The Division of Student Affairs at Mississippi State University’s mission is to engage all students through programs, services, facilities and activities that promote active citizenship, learning, well-being and success. We extend this commitment to our graduate students by providing them real-world experience in their chosen career paths.
We offer graduate assistantships (GAs) to support our graduate students financially. In exchange, they work part-time in roles related to teaching, research or administration. Our GAs — located both within the Division and in affiliated offices across campus — primarily focus on administrative positions that align with our mission of engaging all students through various initiatives.
All current and prospective full-time graduate students who meet the Mississippi State University’s Graduate School requirements can apply for a GA. Students who demonstrate specific skills, expertise or background related to the position, those enrolled in a program specifically related to the work required of that GA position (e.g., Student Affairs & Higher Education, Counselor Education, Kinesiology) may receive additional consideration.
The specifics — expectations, requirements, financial awards and contract terms (e.g., 9, 10, or 12 months) — for each GA vary depending on the office. Please review the job descriptions posted below to understand each position's details before submitting an application.
To apply for one or more of the positions, please click the "Apply Here" button to the right and submit a cover letter, résumé, contact information for three references and details related to your anticipated/current graduate program. In addition, please specify the types of GAs you are interested in.
We accept GA applications year-round. However, reviews take place if and when positions become available. Check the GA availability next to the relevant job description, which we update throughout the academic year. Many GA positions turn over after spring commencement, so the best time to apply is in the spring semester for a summer or fall start date. Offices will contact you directly if they are interested in your credentials.
Please note that the graduate program admission process at MSU is separate from the GA application process. Application materials are not shared between academic programs and the Division of Student Affairs. Admission to a graduate program does not guarantee a GA offer and vice versa. Individual students must follow each process separately in accordance with relevant policies and procedures.
MSU offers two graduate programs potentially related to GA opportunities in the Division of Student Affairs. The Master of Science in Student Affairs and Higher Education (SAHE) focuses on career preparation for individuals who seek entry-level jobs in college/university settings as professional student affairs administrators. The PhD in Higher Education leadership is designed for individuals with previous graduate credentials and work experience related to college/university leadership seeking promotion into executive level college/university leadership or research/faculty opportunities in the academic field of higher education.
Click the following link for more information or to apply for the SAHE graduate program: www.chef.msstate.edu/programs/grad/student-affarirs-higher-ed.