Graduate Assistantships in the MEd in Curriculum and Teaching

The School of Inclusive Teacher Education Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching program awards some graduate assistantships for full-time study each academic year through a competitive process that is described here. A graduate assistantship includes a stipend and may also include a tuition scholarship. Graduate assistantships may be either teaching- or research-focused. The process includes submission of a short essay, a current resume, contacts for three professional references, and participation in a brief online interview. The annual application deadline is January 15. Students admitted to the program begin in the fall semester.

What is a tuition scholarship?

A scholarship provides tuition funding for graduate students pursuing an advanced degree. The tuition scholarship may cover most of the instructional and non-resident fees (tuition), but students are responsible for all other fees. Summer tuition scholarships are not guaranteed and are dependent upon the annual budgetary allocations.  

What is a work stipend?

Full-time graduate students may also apply to receive a stipend for working 10-20 hours per week at the university while pursuing the degree. Twenty hours per week is considered a full-time stipend for a full-time student and pays $11,000 annually. Those who are awarded a work stipend are required to attend the Graduate Student Orientation in August. International students are only permitted to work on campus and may not exceed 20 hours per week beyond the work stipend. Although domestic students are limited to a maximum of 20 hours as a graduate assistant, they may work an additional 8 hours on campus through student employment. Students search for and secure those positions on their own.  

What are the fees beyond tuition?

To calculate your full cost of attendance, please refer to the graduate fee calculator here: https://www.bgsu.edu/bursar/calculate-your-cost-of-attendance/graduate-calculator.html

The calculator is based on 2023-2024 tuition and fees rates; rates for 2024-2025 will be set by the Board of Trustees in 2024 and are subject to change.  

• General Fee: Choose Main Campus

• Credit Hours: Enter 9

• Residency: Choose Ohio Resident, Non-resident (for U.S. students from other states), or International Student

• Health Insurance: International students should select Plan 1; Domestic students should select Plan 1 unless they qualify for the waiver (requires coverage by another health insurance plan)

• Graduate Admission Fee: Select Yes (required only during first semester of the program)

• Meal Plan: Not required, choose plan only if you want one

• Parking Permit: Required only if you plan to park on campus

• BG1 Card: Needed (purchased only in the first semester)

Completing this calculator will show the total cost for the semester. Entering the amount of the scholarship award will deduct those costs from your total. An installment plan is available to spread the total cost into four payments.  

Every student must have insurance, and for international students, that means purchasing university health insurance. Domestic students must purchase either university health insurance or provide evidence that they are covered by another health insurance plan.  

International students should note the International Student Service Fee ($50 per semester) and the International Orientation Fee ($100 for the first semester only).  

Before accepting a graduate assistantship and/or tuition scholarship, applicants must submit an acknowledgment of the cost calculator estimate. Students are expected to have a laptop computer with current word processing software and Internet access.  

Eligibility Requirements:

• Completed undergraduate studies in an education-related field 

• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or a minimum of nine graduate credits with a 3.0 average in those courses

• One to two years’ teaching experience or a teaching license either complete or expected prior to the start of fall classes

Required skills and dispositions for all positions include: 

• Excellent spoken and written communication skills in English;

• Willingness to learn and ask questions for clarity; 

• Strong work ethic and willingness to be flexible; 

• Time management and organizational skills; 

• Competency in basic computer technologies; 

• Ability to work independently when assigned specific tasks:

• Additional requirements for each position as noted.

What do graduate assistants do? Types of Graduate Assistantships

Research Assistant (RA1):   Perform research that is related to the student’s field of study (e.g., dissertation topic).  Some portion of the hours spent on research is attributable as university work, but those research responsibilities are related to their academic program.  The research responsibilities performed are under the direct supervision of and collaboration with faculty.  Depending on the discipline or field, the research experience could take place in laboratories; field-based settings; clinical locations; or other academic environments necessary to the research methodology.  Duties vary by discipline and program, but generally include experimentation; data collection, entry and analysis; literature searches; manuscript assistance; attendance at conferences to present results; and training and supervising less experienced research personnel.

Research Assistant (RA2):  Participate in applied research activities that are related to the student’s field of study.  The hours spent on applied conceptualization of their field is attributable as university work, but still related to their academic program.  This applied experience is performed under the direct supervision of either faculty or university professionals working in the student’s field of interest.  Depending on the discipline or field, the professional experience could take place in laboratories; field-based settings; clinical locations; or other university environments necessary to the application of the field of interest.  Duties vary by discipline and program but could include field-based learning derived from interactions with clients, professionals, students, and other participants; data organization; and training and supervising less experienced personnel.

Teaching Assistant (TA): Teaching Assistants are assigned to one or more faculty to assist them with instructional responsibilities for a course that is related to their field of study.  The faculty for whom they are assisting take on a supervisory role.  Teaching Assistant responsibilities vary by discipline and program, but normally include one or all the following: grading assignments and examinations; administering/proctoring tests or exams; maintaining the online class management system (e.g., Canvas); and collecting and organizing class records and data.   

Teaching Associate (TI): Teaching Associate is that of an instructor. The form of instruction may include any of the following: the sole instructor of record for a section of a class; leader of discussion or recitation section of a course; or supervisor of instruction and tutoring in a lab.  Without these individuals, the course, discussion group or lab could not function.  While Teaching Associates are supervised by a faculty member or academic administrator, their primary responsibility is to carry out their own teaching, guidance, and tutoring with students and not assist faculty with their teaching.  Teaching assignments must be in or closely aligned with the TI’s field of study.

Bowling Green State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How to apply for a Graduate Assistantship:

If you have not done so already, complete the Graduate College Application for Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching Program

• One set of official transcripts from all institutions attended
• Official copy of test scores (Praxis II PLT, OR GRE, OR OAE Pedagogy)

If you are interested in a graduate assistantship in the MEd in Curriculum and Teaching, contact Dr. Nancy Patterson at ncpatte@bgsu.edu.