NIA | Graduate Education | Full-time Graduate Study

Full-time Graduate Study: NIA GRA

NIA has created an exciting program for full-time graduate study called the NIA Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) Program. Students are provided the opportunity to be supervised by eminent professors and work side by side with NASA Langley researchers on tomorrow’s most pressing problems. Six highly regarded universities have pooled their resources to offer innovative courses designed and delivered by the best in their fields from different universities. Students in this program have the opportunity to participate in leading-edge research programs and take unique graduate courses that are not available at any single university.

Participating in the NIA Graduate Program are : Georgia Tech, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State University, the University of Maryland, the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech. While students enroll in a M.S. or Ph.D. program at one of the member universities, and ultimately receive a degree from that institution, NIA students may take up to 50% of their courses from the other participating universities. Classes offered at NIA, both on-site and via distance learning, include required core courses as well as state-of-the-art electives in new and emerging technologies.

Exceptional students accepted into the NIA GRA Program will receive a stipend of $22,000-$26,000 per year, a $1,500 travel allotment and payment of tuition, fees and health insurance. NIA GRAs devote at least 20 hours per week on a research topic, usually on-site at NASA LaRC. Since the research involves access to LaRC, the program is primarily intended for U.S. citizens.

Research topics available include: aerospace vehicle systems; planetary capture, entry technologies; aerodynamics, aerothermodynamics, acoustics; structures, materials; airborne systems; atmospheric sciences; and sensor systems technologies. A description of research projects of current NIA GRAs is listed on the current NIA graduate students pages. Specific opportunities available beginning Spring 2008 are listed under Graduate Student Opportunities.

NIA GRA Application Procedure

Prospective NIA graduate students should choose a program of study from one of the participating universities. For help with the application process, please contact NIA at (757) 325-6731 or education@nianet.org.

Students interested in applying for the NIA GRA Program must apply for acceptance as a graduate student at one of the member universities. Then, in a cover letter addressed to NIA, state that you are interested in full-time graduate study, name the school(s) where you have applied, the degree program (M.S. or Ph.D.) and the degree field. Also, describe your research interests and topics that you are interested in pursuing. Include a copy of your resume and transcript, including any graduate courses taken. NIA will accept a copy of your transcript, with the original going to the university.

Hampton University offers a separate focused program in atmospheric sciences through NIA. In this program, students can pursue either a masters or doctoral degree in atmospheric sciences, with thesis or dissertation research conducted at LaRC in collaboration with a NASA mentor. All courses and faculty advising are provided on campus at nearby Hampton University. A limited number of graduate research assistantships are available for tuition, stipend and travel. Students interested in NIA’s focused atmospheric sciences program should apply directly to Hampton University, and state in a cover letter their interest in the atmospheric sciences program through NIA. Contact NIA at (757) 325-6731 or education@nianet.org for more information.

Send your fellowship application materials to: