Graduate assistantships offer domestic and international students the opportunity to gain professional experience, build new skills, and earn income while pursuing their degree.
Assistantships are available across the College of Communication and may involve teaching support, research assistance, administrative projects, student services, media production, career services, and more.
Because opportunities vary from semester to semester, no two assistantships are exactly alike — but all provide valuable hands-on experience within the COM community.
Assistantships are paid positions and are separate from COM merit scholarships. They do not include tuition remission.
Who is eligible?
Graduate assistantships are available to qualified incoming and returning students.
Some newly admitted students may receive an assistantship offer as part of their admission package. In these cases, the assistantship is guaranteed, although the specific assignment may not be finalized until the summer or the start of the semester.
Many additional assistantships are filled during the weeks leading up to the start of classes, in the first few weeks of the semester, and throughout the academic year.
International students are welcome to apply for assistantships. Students who are new to the United States may be asked to complete one semester of study before being considered for certain positions.
To be employed by Boston University, students must have a valid US Social Security number. International students may apply for a Social Security number after arriving in the United States.
What kinds of assistantships are available?
Assistantships vary widely and may include:
- Teaching and classroom support
- Faculty research assistance
- Media production and creative projects
- Film and television production support
- Career services and student success initiatives
- COM Writing Center
- Administrative and office support
Some positions require specialized skills or previous experience, while others provide on-the-job training.
In addition to assistantships within COM, enrolled students may pursue other on-campus employment opportunities through Boston University’s Student Employment Office, Fitness and Recreation Center, and Residence Life.
How many students receive assistantships?
Approximately 45% of COM graduate students work in at least one assistantship position during a typical semester.
Because opportunities vary by department and academic year, assistantships cannot be guaranteed for all students.
How many hours can I work?
Graduate assistantships are considered on-campus employment.
Under federal regulations, students may work a maximum of 20 hours/week across all on-campus positions. If you hold more than one position at BU, your combined hours cannot exceed this limit.
How much do assistantships pay?
Assistantships currently pay between $20 and $23 per hour.
Students are paid through BU’s payroll system and receive compensation throughout the semester.
What happens after I receive an assistantship?
Once selected, students will receive instructions from their department or supervisor regarding onboarding and employment paperwork.
New assistants are typically required to complete:
- Assistantship contract
- Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form)
- Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate (W-4 Form)
Once these documents are complete, the payroll coordinator will authorize your employment.
Most assistantships continue for the full academic year, although some positions are semester-based. Students must submit a new assistantship contract at the beginning of each semester.
Looking for an assistantship?
Students are automatically considered for certain assistantships during the admission process, while additional opportunities become available throughout the academic year.
Open positions are typically shared through academic departments, faculty members, and COM student communications.
Because assistantship opportunities vary from semester to semester, we encourage students to remain engaged and apply for positions as they become available.
Questions? Contact your academic department or the Graduate Affairs team (comgrad@bu.edu) – we’re happy to help.