Graduate Assistantships
A graduate assistantship (GA) is an opportunity to earn a tuition waiver plus a stipend while working in a research or service-oriented capacity.
As a WCU graduate student, you can apply for a GA position in any department on campus. The Graduate School has information on the process. Available positions are posted for current students below. Please submit a cover letter and resume to bshearn@wcupa.edu along with the position/Professor for which you are applying.
The Graduate and Undergraduate Social Work Departments have a limited number of GA positions each year. Beth Shearn, Program Coordinator, manages this process.
Each spring she updates the list of open GA positions and manages the application process. Be on the lookout for an email from her with information. If you are a newly accepted student, feel free to reach out to her directly.
MSW/BSW POSITIONS for 2025-2026 Academic Year
Students may apply to any/all Graduate and Undergraduate Social Work Department positions regardless of campus affiliation.
Please click here to apply for a position.
MSW Department
Dr. Wan-Yi Chen and Dr. Kerrie Ocasio
GA Job Description for Dr. Wan-Yi Chen and Dr. Kerrie Ocasio.
2 POSITIONS AVAILABLE - This will be a 3 credit hour tuition waiver per semester to work 5 hours per week PER GRADUATE ASSISTANT.
2025-2026 GA Responsibilities Description from Drs. Kerrie Ocasio and Wan-Yi Chen:
The GA position will run concurrently to the practicum placement, such that the practicum hours and GA hours will be satisfied at the same time and will not result in any additional time. The GA funds provide an incentive for this special project and represent an opportunity to receive some funding during the practicum placement.
Possible activities for 24-25 may include assisting the practicum sites in need of program design and infrastructure support, as well as measurement and analysis development. These skills support the development of management and leadership skills for students interested in those opportunities in their careers.
A graduate assistant working with Dr Ocasio or Dr. Chen is expected to be interested in a career advancement in an organization; is able to think creatively and abstractly; has an interest in program design and evaluation; has the ability to work independently, has good communication skills, and can be on site one day a week, during regular business hours.
If you want to apply, please provide a cover letter and your resume. Please also reach out to the Practicum Office to arrange for logistics associated with this practicum arrangement.
Note: Applicants should exhibit a strong interest in program evaluation practice and must obtain approval from their practicum site to participate in the special project dedicated to evaluation capacity building as part of their practicum experience.
BSW Department
Dr. Suzen Wysor-Nguema
GA Job Description for Dr. Susan Wysor-Nguema
This is a research position for a 5hr/week graduate assistantship in exchange for 3 credits of tuition waiver. More details on this position are forthcoming.