Brandeis combines the resources of a world-class research university with the personal attention of a liberal arts setting. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers 17 doctoral programs and more than 40 master's and postbaccalaureate programs.
One of the key differences at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is our emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. You will learn the importance of connecting with people who have a broad range of expertise and experience.
We support all doctoral students and the majority of master’s and post-baccalaureate students who maintain satisfactory academic progress with loans and scholarships.
Keep up to date with the latest news and events from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Find important resources and information to help you succeed as a GSAS student.
Professional development at GSAS is for PhD and MA students in all departments and in all stages of their career. Whether you are just starting or are about to finish your degree, the resources we provide are for you. Our goal is to enable students to pursue fulfilling careers in the private sector, academia, non-profits and government.
Find a member of staff who can address your questions. Meet your Graduate Department Representative and your Director of Graduate Study.
I would like to work with an outside organization for my proposed project. What should I ask for in the letter of support?
The purpose of the letter of support is to demonstrate that you have already engaged with the outside organization and made efforts to arrange for the experience you’re proposing. This could mean demonstrating that you have submitted an application and/or have received an admissions response for an experience that has already been designed and organized by a community partner (e.g., for a course or posted position). For an experience that you will be designing with a community partner, the letter of support should show that the experience you’ve designed is of benefit to and is supported by the partner, and that the partner is committed to working with you.
What if I’m not able to get an official offer or acceptance letter for the experience I’m proposing by the time I need to apply? What should I provide for the letter of support from the outside organization in that case?
Please submit documentation of the support you have at the time that you submit your application. For example, if you’ve applied to a summer training program but haven’t received an admission response yet, submit documentation that shows that you’ve applied and provide information in your proposal about when you expect to get the decision. Funding awards would be contingent on acceptance in that case.
How much detail should I include in my budget?
To the best of your ability, please identify each budget expense individually with a description of the expense and its anticipated cost. Each expense should be clearly justified by the proposed project. We recommend presenting your budget in a table format to make it more readable for the application review committee.
Are there any page or word limits on for the proposal?
There are no specific length requirements for the project proposal. We encourage you to answer each question fully and concisely. Most submitted proposals are 2 to 5 pages long, including the budget.
What are the dates for future funding applications?
We are happy to announce upcoming opportunities for Connected PhD funding for student professional development projects for the spring and summer. The Connected PhD Student Grant Application opens on January 2, 2023 and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of March 1, 2023. We will post another spring deadline for summer projects, but we strongly encourage you to submit your proposals for summer in this first round if at all possible. For more information, review this webpage or email connectedphd@brandeis.edu.
What is the application review process?
After the review committee makes decisions, we will check in with the successful candidate's Director of Graduate Studies to verify that their award will not interrupt their course of study. Once this is confirmed, the student and their advisor will receive a letter about the details of the grant.
When will the funding be available?
Funding for approved projects will be available at the start of your proposed project timeline.
Who can apply for the Connected PhD?
Students in doctoral programs in Anthropology, English, History, Musicology, Music Composition and Theory, Near Eastern and Judaic Studies (NEJS), Politics, and Sociology.
Will the Connected PhD approve expenses that are related to the project and that occurred before the project is approved?
No. Funding will only be approved for expenses that occur after the project is awarded and otherwise within the project timeline.
Am I allowed to apply for funding during the academic year?
Yes. While the use of funds during the summer months is encouraged, you are not restricted from applying for funds during the year. However, you should justify the use of time during the academic year in your proposal and make it clear that the proposed project won’t interfere with your progress in your program.
Are there restrictions on the time period for funding?
There are no specific restrictions. However, the program will not fund multi-year projects through one proposal. Each proposal needs to be focused on a discrete experience.
Are there restrictions on the kinds of budget items that I can request?
Yes. Information Technology Services and Procurement policies restrict computer equipment purchases with University-administered funds, such that any equipment purchased with these funds is property of the University and not of the awardee. While budget items such as short-term software licenses may be allowable, students should access existing University resources available through the computer and media labs for any needed software and hardware whenever possible.
Can I submit more than one proposal?
Yes. The Connected PhD will award funding to any approved proposal. If you have been awarded funding in the past, you will be asked to indicate that prior award as part of your application, as well as to describe if and how the new proposal relates to previously awarded projects.
Are there any restrictions on applying for the Connected PhD if I’ve received other funding from GSAS (e.g., a Dissertation Year Fellowship or Travel Funds)?
No. You are welcome to apply for the Connected PhD whether or not you’ve received funds from GSAS in the past or are currently receiving other funding.