Student Employment Opportunities
Internships and Co-op Opportunities
CMU encourages internship and co-op experiences for graduate students. By definition, an internship is a requirement of a student's program of study, while a co-op experience enhances but is not required for the program. Both require that the student perform services related to the student's area of study. The service is generally provided to an agency or business outside of CMU's control, and pay levels generally reflect the graduate student's advanced standing. For information on internship or co-op opportunities, students should contact their academic department.
CMU Student Employment Programs
Students may work 50 hours per pay period during the academic year and 80 hours per pay period during the summer semester (international students may work only 20 per week during the academic year). However, students are here primarily to complete their degree program and often work to help cover the associated expenses. The need for some students to be employed for a greater number of hours should not compromise their progress toward the fulfillment of their degree requirements.
Work Study. CMU participates in the Federal College Work Study (FWS) Program. This program requires that the student be enrolled in at least 5 credits in a graduate program of study.
Eligibility is based on financial need. Therefore, to qualify for work study, students must demonstrate financial need by completing the FAFSA form and if requested, by submitting verification materials (e.g., income tax returns) to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Contact the financial aid office for more specific information.
Eligibility for work study does not guarantee employment. Pay rates are commensurate with job duties and skills. Any student participating in the FWS program is told the maximum amount he/she can earn during the academic year, from this program. Once students have earned the amount for which they are eligible, it is for the employing department to determine if students will remain employed and paid from another funding source. (See GSA below.)
General Student Assistance Employment Opportunities. General Student Assistance (GSA) provides an opportunity for campus offices to hire undergraduate and graduate students regardless of the students' financial need. The demand for these positions exceeds the supply, so pay levels may not be attractive to graduate students.
There is no limit to the amount of GSA money a student can earn in a year. Graduate students should check with their own departments and with the Student Employment Office in the Bovee University Center regarding GSA opportunities.
Off-Campus Employment. Students are free to seek employment off campus with no interference from the university. Students are welcome to view off-campus job postings on the Student Employment Services website. (International students should contact the Office of International Affairs to determine eligibility for off-campus employment.)