Students in the MA in Higher Education Leadership (MAHE) program are offered a variety of professional development and learning opportunities. Students can apply for paid part-time Graduate Assistantships at USD in higher education or at other local universities. Full-time working students typically enroll in courses on a part-time basis.
Program Highlights
classroom environments that engage a broad range of human capabilities and have a transformative effect on students while enhancing leadership skills and abilities
cutting-edge and relevant leadership training for the real world
development of a distinctive character and value system, which emphasizes meaning, purpose, generosity, authenticity, ethical behavior and initiative-taking
personalized attention from university administrators
- Student Affairs/SOLES Collaborative (SASC)
- Graduate Campus Assistantship (GCA)
- Off-Campus Graduate Assistantship
Student Affairs/SOLES Collaborative (SASC) is for those who aspire to work in student affairs and other areas of higher education. It is an integrated program that includes the development of an individualized learning and leadership plan and a graduate assistantship within various areas of the university.
Please note that available positions differ each year and not all positions will be available each year.
Eligibility
Applicants should be currently enrolled or newly admitted MA in Higher Education Leadership students in good standing.
Compensation
An hourly wage of $17 for 20 hours a week for up to 48 weeks per year, for a maximum of two years. $32,640 (pre-tax) is the maximum amount a SASC graduate assistant can earn over a two-year appointment.
$10,000 tuition scholarship for incoming students in the 2022-23 academic year. Please note, that positions in Residential life may offer room and board in lieu of this scholarship. Please verify this before accepting a position.
One year appointment with the possibility of re-appointment for one additional year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Graduate assistants work approximately 20 hours per week. Actual hours will vary by position but are typically between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. with some nights and weekends.
Responsibilities will vary by position. Examples of professional development and applied learning opportunities include, but are not limited to: program coordination and management, direct advising of students, training/teaching experience, university committee service, training and programming in diversity and inclusion, research and assessment, participation in training and various international learning opportunities.
This first step is to apply for the MA in Higher Education Leadership. Admitted students will apply and interview at the campus visit for admitted students each February. Virtual interviews will be granted for those unable to attend. Apply through your response to the invitation for the campus visit. The hiring process for each academic year takes place in the spring.
As positions become available, the Off-Campus and USD Administration Graduate Assistantship postings will be updated, and applications will be made directly to the hiring offices.
Yes, but you may only hold one graduate assistantship at a time. If you receive multiple offers you will need to choose one position.
Yes, contracts are renewable for up to two years.