provided to selected students based on review of an application which outlines the project, dissertation or thesis, and anticipated costs. Selection criteria include significance of the project in the field and the style of writing. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis.

Read the following before submitting an application

  1. Please be aware that your application must be submitted by Tuesday, February 20, 2024 by 12:00 PM
  2. Your application must be approved by your Thesis/Project/Dissertation Committee Chair by Wednesday, February 21, 2024 by 5:00 PM
  3. Student GPA needs to be 3.5 or above
  4. If your research involves Human/Animal Subjects, Federal regulations require that all research must undergo a review by a committee. To apply for this funding, you need to have submitted your IRB protocol application and received a protocol number. Projects will not be reviewed or funded until your protocol has been approved.
    In addition, if your research involves Animal Subjects, you will need an approved IACAU number; please check with your faculty advisor for the number. 
  5. A written abstract of no more than 300 words is required.
  6. Students will need to submit a budget justification for the following categories; Supplies, Minor Equipment, Travel (conference travel is not allowed), Library Searches, Performance Expenses (e.g. Music). Laptops/tablets are not allowed.
  7. If you are requesting gift cards, please note that your gift card purchase cannot exceed $25 per participants.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

  • Eligibility is restricted to CSUN graduate students in a master’s or doctoral program, with a GPA of 3.5 or above.
  • All applicants are required to have either a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Please note: International Students may have up to 30% withheld for Federal Income Tax.

 Not eligible

  • Individuals who previously received support from this program.
  • Any CSU employee or their dependents receiving a university fee waiver.

Budget Categories

Allowed Expenditures

  • Costs associated with travel to a research site (This expenditure request will be reviewed/approved on a case by case basis)
  • Supplies
  • minor equipment
  • performance expenses
  • library searches

Not Allowed Expenditures

Human or Animal Subjects

If your research or project involves human or animal subjects, your application will not be funded unless your IRB/IACUC protocol is approved.

How to Apply

Spring 24 Application

A completed application consists of your application submission and your Committee Chair electronic approval. Once you submit your application, the faculty member you select as your Committee Chair will receive an email notification of your Thesis Support application. Your Committee Chair must electronically approve your application by the deadline. Only complete applications will be considered.

If you have a Co-applicant, there is a space provided within the application for you to enter their information. DO NOT SUBMIT two applications.

  • Student Due Date: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 by 12:00 PM
  • Thesis/Project/Dissertation Committee Chair Approval Due Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 by 5:00 PM

What must you do if you receive support

  1. Submit an itemized list of all expenditures by Friday, June 30, 2024.
  2. If you are enrolled at CSUN, participate in the CSUNposium scheduled in Spring 2025.

If awarded, note the following

  • The CSUN Financial Aid Office will create and disburse the award. If you are receiving financial aid this award may adjust or reduce other forms of aid in your financial package. 
  • University Cash Services will post the award to your student account and will be applied to any outstanding fees on your account. Any remaining balance will be remitted to you. 
SPECIAL NOTE: 
To avoid confusion, it is best to pay any outstanding fees prior to the disbursement of this award. Be aware that your award will be disbursed as a refund through financial aid to your original form of payment for tuition and fees. Payments made by credit card will be credited back to the original card number. The 2.65% credit card service fee is not refundable. International Students may have up to 30% withheld for Federal Income Tax.

Additional Information

For questions concerning this program, please contact Dr. Amy Levin.