Graduate Writing Fellowships

The CAS Writing Program is soliciting applications from GRS doctoral students interested in being considered for one of approximately 10-12 Graduate Writing Fellowships that we expect to award beginning Fall 2025. These competitive fellowships provide GRS doctoral students with an opportunity to receive valuable training and teaching experience. 

Terms and Conditions: Graduate Writing Fellows (GWFs) receive the standard Graduate School of Arts & Sciences stipend and benefits for funded PhD students. GWFs teach one undergraduate writing seminar (WR 120 or WR 151/152/153) per semester. Currently, new GWFs must complete the following training and professional development requirements. The spring before their first semester of teaching, new GWFs must take Teaching Composition (GRS WR 698), a two-credit seminar designed to prepare them for their fall teaching assignments. Tuition for this course is covered by the fellowship. In Spring 2025, WR 698 will meet on Thursday afternoons from 3:30–4:45 p.m. The following fall, (or in their first semester of Writing Program teaching), new GWFs must take Teaching College Writing (GRS WR 699), a two-credit practicum that guides them through their first semester of teaching in the Writing Program. GWFs are encouraged but not required to attend other program events, such as orientation sessions and faculty meetings. GWFs who participate in mentoring and a Writing Program faculty seminar and create a teaching portfolio are eligible for a Graduate Certificate in Teaching Writing.

Eligibility and Renewal: The CAS Writing Program offers writing seminars on topics from across the disciplines. We therefore welcome applications not only from students in the humanities but also from students in the social and natural sciences. We will consider applications from students as early as year four of their doctoral programs. Currently, most GWFs hold advanced standing (post-orals) in their programs. Please note that students cannot hold the fellowship beyond their seventh year of graduate study, so those currently in their seventh year are not eligible to apply. Awards are made on a semester-by-semester basis, with the expectation of renewal for up to three additional consecutive semesters (or one consecutive semester in the case of graduate students entering their seventh year). GWFs are supervised jointly by the Writing Program and their home departments. Please be aware that the terms of this fellowship, per Graduate School policy, preclude graduate students from teaching an additional course at BU or elsewhere.

Information Session: The Writing Program is hosting a virtual information session for prospective applicants on Friday, October 18 from 3:30-4:30 on Zoom:

https://bostonu.zoom.us/my/davidshawn

Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances taking place since the email message from CAS Communications went out about the Information Session, we have had to change the zoom link for this meeting. Please use the link above.

For further details about the Zoom meeting, please complete the web form:

Application Procedure: To apply, please complete the application form below and upload the following materials by Monday, October 28, 2024:

  • A letter of application of no more than 500 words, addressed to Director Sarah Madsen Hardy, discussing your reasons for wishing to teach in the Writing Program, your teaching experience, work you have done in supporting other writers, your academic or research interests, and your progress toward degree. We are especially interested in hearing how the fellowship will contribute to your broader professional preparation.
  • A curriculum vitae and current graduate transcript (an unofficial Student Link version is fine).
  • A 15-25 page writing sample taken from your recent academic work.

Applications for 2024-2025 Graduate Writing Fellowships are no longer being accepted. The deadline for submission has passed.

 

Questions regarding the application process or the competition in general should be sent to writing@bu.edu. We will interview select applicants in mid-November and notify all applicants of our decisions by Tuesday, December 3.