At present, the majority of current students hold Graduate Assistantships that provide tuition reimbursement and a stipend!
See current student assistantship placements
The university has a limited number of teaching and graduate assistantships which are highly competitive. The Department of Graduate Psychology has assistantships available for psychology students, including the Test Library, undergraduate teaching support, and administrative support. Many students find assistantships in other departments and divisions across campus.
Graduate assistants (GA) may assist faculty members in preparing for instruction, in conducting classes and tutoring. Other duties assumed by GA's may include: grading papers, conducting research and library work, maintaining the test library, and assisting program coordinators. GA's work 20 hours a week, carry a course load of nine to twelve credit hours of study, and must be enrolled in a degree program. Teaching assistants (TA) are expected to instruct six credit hours of course work per year. TA's carry a course load of six to nine credit hours of study and must be enrolled in a degree program.
Applicants should have overall undergraduate records of "B" or higher. Application forms are available online at the JMU Joblink site. TA's and GA's are available in other departments, and other forms of financial aid can be explored with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships located in Warren Hall. Students need to apply each year that they wish to have a GA/TA and may maintain the position in the Department of Graduate Psychology for no more than two years. If students wish to obtain additional employment while holding a GA/TA, discussion with the Program Director should occur to ensure that all responsibilities can be maintained.
Fellowships may be available for those without a graduate assistantship. A Financial Aid Form (FAF) form must be on file at the JMU Financial Aid Office before applying for a fellowship. Fellowship applications are available at the graduate office and are due before the first day of classes each semester.
Scholarships for School Psychology Students
Dr. David P. and Helen H. Hanson Scholarship Endowment in the Department of Graduate Psychology
An endowed scholarship was established by Helen H. Hanson. To be named a Hanson Scholar, the recipient must be a full-time student in Graduate Psychology, with primary interest in School Psychology, who is in good academic standing and demonstrates financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. It is intended for one student to receive this scholarship per year until the scholarship is endowed, at which time it can be awarded to more than one student. The scholarship is renewable as long as the student continues to meet the criteria. Recipients will be selected at the discretion of the Head of the Department of Graduate Psychology following the University's guidelines for the awarding of scholarships.
Ashton Trice Scholarship Endowment for Graduate Psychology
An endowed scholarship established by Dr. Ashton D. Trice in memory of his father, O. Ashton Trice. This endowment will provide funds annually to support student(s) who have completed the first year of their graduate program in School Psychology. The recipient(s) will be the qualifying student(s) with the highest GPA. If the highest GPA is shared by two or more students, the School Psychology program coordinator, in consultation with the faculty, will select the recipient from the eligible candidates. The scholarship decisions will be made in a manner determined at the discretion of the Department Head for Graduate Psychology.
