What is the Graduate Assistantship Program?

Graduate Assistantships (“GAships”) are paid, part-time positions, open to Penn GSE Master’s students. The GA Program is managed by Penn GSE Higher Education (HE) Programs. 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, and St. Joe’s University 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.