Click here to apply for a graduate assistantship.
An essential component of graduate training in student affairs and higher education is gaining hands-on experience. At MSU, the higher education graduate program faculty collaborates with the Division of Student Affairs to provide a wide variety of graduate assistantship (GA) opportunities. These roles span key student-services areas, such as:
- Residential Life
- Campus Activities
- Student Leadership
- Fraternity & Sorority Life
- Career Services
- Athletic Academics
- And many more!
GA experiences not only enrich classroom discussions by connecting theory to practice but also equip our students with a competitive edge in the job market. Additionally, GA positions offer practical benefits like a stipend and tuition remission, helping to offset the costs of graduate education.
While a GA position is not required for enrollment in MSU's master's program, most students hold a GA position throughout the two-year program. Exceptions are occasionally made for students working full-time at local colleges or universities.
Important Note: The Graduate Admission and Graduate Assistantship processes operate independently of one another.
- Admission to the program does not guarantee a GA position.
- A GA offer does not guarantee admission to the program.
We strongly encourage candidates to apply for both early to ensure that decisions are made around the same time.
Student Affairs Insight Days
Applicants to the M.S. in Student Affairs & Higher Education and Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership programs who are interested in graduate assistantships should complete two separate applications and register for SA Insight Days by February 1 to meet the Priority Deadline:
- Submit an application to MSU's Graduate School for admission into the program.
- Submit an application to the Division of Student Affairs to be considered for Graduate Assistantship interviews.
- Register for SA Insight Days where you will interview for graduate assistantships.
GA Interview Process:
Each spring, interviews for Graduate Assistantships are conducted during Student Affairs (SA) Insight Days, a two-day event for applicants.
This year's Insight Days activities will take place:
On-Site/Face-to-Face: February 6-7, 2025
We hope to meet you at SA Insight Days and introduce you to a campus and community that will, no doubt, impress. We are excited at the prospect of having you join us for a dynamic graduate school experience in Starkville, MS.
Please direct additional inquiries about SA Insight Days to:
Dr. Jason K. Wallace
Assistant Professor
Higher Education Leadership Graduate Programs
Department of CHEF (Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology, & Foundations)
E-mail: jkw481@msstate.edu