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GRADUATE SCHOOL

Students that want to enroll in a graduate school in the fall should note that deadlines for most programs are in December or January. Some are also rolling admissions. However, it is better to submit your applications as early as possible.

Preparing for Graduate School Applications:

  • Take the GRE exam no later than October (this will allow you to retake the exam before the application due date in case you did not score your goal)
  • Finalize the program list that you intend to apply
  • Request letters of recommendation for your application
  • Draft statement of purpose
  • Order and send transcripts
  • Send GRE scores to programs you intend to apply
  • Submit applications by the due dates
Office of Graduate Student Life.

For questions about graduate school, be sure to reach out to the Office of Graduate Student Life.

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Graduate Assistantships

Thinking of a way to have your graduate classes paid while working at the university? Graduate Assistantships are great opportunities! Here are some graduate assistantships at Mason! You can also apply for graduate assistantships at a graduate school that you intend to attend.

Graduate Assistantships are university employment positions held by graduate students who have full-time enrollment, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and are in good academic standing. Assistantships are available in the following three categories:

  • Graduate Teaching Assistantship: students will participate in the instruction, advising, and evaluation of undergraduates under faculty supervision.
  • Graduate Research Assistantship: students participate directly in research or research-support activities under faculty supervision.
  • Graduate Professional Assistantship: a non-teaching, non-research assistantship during which students will perform work in which they primarily gain experience, practice and guidance in relation to their academic program and that is significantly connected to their fields of study and career preparation.

Assistantship opportunities are posted in a variety of places including: the Mason HR Jobs website, Career Services’ Handshake site, and in academic departments. Students may also contact their advisors for assistantship information and opportunities.

Tip: Hiring process will take place between March – May! Be sure to check the website for updates!

Process and Timeline for Graduate Assistantships at Mason:

  • Assistantships are available at the Master and Doctoral levels and are compensated according to the unit’s established rates for the contracted responsibilities. Position responsibilities, time commitment, and compensation will vary by department and position.
  • All assistantships comply with graduate student hiring rules and regulations outlined by the Provost’s Office for Graduate Education.
  • Students must be enrolled full-time in a graduate program in order to be eligible for assistantships.
  • Applications are submitted to the University Life department/hiring manager and/or HandShake and/or HR Jobs posting as indicated on the position posting.
  • University Life hiring managers may request phone and/or in-person interviews. Decisions to offer assistantships are at the discretion of the respective hiring manager for each position.
  • The majority of University Life Graduate Professional Assistant positions will be posted by late mid-late March 2022.
  • For 2023-2024 academic year, most hiring decision will take place between March and May 2023.