Graduate Assistantships

Ithaca College offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to students in programs leading to a master’s degree in adolescence education, agriculture education, art education, childhood education, exercise and sport sciences, occupational therapy, music, speech-language pathology, and speech-language pathology (teaching). 

Applying for an Assistantship

Typically, graduate assistantships are awarded for both the fall and spring semesters of each academic year. However, if funds are available, graduate assistantships may also be awarded during the summer sessions. Please consult your specific graduate program for all queries regarding the assistantship application, submission deadlines, and recommendations.

Deadlines for Completing Assistantship Applications

Deadlines for completing assistantship applications vary by the graduate program and may be due earlier than the deadline for application to the program. Please consult the Graduate and Professional Studies Website or your specific graduate program for all queries regarding the assistantship application, submission deadlines, and recommendations.

Tuition, Scholarship, Graduate Appointment Salary

A graduate assistantship normally consists of two parts -- a scholarship and a taxable work-related salary. The graduate appointment salary will be paid through the College payroll system on a biweekly basis. The salary will not be paid until the student has completed the W-4 and I-9 forms, which will be available through the Office of Human Resources. The recommendation for a graduate assistantship originates with the respective graduate chair and is approved by the school dean responsible for the student's graduate program.

Assistantship Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of each graduate assistant are arranged and supervised by the appropriate school or department. An average of up to 15 hours per week is normally required to fulfill a graduate assistant’s assigned duties on a full assistantship.

Credit and Load Requirements

Credit Limitations

Students must register for a minimum of 6 credits each semester during the academic year to maintain an assistantship (3 credits in the summer). Students with assistantships may take a maximum of 12 credits per semester. Exceptions should be requested in writing by the graduate program chair and require the approval of the school dean responsible for the student’s graduate program.

Full-Time Study

A full-time graduate student is defined as one who takes 9 credits per regular semester. During the summer, enrollment with 5 credits is considered full-time.