College of Science and Mathematics
Graduate Student Research Grants

The College of Science and Mathematics (COSM) supports graduate student research through the COSM Student Research Grant (SRG) program. These competitive awards provide funding for faculty-mentored research by supporting research-related supplies, services, and/or travel. This page provides information about eligibility, application deadlines, award requirements, and the application process.

Graduate Student Research Grant Eligibility

Graduate students in the College of Science and Mathematics conducting thesis research are eligible to apply for up to $2,000.00 for thesis students or up to $1,000.00 for non-thesis students. Prior to applying, a faculty mentor (typically the Committee Chair) must agree to mentor the student in the proposed research project. Ideally, the student’s Committee will be established and agree that the proposed research is sound. The award is non-transferable to another student or another faculty mentor.

Deadlines 

Students are responsible for ensuring that the Kuali form is fully completed and submitted to the College of Science and Mathematics by 5:00 PM on the following dates:

For funding beginning Fall 2026, apply by September 4, 2026. 

For funding beginning Spring 2027, apply by November 13, 2026. 

For funding beginning Summer 2027, apply by April 9, 2027. 

Application Process (Kuali Submission)

  1. The students will complete the Project Description and Budget Justification (with guidance and feedback from the faculty mentor).
  2. The student must submit the application (not the faculty mentor).
  3. The faculty mentor will complete the Faculty Recommendation section of the form, and then submit it for Approval.
  4. Students are responsible for ensuring the Kuali form is fully completed and submitted to COSM before 5:00 PM on the application due date. Early submissions will be accepted and are encouraged to ensure changes, if any, can be made in a timely fashion.

Award Requirements

  • Research must be independent of regular coursework (excepting Independent Study / Research Course credit).
  • If the proposal involves the use of human subjects (including those using surveys, interviews, etc.) or vertebrate animals, approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), respectively, must be obtained. Proposals involving use of recombinant DNA and/or a biohazard, unless specifically exempted by NIH Guidelines, must be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). If an assistantship is a part of the funds requested, compliance approval must be obtained prior to the application deadline. If only supplies are requested and compliance approval is pending, the faculty mentor must submit proof of approval prior to release of funds.
  • Awardees will be expected to present their results at a campus venue if possible, and are encouraged to present at off-campus venues (conferences).

Purchasing and Reimbursement Policies

  • Tarleton Policies and Procedures must be followed when receiving and spending award funds, including state sales tax exemption requirements.
  • Students must access their funds by working through their faculty mentor and departmental administrative assistant or purchaser. 
  • Funds may be requested for supplies, services, and/or travel to collect data.
  • For reimbursements, original receipts/invoices are required.
  • If students are using funds to travel to collect data, only fuel receipts will be reimbursed (mileage will not be reimbursed). The student must fill the gas tank upon leaving for the trip, then refuel immediately upon returning. It is the refueling receipt that is reimbursable. 
  • All equipment and unused supplies purchased with awarded funds remain the property of Tarleton State University. 

Application Review and Award Notification

Because funding is limited and awards are competitive, applicants are encouraged to submit complete applications that clearly and thoroughly address all required criteria. Applications are reviewed by the COSM Faculty Research Committee, and applicants will be notified via email of award decisions after the review process is completed. If the number of meritorious proposals exceeds available funding, recipients may receive less than the amount requested.

Click Here to Apply for a COSM Graduate Student Research Grant

If you have any questions about the awards, application process, or completing the Kuali form, please reach out to the COSM Dean’s Office at cosm@tarleton.edu or 254-968-9781.