We encourage all applicants to apply for a graduate assistantship during the application process. Graduate assistantships are awarded based on the submitted application and portfolio materials and are awarded to all of our accepted applicants.
Graduate assistantship packages include:
- Tuition waivers*
- $21,000 stipends for 9-month contracts
- Healthcare insurance
*If the candidate enrolls in 9 credits each fall and spring and 3 credits each summer, the GA tuition waiver is the equivalent of a full-tuition waiver,minus fees.
Benefits, Time Commitments, and Assignments
MFA candidates work as graduate assistants in various positions that offer career training in teaching, curating, research, arts administration, and professional development. Graduate assistantships financially support and advance students who have rare opportunities to:
- Contribute to the development of curriculum
- Manage studios and shops
- Work alongside community members, local organizations, and other departments
It is expected that the graduate assistant will spend a maximum of 20 hours per week fulfilling research or teaching requirements. Below are a few examples of possible assignments.
Teaching Assistant
Graduate assistants gain vital teaching experience through assisting undergraduate art courses including Drawing I, Design Fundamentals, Printmaking, Ceramics, Sculpture, Art History and Graphic Design.
Shop/Lab Technician
Graduate assistant shop and lab techs mentor undergraduate students while overseeing studio spaces on campus, including the printmaking studio, woodshop, ceramics studio, darkroom, and digital lab.
Visiting Artist Lecture Series Program Assistant
The Visiting Artist Lecture Series Program Assistant assists with the coordination of the fall speaker series including the artist visit, public lecture, and studio visits with graduate students.
Galleries Assistant
Graduate assistants work with the director of galleries to coordinate, promote, and install exhibitions at the Donna Beam Gallery and other campus galleries.