Become a Graduate Assistant at the University of Denver
At the University of Denver (DU), we help graduate students excel by creating employment opportunities that advance their professional development and help mitigate the cost of their graduate degree.
We proudly offer graduate assistantships to eligible students so they can partner with our world-class faculty and provide support in foundational undergraduate courses and labs.
Each quarter, more than 550 students work as graduate assistants (GTAs) and receive departmental support from 35 programs. Our graduate assistants help DU thrive and make a lasting impact on our undergraduate students.
Want to learn more about what it’s like to work as a graduate assistant? Reach out to DU’s Office of Graduate Education.
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What Do Graduate Assistants Do?
Graduate assistants are essential to the success of our DU’s undergraduate programs, faculty research projects, and the larger academic community.
We offer three distinct types of graduate assistantship programs: Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs), Graduate Service Assistants (GSAs), and Graduate Research Associates (GRAs). Job responsibilities and expectations vary based on your type of graduate assistant position and your academic department.
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Graduate Teaching Assistant
Our GTAs play a crucial role in undergraduate classes and labs. They support professors by tutoring, proctoring exams, leading in-class discussions, evaluating student work, and more. Their partnership with faculty and students creates a cohesive and inclusive learning experience while building their pedagogical skills.
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Graduate Service Assistants
Working as a GSA involves a range of responsibilities that extend beyond the classroom. Students in GSA positions work alongside departments and fulfill project-based or administrative duties, event coordination, publication or social media work, and other vital University functions. These roles help students polish their professional skills, gain real-world work experience, and connect with the on-campus community.
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Graduate Research Associates
For those students who gravitate toward investigation and discovery, GRA positions provide a platform to collaborate with DU’s faculty and engage in groundbreaking research projects. From working in labs to writing scholarly articles for publication, the GRA roles enhance students’ academic pursuits and contribute to DU’s reputation for research excellence.
Why Work as a Graduate Assistant?
Working as a graduate assistant at DU creates a pathway to professional and personal growth and helps manage the expenses incurred while pursuing your graduate degree. For your work, you receive a monthly stipend and tuition waiver and may also qualify for a health insurance scholarship.
In addition to the teaching, research, or project-based skills gained, you also strengthen your interpersonal communication, ability to collaborate, time management, leadership, and other soft skills developed through practical experience. With the strong foundation you build, you can thrive in your future career endeavors.
Graduate Assistantship Requirements
While specific eligibility requirements vary based on the type of assistantship and the academic department, applicants must be in good academic standing to qualify. Additionally, students working as a GTA, GSA, or GRA cannot hold a work-study or full-time staff role.
Please connect with your academic department to learn more about the required qualifications for a position.
Can International Students Work as Graduate Assistants?
Yes, our commitment to diversity extends to our graduate assistantship programs by encouraging applications from international students. Our students from abroad enrich the academic community with unique experiences and perspectives.
In addition to meeting program-specific requirements, international students or students whose native language is not English who wish to be considered for any graduate teaching assistantship must demonstrate fluency in spoken English by scoring:
- A minimum of 26 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) exam speaking section;
- A minimum of 8 on the IELTS exam speaking section or
- A minimum of 200 is required on the C1 Advanced exam speaking section.
Please review more in-depth requirements for international or non-native English speakers. Or, connect with DU’s International Student & Scholar Services to learn more.
Apply to Work as a DU Graduate Assistant
Ready to take the next step in your academic and professional journey? Apply to become a graduate assistant at the University of Denver!
You can find available graduate teaching, service, or research assistantship opportunities on your academic department's website or by talking to departmental staff or faculty. They can guide you through the application process and help jump-start your DU career.
We look forward to having you work alongside our faculty and staff and to the meaningful impact you’ll make on our vibrant academic community.