Graduate Assistantships

Students seeking assistance covering program tuition may also benefit from applying for graduate assistantships. Unlike scholarships and tuition waivers, graduate assistantships typically include a work requirement, affording students work experience in their chosen field of studies. Graduate assistantships often include teaching or other forms of internship. Availability of graduate assistantships varies by semester and by program.

Masters of Business Administration

Masters of Business Administration students are encouraged to apply for graduate assistantships each semester. These give on-campus students the opportunity to work directly with the MBA program in their desired field of study, helping the program with marketing and recruitment, course tutoring, research, and more. Through graduate assistantships, students may be awarded up to $2,000 per semester towards their tuition. Students who are awarded an assistantship are typically expected to work 10-15 hours a week. The specific award amount and weekly required hours are flexible and will be decided between the recipient and MBA director. Applications must be submitted prior to the desired semester as outlined on the application.

Masters of Fine Arts in Arts Administration

MFA in Arts Administration students fund their degrees through a combination of tuition waivers and graduate assistantships. MFA graduate assistantships take the form of internships with local arts organizations, including art galleries, museums, and the Utah Shakespeare Festival. All students admitted to the MFA program will be considered for assistantships based on their ultimate career goals. A list of current assistantships is available. Online Masters of Arts Administration students are not eligible for assistantships.

Masters of Professional Communication

Masters of Professional Communication students may apply for either teaching or non-teaching graduate assistantships. Teaching assistantships involve teaching undergraduate courses (typically COMM 1010) or completing research for the graduate program. Graduate teaching assistants typically work up to 10 hours a week and can receive up to $2000 in tuition compensation. Non-teaching graduate assistantships will perform research or complete special projects for the Communication Department, will typically work between 8-10 hours a week, and will receive approximately $1000 in tuition compensation. Communication Graduate Assistantship Applications must be submitted by March 15th.

Masters of Public Administration

Masters of Public Administration students may apply for graduate assistantships each year. Graduate assistantships typically involve internships with the university, including positions in student involvement and leadership, admissions counseling, and international affairs. MPA graduate assistants will typically work 20 hours a week, and usually receive between $4000 and $6000 compensation. MPA students who receive graduate assistantships are asked not to seek employment elsewhere during the duration of their assistantship. MPA Graduate Assistantship Applications are due by May 31st.

Additional information about graduate financial aid, loans, and federal aid is available from the Financial Aid Office.