Opportunities for Graduate Students

Step 1: Confirm your interest and join the applicant pool

• New students: Apply through the “Next Steps” tab in your application portal. Once submitted, your application will be added to the applicant pool for departments that are hiring.
• Continuing students: Email gradstudentservices@montclair.edu to confirm your interest.

Step 2: Reach out to your department for available opportunities

• Reach out to your program contact or department chair to ask about potential assistantship opportunities, as each department handles the interview and selection process directly.
• When reaching out, it can be helpful to include an updated resume, a brief personal statement and a recommendation letter.

Please note: Assistantships are competitive, and availability varies by program, department, and funding.

Students must meet the following criteria:

1. Minimum 3.0 GPA for master’s students.
2. Minimum 3.2 GPA for doctoral students.
3. Generally must be fully admitted to a graduate degree program. Non-degree students and students exclusively in certificate programs are not eligible for assistantships.
4. Currently enrolled in at least 9 credits for full-time masters-level graduate assistantships, or 6 credits for part-time masters-level graduate assistantships.
5. Masters students are eligible for up to 4 semesters of Graduate Center funding.
6. Doctoral students are eligible for up to 8 semesters of Graduate Center funding.
7. The Graduate Center will evaluate exceptions to the semester limits on a case by case basis, with priority for masters students in degree programs exceeding 40 graduate-level credits.
8. Graduate Assistants (GA) and Doctoral Assistants (DA) may not work more than 20 hours per week. If a student holds another position, it may impact their eligibility.

Step 1: Watch your email for open micro-internship opportunities

• When micro-internship applications are open, The Graduate Center will share opportunities with eligible graduate students by email and through our website.
• The email will include a list of available projects, along with details such as the department, project description, expected hours, stipend amount and application instructions.

Step 2: Review the available projects

• Read through the list of opportunities carefully to determine which projects align with your interests, experience, schedule and career goals.
• Each micro-internship is different, so be sure to review the expectations for each opportunity before applying.

Step 3: Apply to each opportunity individually

• Students must apply separately for each micro-internship they are interested in. Applying to one opportunity does not automatically place you in consideration for all available projects.
• When applying, you should include an updated resume and a brief statement explaining why you are interested in the project and how your experience connects to the role.

Step 4: Wait for follow-up from the hiring department

• Each department reviews applications and selects candidates directly. If you are selected to move forward, the department may contact you for an interview or additional information.

Students must meet the following criteria:

1. Are currently matriculated in a graduate degree program or a fully graduate-level certificate program.
2. Are in good academic standing, with:
   1. A GPA of 3.0 or higher for master’s and graduate certificate students.
   2. A GPA of 3.2 or higher for doctoral students.
3. Are enrolled in fully graduate-level courses, numbered 500 or higher, at the time the application is submitted.
4. Have at least 3 credits of program requirements, at the 500 level or higher, remaining as of the start date of the internship.
5. Have already earned their bachelor’s degree, if enrolled in a combined Bx/Mx program.
6. Are not enrolled in a certificate or credential program that includes undergraduate-level courses, numbered 100–400.
7. Are not currently receiving financial support as a Graduate Assistant, Doctoral Assistant or Doctoral Teaching Fellow, regardless of the number of weekly service hours.
8. Are not currently employed by the University in any capacity, including as full-time staff, part-time staff or temporary employees.

Note: Make sure to review any program preferences listed on each micro-internship posting. These preferences are not required to apply, but meeting them may strengthen the application and increase eligibility for that role.

Students are invited to apply for Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL) by The Graduate Center.

Invitations are emailed to eligible students twice per year. Once invited, students must complete the application and submit all required materials by the deadline listed in the invitation.

Please note that an invitation to apply does not guarantee membership. Membership is highly competitive, and applications are reviewed before students are formally admitted.

Newly admitted members are recognized at an induction ceremony, typically held in the fall semester. Each initiate receives lifetime membership in AEL, along with a lapel pin, honor cord and certificate.

Students may be eligible for Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL) if they meet the following criteria:

• Are actively matriculated in a graduate degree program.
• Have successfully completed 18 graduate credits.
• Have achieved academic standing in the top 20th percentile of their college or school.
• Have demonstrated leadership through on-campus or off-campus involvement while a graduate student.

Please note that membership is highly competitive. For the most recently inducted members, the average cumulative GPA was 3.947, calculated using only courses at the 500 level or higher.

Selection processes vary by college. Contact your dean’s office to ask about current openings, the selection process and the term of service.

Student representatives should be able to:

• Attend monthly Council meetings
• Review materials before meetings and contribute to discussion
• Gather input from graduate students in their college.
• Share relevant Council updates with the students they represent

Your college or school may have additional requirements and expectations.

Submit the application and required supporting materials at least one month before travel. Do not assume an expense is approved until you receive a decision. Students should keep itemized receipts and follow the reimbursement instructions provided with the award.

• Open to graduate students in good standing
• Master’s students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Doctoral students must have a GPA of 3.2 or higher
• You must be the presenting author at the conference, or traveling to conduct research for your thesis, dissertation, or capstone
• Reimbursement of up to $300
• Students may receive this award up to three times during their graduate career
• Students may receive the award no more than once per semester

Please Note

• Incomplete applications will not be reviewed
• This award provides partial support and may not cover the full cost of travel
• Students should plan accordingly, as they may not receive the full amount needed for travel

Submit a proposal that explains the purpose, audience, format, proposed date, partners, logistics and estimated budget. Apply before making purchases, signing agreements or promising funds to a speaker or vendor.

• You must be a currently enrolled Montclair State University graduate student.
• The proposed event must be designed primarily for Montclair graduate students.
• You must be prepared to organize the event from start to finish, including the budget, logistics, coordination, setup and day-of operations. If you have an idea but don't have the time, use our event suggestion form instead.
• The proposal must be submitted at least four weeks before an online event or six weeks before an in-person event requiring space, materials or supplies.
• Funding requests may not exceed $5,000 and must include an itemized budget with a clear justification for each expense.
• The event and any related expenses or communications must receive Graduate Center approval before arrangements, purchases or promotion can begin.

Eligibility varies by funding opportunity. Review the individual grant or award details to confirm whether graduate students may apply and whether a faculty mentor, program approval or other University sponsor is required.

Review the individual grant or award application instructions for required materials, deadlines and submission steps. Contact OSP when University review or approval is required before submitting an application.

The symposium is open to all current Montclair State University graduate students. Individual and interdisciplinary projects are welcome, and proposals that explore issues across multiple fields are encouraged.

Review the symposium submission instructions for proposal requirements, deadlines and poster guidelines. Selected participants must prepare a single poster and be available during the session to discuss their project and answer questions.

Handshake is the University’s career platform for discovering on- and off-campus jobs, internships, and networking opportunities. Make sure to check the eligibility criteria includes graduate students.

• Access Handshake with your NetID to explore current opportunities.

The Montclair State University Human Resources website lists full-time, part-time, and staff positions available across the University. Graduate students and alumni may find additional employment opportunities posted through the University’s official job portal.

• Explore current job openings through Montclair’s Human Resources website.