Assistantships are paid positions awarded based on an applicant’s qualifications and the specific needs of the hiring faculty member or academic unit. Opportunities may be available within the School of Education or across other schools and departments at the University. Each assistantship is managed by the funding unit, and students must be enrolled full-time during the term of the award to remain eligible.
Types of Assistantships
Teaching Assistantships
Teaching assistantships are typically announced each spring for the coming academic year, and students are encouraged to apply to those for which they meet the minimum qualifications.
Students awarded teaching assistantships possess the following characteristics:
- a major in the content area, or previous teaching experience in the content area;
- knowledge of the public-school systems and how they function (for those courses in educator preparation programs);
- ability to communicate clearly and effectively with students in an instructional role; and
- three years of experience in teaching with an emphasis in the particular area of methodology (for student teaching supervision).
Research Assistantships
Research assistants support faculty-led projects in areas such as teacher education. Positions may be tied to specific research grants or broader initiatives within the School of Education.
Students awarded research assistantships possess the following characteristics:
- an ability to work with a research team,
- an interest in research and evaluation,
- knowledge of research methodology,
- and knowledge of and skill in the use of computers.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistants typically support the general operations of program or project offices. These roles may involve administrative tasks, event coordination, or other office-based responsibilities that contribute to the day-to-day functioning of academic or research units.
Students awarded graduate assistantships possess the following characteristics:
- the ability to learn procedures quickly in an office setting;
- skill in typing, filing, and other general office tasks;
- good communication skills and ability to communicate well with faculty, students, staff, and the general public;
- project management and,
- for some positions, knowledge of and skill in computer use and applications and editing and proofreading skills.
How to Apply for an Assistantship
Assistantships are offered based on the needs of the hiring faculty member or academic unit and are posted as positions become available. Qualified students may be considered for assistantship roles by program coordinators, faculty committees, or principal investigators overseeing grant-funded projects.
Open positions are typically shared through student listservs, program coordinators, and individual faculty members. The UNC Graduate School also maintains the grad_funding listserv, which regularly distributes funding opportunities to graduate students.
Sign up for the grad_funding listserv »
Have Questions?
The Graduate Funding Information Center (GFIC) also provides assistance to current and prospective UNC-Chapel Hill graduate students in identifying funding sources for research and study.