Graduate Assistantships
There are perks!
- Bimonthly Paychecks
- In-State tuition for Master's candidates.
(If appointed on/before the 11th day of class) - Full tuition waiver for Doctoral candidates.
(If appointed on/before the 11th day of class)
Helping Graduates. Improving The Delta. Building Leaders.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
A GTA's role is diverse when they partner with faculty mentors. They may lead classroom discussions, guide students, or run lab experiments. They also proctor exams, grade, and coach academic performances. GTAs are crucial for both preparing materials and improving classroom instruction.
Graduate Research Assistant
Guided by faculty, GRAs dive into fascinating research and creative projects. Their responsibilities can include supporting faculty research efforts or lending a hand in professional tasks that help uphold A-State's mission.
They help craft and assess instructional materials, enriching the learning experience. Plus, they may take on specific scholarly ventures, ensuring excellence in every endeavor. Overall, these assistants are pivotal in shaping knowledge and course innovation across campus.
Graduate Administrative Support Assistant
GSAs partner with university administrators, to hone leadership and management skills. They craft program materials, orchestrate events, and compile reports. They handle correspondence, promote programs, and support administrative functions. Tasks could either align or wander from the student’s academic path.
Grad Assistant Information
Courseload
Master’s and Specialist level assistants must enroll in at least 6 graduate hours per semester and may not exceed 12 hours including undergraduate courses. They must enroll in at least 3 graduate hours during summer if holding an assistantship. Doctoral assistants must enroll in at least 9 hours during regular semesters and 3 hours each summer term an assistantship is held.
Workload & appointments
Graduate assistantships are limited to 20 hours of work per week to support academic progress and timely degree completion. This workload applies to all terms.
Students with full graduate assistantships (20 hours/week for the semester) receive a waiver of out-of-state or international tuition and only pay the in-state portion. Doctoral graduate assistants also have in-state tuition covered by the university or their program. Master’s and Specialist level GRAs may have in-state tuition paid by their graduate program. Check with program for details.
Students seeking this benefit must submit the benefit application before the 11th day of class.
Time Limit on Graduate Assistantships
Master’s students may receive assistantship support for up to six semesters (excluding summers). Doctoral students may receive support for up to ten semesters (excluding summers). Students needing more time must request approval from their department or sponsoring unit.
Assistantship Policies
- Assistants must have clearly defined duties assigned by the college dean and department chair.
- Assistants are not faculty, do not receive faculty privileges, and are not covered by university-sponsored insurance.
- Assistants may be asked to attend staff or faculty meetings and workshops.
- If a student cannot complete coursework or duties due to extenuating circumstances, the semester may not count toward the time limit. Departments must notify Graduate School for review.
- Assistantships are awarded by academic year or summer term and are not automatically renewed. Reapplication is required.
- Assistants must maintain a 3.0 GPA to remain eligible.
Connect With Us.
Graduate Admissions is located in the Dean B. Ellis Library, 6th Floor
PO Box 60,
State University, AR 72467