SWLL Student Resources

The Department of English offers a two-year Master of Arts (M.A.) and/or Master of Science (M.S.) graduate degree, as well as a one-year Professional Writing Graduate Certificate.

Our small and supportive graduate student experience prepares students to be the best scholars, teachers, professionals and citizens possible. Our first-year graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) and second-year graduate teaching fellows (GTFs) gain academic support, professional development, pedagogical training and teaching experience from passionate and experienced faculty through graduate coursework, program meetings, one-on-one advising and regular social events.

The following funding options are available for English graduate students:

• Tuition Waiver: First-year GTAs (in-state) and second-year GTFs (in-state) receive a full tuition waiver for 9 graduate credit-hours each semester, which is a typical course load for a graduate student. Full tuition waivers are also available for out-of-state students on a limited basis.
• Stipend: First-year GTAs and second-year GTFs are eligible for funding through teaching stipends. First-year GTAs work in the Harvey Center for Learning and Writing, conduct regular office hours and co-teach a composition course each semester as part of a small teaching team. Second-year GTFs design and teach two of their own composition courses each semester. Currently, the stipend for first-year GTAs is $12,430 per year, while the stipend for second-year GTFs is $13,673 per year. Non-teaching Graduate Assistant (GA) stipends of $11,200 per year may also be available (which require research work, administrative work, etc. instead of teaching responsibilities); however, note that the non-teaching stipend does not include the typical tuition waiver. 

For more information about joining our community as a graduate student, visit the Office of Graduate Affairs and contact Sean Keck, Ph.D. (English graduate program director) or Frank Napolitano, Ph.D. (GTA/GTF program coordinator).

See the English Graduate Program page for more information on how to apply!

The Radford University Office of Undergraduate Research (OURS) exists to advance undergraduate research, scholarship and creative inquiry. OURS performs this task by supporting undergraduates with mentorship programs, poster-printing options and various forms of research and travel funding. Some examples of the funding available through OURS are the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships and the Research Rookies Program. For more information, please visit the Office of Undergraduate Research.

On-campus employment provides students with opportunities to earn income, gain experience, meet university faculty/staff and serve the greater campus community. Positions are available to any student; however, initial offers are made to those who qualify for financial assistance as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students can contact departmental supervisors to inquire about work study opportunities that may be available. For more information, please visit the Financial Aid Office.

Scholarships are primarily merit-based financial gifts that do not have to be repaid by the student. Many types of scholarships exist--including institutional, foundation and organization scholarships. For more information, please visit the Financial Aid Office.

Grants are primarily need-based financial gifts that do not have to be repaid by the student. Many types of grants exist--including federal, state and institutional grants. One specific grant that may be relevant to SWLL students is the Student Travel and Research (STARS) Fund, which is awarded by the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences (CHBS). For grant consideration, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For more information about grants, please visit the Financial Aid Office.

Loans are funds that help students to meet the financial cost of attending university. Different than grant-funding, loans must be repaid by the student after graduation or when enrollment drops below a certain threshold. Both federal and private loans are available. For more information, please visit the Financial Aid Office.

There are a number of study abroad opportunities available to Radford University students--including faculty-led abroad programs, university exchange programs and clinical and pre-professional abroad experiences. Some recent study abroad programs included trips to Mexico, Spain and Taiwan!

The School of Writing, Language and Literature (SWLL) is a strong advocate for the study abroad experience, and our faculty in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures are enthusiastic about providing you with preparation and support for study abroad. In addition, Radford University's McGlothlin Center for Global Education and Engagement can help answer questions about international travel, provide information about financial-aid opportunities and secure your first-time passport for travel.

Visit Education Abroad for more information--including course requirements, financial-aid options and application deadlines. Adventures await...apply today!

Highlander Student Media (HSM) consists of the campus media outlets created by Radford University students for Radford University students. These outlets include Exit 109 (a literary / visual arts journal), The Tartan (the campus newspaper), Whim (an online blog), The Beehive (the campus yearbook), Radford On Camera (a video content-creation organization), and Radford Free Radio (the campus radio station). HSM is a fantastic way to gain professional, technical and editorial experience on multiple types of media. For more information, please visit Highlander Student Media or contact Heather Carlisle (Associate Director of Student Involvement).

The Chinese Club strives to educate the Radford University campus and the local community about Chinese culture. During club meetings, students learn to cook Chinese cuisine, watch Chinese films, learn different cultural traditions, practice speaking and writing in Chinese, participate in cultural field trips, etc. For more information, please visit the relevant RU Involved page or contact I-Ping Fu, Ph.D.

The Latino Student Alliance promotes education, awareness and appreciation of Latino culture on Radford University's campus and in the local community. For more information, please visit the relevant RU Involved page or contact Rita Martin, Ph.D.

Internships are a great way of gaining practical, professional workplace experience, while also receiving academic credit. For more information about internships and other potential career development opportunities, please visit Career and Talent Development. You can also contact Michele Ren, Ph.D. or Daniel Woods, Ph.D. for internship questions specifically related to the School of Writing, Language and Literature (SWLL).

The Honors College at Radford University is a vibrant community of students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, active engagement and academic excellence. Within the School of Writing, Language and Literature (SWLL), there are often honors sections and/or honors credit opportunities within both English and Foreign Language courses. For more information--including events, eligibility and the application process--please visit the Honors College.

Located in Hemphill 4013, the Foreign Languages Lab offers Radford University students with a place to practice their language proficiency, meet other students interested in foreign languages and utilize language-focused resources.

Whether you're currently studying Chinese, French, German, Latin or Spanish, the Foreign Language Lab contains a number of print, online and interactive resources that will help you develop your language skills.

For more information about the Foreign Language Lab--including the hours-of-operation, tutoring possibilities and employment opportunities--please contact J. Blas Hernandez, Ph.D.

Located in Whitt Hall, the Office of Graduate Affairs helps prospective and current graduate students on matters of admissions, funding, professional development and social engagement. In particular, the Office of Graduate Affairs manages the necessary paperwork and formatting/submitting guidelines related to graduate-level comprehensive exams and thesis projects. More information can be found at the Office of Graduate Affairs.

Located in Russell Hall, the Center for Accessibility Services (CAS) provides help and guidance to students regarding matters of accessibility and accommodations within the classroom and the campus environment. For more information, please visit the Center for Accessibility Services.

Located in Davis Hall, Student Counseling Services (SCS) provides free, confidential mental-health services for eligible students through a number of on-campus, online and off-campus resources. For more information, please visit Student Counseling Services.

Located in Heth Hall, Connected Communities fosters a welcoming environment for all Radford University students, faculty and staff by providing support and programs on matters of race, culture, gender, sexuality, faith and other experiences within the campus community. More information can be found at Connected Communities.

Located in Hemphill Hall, Safe Zone prepares members of the Radford University community to serve as an educational resource for students, faculty and staff on LGBTQ+ issues. The goal of Safe Zone is to promote a free, safe and supportive campus environment for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. More information can be found on the relevant RU Involved page or by emailing Safe Zone.

Located on the 4th floor of McConnell Library, the Harvey Center for Learning and Writing is a free resource for Radford University's students, designed to provide both academic tutoring and skills development. For more information--including their hours-of-operation, appointment scheduling and employment opportunities--please visit the Harvey Center for Learning and Writing.

Operated by the Dean of Students Office, The Highlander Pantry is available to all members of the Radford University community--students, faculty or staff--to offer access to free food and hygiene items for those struggling with financial issues, food insecurity and/or homelessness. More information can be found at The Highlander Pantry.

The Technology Assistance Center (TAC) is available to help faculty, students and staff regarding technological questions and difficulties (e.g. your computer device, Radford University email, OneCampus, D2L, etc.). TAC provides in-person, phone and online assistance. More information can be found at the Technology Assistance Center.

Radford University's Career and Talent Development helps students discover their unique talents and skills, experience personal and professional growth and thrive in their careers. Career and Talent Development is a great resource for workshops, job search options, career fairs, practice interviews and the career close (which helps students secure professional, workplace attire). More information can be found at Career and Talent Development.