UNK Online
UNK Online
What is a graduate assistantship? And is it worth your time?
What is a graduate assistantship?
A graduate assistantship (GA) is a part-time paid opportunity for graduate students to gain hands-on experience while supporting the University of Nebraska at Kearney. These roles may include assisting campus departments, supporting faculty research, or teaching undergraduate classes.
UNK offers three types of assistantships: Graduate Assistant (GAs), Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs), and Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs). These roles are available to students both online and on campus. In fact, many GRAs work remotely while pursuing their degrees fully online.
Real Student Experience
“I totally used everything that Dr. Luethke’s been teaching me about her research…She’s been such an incredible advisor! She’s really motivated me, encouraged me, and gave me confidence. Having her help every step of the way has been life changing. The sense of community at UNK is absolutely unreal. I think if you’re able to say that at the end of an online program, then they’re doing something right.”
– Kattie Sadd, UNK online GRA for UNK’s Department of Communications
How many graduate assistantships does UNK have?
Currently, UNK supports 64 graduate assistants across 14 departments. From athletics to academic colleges, our GAs, GRAs, and GTAs make a meaningful impact across campus.
Real Student Experience
“I didn't realize how much I would get to work with the undergraduate students in the lab. I'm one of the graduate students in the lab…That’s been super fun."
– Blase Rokusek, GTA for UNK’s Biology Department
What are the benefits of a graduate assistantship?
Graduate assistantships come with several financial and professional benefits, including:
- Tuition remission: Full-time GAs (20 hours per week) earn tuition credit for one-fourth of their program’s total credit hours per semester they’re employed at UNK. Part-time GAs (10 hours per week) will earn one-eighth per semester. This means if a student is a GA for two years (four semesters), it will cover the full cost of their graduate degree.
- Monthly stipend: Full-time GAs earn a minimum of $11,800 per year. Part-time rates are prorated. This stipend is to help the student with daily living expenses.
- Hands-on experience: Students gain practical skills directly related to their field of study.
- Professional development: GAs gain research experience and often present alongside faculty at conferences around the US.
- Resume-building skills: GAs develop skills that strengthen job prospects after graduation
Real Student Experience:
“As a graduate assistant, I was able to gain valuable experience in recruiting college students for graduate programs which helped me land a career in talent acquisitions where I've been able to build professional relationships with colleges across Nebraska and surrounding states.”
– Jason Baker, UNK GA for UNK’s College of Graduate Studies & Academic Innovation
How do you apply for a GA position?
Students must be fully admitted into a graduate degree program and enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester. GAs must also maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
To apply for a GA, GRA or GTA position at UNK, visit https://go.unk.edu/gapositions.
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