Graduate Instructional Assistantships

A Graduate Instructional Assistantship (GIA) at Minnesota State Moorhead provides hands-on experience supporting teaching and learning in academic programs.

These positions are ideal for students interested in teaching, research, or academic careers.

Graduate Instructional Assistants work closely with faculty and students while building skills in instruction, communication, and subject-area expertise.

Not interested in teaching?
Explore Administrative Graduate Assistantships.

Jump to: What You’ll Do | Is This Right for You? | Application Steps | Frequently Asked Questions

What You'll Do

Instructional GAs support faculty and students through a variety of academic activities:

• Assist with course instruction and delivery
• Lead labs, discussions, or review sessions
• Support grading and assessment
• Hold office hours or tutoring sessions
• Provide academic support in high-impact courses

Is This Right for You?

This assistantship type is a good fit if you:

• Are interested in teaching or academia
• Enjoy working directly with students
• Want to build presentation and instructional skills
• Are considering future graduate or doctoral study

Application Steps

Fall 2026 Application Timeline

• Applications open: March 24, 2026
• Priority deadline: April 13, 2026
• Final deadline: August 1, 2026

1. Apply and gain admission to a Moorhead graduate program
2. Review our blog: How to Get Into Graduate School
3. Update your resume and cover letter
4. Complete the Graduate Instructional Assistantship Application Applications are now closed.
   Check back Spring 2027 for more Instructional GA opportunities or explore Administrative GA openings.

Applications are reviewed on a competitive basis. Early submission is encouraged.
Be sure to review application deadlines on the Graduate Assistantships page before applying.

Important Notes

• Responsibilities vary by department and course
• Positions are competitive and may be limited
• View the Graduate Assistantships page for shared benefits, eligibility, and deadlines

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about graduate instructional assistantships, including eligibility, application requirements, financial benefits, and work expectations.

Jump to a topic: Eligibility | Applying | Financial Benefits | Work Expectations | Maintaining Your Assistantship

Financial Benefits

• What are the financial benefits of a graduate assistantship?

  Selected assistants receive a tuition waiver for up to 6 credits per semester (excluding summer) plus a stipend of $2,500 per semester (excluding summer).

• Can I also receive stipends from other offices on campus?

  No. The stipend and tuition waiver cannot be stacked with other funding offers.

• Can this award affect my financial aid package?

  Please consult with the Office of Scholarship and Financial Aid to discuss with the team how accepting this will impact your financial aid package.

• Is the stipend taxable?

  Yes. The stipend is taxable since it is considered income.

• Can I use the university's services if my fees are waived?

  Yes. All campus services and resources are available to all students regardless of their tuition funding.

• Can I use my tuition waiver later in my program?

  No. You must use your waiver during the semester when you begin working as a graduate assistant.

Eligibility

• Who is eligible to apply for these awards?

  Any graduate student who fulfills the requirements below:

  • Admitted to a graduate degree program
  • Enrolled in at least 6 credits
  • Active or newly admitted graduate student
  • In good academic standing
• Can I apply if I’m an international student?

  Yes. International students may apply.

• Do I need to fill out my FAFSA?

  To be eligible for the GA program, filling out the FAFSA is a requirement for domestic students only.

• Are assistantships available for online students?

  Yes. Depending on the needs of the instructor, they may have work that can be done remotely. You will indicate your program’s delivery mode in the application.

Applying for an Assistantship

• How can I apply?

  Please read the detailed instructions and complete the Graduate Student Application Form.

• When do I apply?

  The application opens on March 23. The priority deadline to apply is April 6. Assistantships will be distributed based on available funding. We encourage early application.

• What documents must be submitted with my application?

  Your application must include a resume and undergraduate (unofficial) transcript. No application will be considered without these documents.

• Is there an interview required?

  Yes. Every department will conduct interviews with candidates to gauge potential alignment with the student’s experience, interests, and tasks related to specific undergraduate courses.

• How are graduate assistants selected?

  Faculty will select graduate assistants based on a combination of their experience and ability to meet the needs of the department and courses.

Work Expectations

• What work will I expect to do?

  Graduate assistants for large class sections will be expected to assist with the following tasks:

  • Grading assignments
  • Managing discussion boards
  • Proctoring exams
  • Supporting students' questions
  • Tutoring students who seek added support
  • Other support duties assigned by the course instructor
• How many hours am I expected to work?

  The estimated time commitment is 20 hours per week.

• Can I add more hours of work?

  There is a limit of 20 hours per week during the school year.

Maintaining Your Assistantship

• Is this award renewable?

  Yes, but eligibility will be reviewed at the end of every term.

• What if I withdraw from all my classes?

  Since class enrollment is a requirement for eligibility, you are no longer eligible for graduate assistantships if your credit registration falls below 6 credits.

• What happens if I take a leave of absence?

  If you take a leave of absence, you are no longer eligible to be a graduate assistant and need to reapply upon returning to school.

• What happens if I defer the program to a later time?

  You need to reapply upon returning to school.

• I am in the last semester of my program. When does my assistantship end?

  The last day of classes is your last day of duties.