What is the Graduate Assistantship Program?

Graduate Assistantships (“GAships”) are paid, part-time positions, open to Penn GSE Master’s students. The GA Program and “match” hiring process is managed by Penn GSE Higher Education (HE) Programs beginning in the Spring of each year. Most GAships are one-year appointments running through the Fall and Spring semesters, in accordance with the Penn GSE academic calendar.

Quick Facts:

• Most recently, about 89% of GAships were based at Penn, with the majority (25%) at Penn GSE, Penn Law (10%), and Wharton (9%); other GAship locations included Swarthmore College, The Curtis Institute of Music, St. Joe’s University, and Research For Action, among others.
• GAships typically offer 15–20 hours per week on average (20 hours per week maximum),and flexible scheduling.
• GA funding is provided by the GA-hosting organization, institution, or department; average pay ranges between $18–$25/hr (approx. $12k–$15k per year); the Penn GSE standard rate is $23/hr, and salaries/stipends may not fall below federal minimum wage.
• Penn GSE annually enrolls more than 300 GA-eligible MSEd students every year, including approximately 40 full-time Higher Education students; other divisions include Education Policy, Education Culture & Society, Human Development.
• Penn GSE provides additional professional development and support; information, policies, and resources for supervisors and students can be found on our web page; penngseworks.gse.upenn.edu.