These frequently asked questions are updated as questions arise. Please Contact Julie Morris if you have a question not listed below.

 

SPARC key dates and eligibility

What degree programs are eligible?
• PhD-degree seeking students in their second year (or later) are eligible to apply. First year PhD students are not eligible to apply for the SPARC Graduate Research Grant.  
• MD-PhD students are eligible to apply for SPARC during the first year (or later) of the PhD phase of the program (if following a plan of 2 years of MD program, 3 years of PhD program, and then 2 years of MD to complete the program). 
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and Master of Arts (MA) in Public History students are eligible and may apply in their first year (or later) of graduate study. Please note these are the only masters-seeking degrees that are eligible for SPARC.
Please note: MD, PharmD, and other non-PhD seeking doctoral students are not eligible to apply for SPARC grants.

When is the start date for SPARC Graduate Research Grant funds to be available?
SPARC Fellowship funds become available to recipients on May 1 each year.

What is the SPARC project work period?
SPARC recipients must conduct their work during a 15-month period: May 1 of the year awarded through July 31 of the following year.

I completed a master's degree at USC or significant graduate coursework, and I am now pursuing a Ph.D. in the same field. Can I apply for SPARC in the first year of my Ph.D. program instead of waiting for my second year?
These situations may be considered on a case-by-case basis, please contact the SPARC program manager directly.

Is there a limit to how many times applicants can resubmit if they do not receive the grant after the first submission?
 No, there is not a limit to the number of resubmissions. However, at the time of award (May of award year), applicants must have one full year left prior to anticipated degree completion.

 

Writing and topics

What topics are eligible or allowed?
The type of project pursued is not limited. The only requirements are that the proposed research, scholarship, or creative activity contribute to and will advance the student’s graduate education and objectives and in the narrative, students need to explain how this project will directly contribute to their dissertation.

Can the project, topic, data collected, etc. also be used as a part of my dissertation?
Yes! In fact it must be. From the guidelines: Your proposed SPARC research project must directly support your dissertation or thesis research. The connection between the proposed research and your dissertation or thesis must be clearly explained in the proposal.

 

SPARC Faculty Advisors

Can my SPARC faculty advisor (and PI in USCeRA) be a USC faculty member who is not my primary Advisor?
The faculty advisor on the SPARC proposal generally should be the student applicant's primary advisor for their dissertation or thesis. Under special or extenuating circumstances, a student can have a USC faculty member other than their primary advisor as the SPARC faculty advisor (and PI in USCeRA). Please see the SPARC guidelines for additional information and process required.

  

SPARC and collaboration

Can two students write a joint proposal for SPARC?
No, joint proposals are not allowed.

Since we cannot write a joint proposal, can two students write individual proposals and request that the funding of one be contingent upon the other also being funded?
No.