Funding Opportunities

Chatham provides several ways to help fund your graduate degree. The resources on this page will guide you through the various funding opportunities available to students.

Falk School of Sustainability

The following scholarships are available on a competitive basis to students applying to the Falk School graduate programs for full-time enrollment in the 2022-2023 academic year:

  • Three full scholarships, covering 42 credits of tuition (currently $42,672)
  • Six partial scholarships, covering 21 credits of tuition (currently $21, 336) 

Selection for these awards will be based on materials submitted with the student’s admission application. No additional application form is required.

The priority application deadline for scholarships in the Falk School of Sustainability is February 1. Scholarship award recipients will be notified by mid-March.

Note: Students who receive a scholarship will not be eligible for any other Graduate Assistantship, tuition remission program, or reduced tuition rates offered by the University. However, a student may hold both a scholarship and an on-campus employment position, with total work hours not to exceed 19 per week. For questions about your eligibility, please contact your admission counselor.

Graduate Assistantships provide students with the opportunity to conduct research with a faculty member, assist with teaching responsibilities, or participate in and organize departmental or campus projects. In turn, these positions offer students valuable hands-on experience, expanded learning opportunities, and professional skill development. 

Each position is worth $5,000 in remitted tuition per academic year, and students must work 10 hours per week during the academic year. (Exceptions are noted in the job descriptions.)

The majority of the positions are initially awarded for one year and may be renewed for a second year depending on the length of the graduate program, as well as academic and job performance. The maximum length of an award is two years, regardless of the length of the program in which the student is enrolled. Students must maintain full-time enrollment in the program to maintain the Graduate Assistantship award.

Note: Students who receive a Graduate Assistantship will not be eligible for any other scholarship/fellowship, tuition remission program, or reduced tuition rates offered by the University. However, a student may hold both a Graduate Assistantship and an on-campus employment position, with total work hours not to exceed 19 per week. For questions about your eligibility, please contact your admission counselor. 

The priority application deadline for Falk School Graduate Assistantship consideration is February 1. (Review of assistantship applications will continue after this deadline on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.) Graduate Assistantship award recipients will be notified by mid-March.

Apply Today

The following Graduate Assistantships are available on a competitive basis to students applying to the Falk School graduate programs for full-time enrollment for the 2022-2023 academic year:

GA positions available – Food Studies and dual degree Food Studies + MBA

Agricultural Projects Assistant

This assistant will support the food studies faculty in organizing agricultural projects for the Eden Hall Campus.

CRAFT Workshops Manager Assistant

Working with CRAFT's educational programs, this Graduate Assistant will help organize and support the weekly food workshop program along with the workshop team.

Eden Hall Agroecology Research Assistant

This assistant will work with the faculty to coordinate Chatham research projects on the Eden Hall campus. Responsibilities include (1) comparative research on the ecosystem services provided by different forms of urban to rural agriculture; (2) participatory research with community stakeholders designed to enhance the sustainability of agro-ecological systems, and (3) agro-ecological experiments at the Eden Hall Campus. Tasks include some farm and garden work in order to learn the basics of sustainable agriculture, and a summary analysis of the status of various projects at Eden Hall.

Food Innovation Lab Graduate Assistant

Working with CRAFT's Food Innovation Lab team, this Graduate Assistant will be engaged in product development, business and service planning and implementation for regional food and agricultural businesses.

Pedagogy Research Assistant

This assistant will work with the Food Studies faculty to on pedagogy and experiential learning. Work will include gathering and analyzing data on pedagogical practices; conducting literature reviews; managing logistics for research processes; and assisting with other aspects of research as needed.

Quantitative Food Shed Graduate Assistant

Working with CRAFT's quantitative research team on food shed data collection, mapping and analysis, this Graduate Assistant will focus on maintaining projects that require survey and secondary source regional food system data.

Teaching Assistantship

This individual will assist the faculty with undergraduate courses in Food, Farm & Field and International Cuisine—including teaching responsibilities, research activities, and administrative tasks. Specific responsibilities include assisting with course preparation and management; grading; assisting professors during class time; providing students with feedback outside of class time; and conducting literature reviews. There will also be opportunities to lead classes and develop course content. *Note: position involves 15 hours per week of work during the academic year, with a $9,000 remitted tuition award.

GA positions available – Sustainability and dual degree Sustainability + MBA

Aquaculture & Aquatic Ecology Graduate Assistant

The graduate assistant will support research projects and education opportunities related to the Eden Hall Aquaculture Laboratory, including: (1) food fish production and development of alternative feeds; (2) aquaponic culture systems; and (3) ecotoxicology and other ecological investigations focusing on native aquatic flora and fauna. Associated responsibilities will include regular water quality monitoring and system maintenance, food preparation and feeding, disease monitoring and control, and assistance with teaching laboratory preparation on an as-needed basis. Opportunities to develop novel research pathways leading to individual thesis or capstone projects utilizing laboratory systems and resources are available, based on student interest.

Ecology Lab Assistant (undergraduate biology lab)

This position will assistant the main instructor in the preparation, instruction, and grading for BIO248LW: Ecology Lab; assist in supervising students during the scheduled class times for the assigned laboratory course; and assist in grading the writing assignments for the students for the assigned writing-intensive laboratory course. The student selected to fill the role must be enrolled in the MSUS program and hold an undergraduate biology degree. 

Energy & Built Systems Graduate Assistant

This position will support research on the renewable energy and built systems at Eden Hall. The position will assist with furthering understanding of the built and energy systems at Eden Hall and the associated data systems and integrating the systems into classes, student projects, and research. In addition, the position may help with thinking about careers for graduates in the energy space. The position may also help with creating better procedures as faculty and partners work with campus spaces and systems.  

Graduate Assistant – Experiential Learning Partnerships

Reporting to the Falk School Director of Partnerships, this position will support (1) the development and improved coordination of academic partnerships that promote experience-based learning and community impact; (2) Falk School partnership events; (3) Falk School collaboration with groups and networks advancing sustainable careers in Pittsburgh and beyond.

Graduate Assistant – Green Buildings & Energy Systems

Reporting to the Director of Green Buildings and Energy Systems, this position will (1) support the development of a program of research and partnerships related to Eden Hall’s buildings and energy systems, (2) provide coordination and administrative support for Eden Hall’s Buildings & Systems Council; and (3) coordinate the Falk School’s Energy & Urban Track Community of Practice. 

Graduate Assistant – Natural Resources

Reporting to the Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, this position will (1) support the development of improved practices for Eden Hall’s non-built environment, including is forest and meadows, (2) provide administrative and coordination support for the Eden Hall’s Forest, Field & Farm Council, and (3) coordinate the Falk School’s Natural Resources Management Track Community of Practice.  

Graduate Assistant – Sustainable Business

This position will (1) support the redesign of the Falk School’s sustainable business program, (2) conduct research and support partnership development related to sustainable business, and (3) coordinate the Falk School’s Sustainable Business Track Community of Practice.

Sustainability Engagement Coordinator

The Sustainability Engagement Coordinator works with the campus Sustainability Office to promote and coordinate student sustainability on all three campuses. This coordinator will engage and educate members of the Chatham community to individually and collectively participate in sustainable behavior change, as well as develop, plan, and administer sustainability initiatives and events across all Chatham University’s campuses. The work of this GA will include (1) supervising and training the Eco Rep peer educators; (2) act as an advisor for student sustainability groups, and as a liaison between groups to assist with larger-scale sustainability activities at Chatham; (3) assisting with program development and implementation for the Living Learning Community at Orchard Hall; and (4) represent the Sustainability Office on several Falk School councils, including the Eden Hall Community Council.

Forester - Professional Graduate Assistant

**Position entails 19 hours per week during the calendar year, and awardee is compensated with a 50% tuition discount plus $6000 stipend

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Perform a variety of outdoor assignments, which allow the public to safely access and enjoy the Eden Hall woodlands. Duties include, but are not limited to, clearing downed trees from hiking trails and helping to remove invasive plant species. 
  • Help to promote the woodlands as an organizing focus for community development among students at Eden Hall and on all campuses of Chatham University.
  • Plan and implement community service projects and citizen engagement activities focused on trail improvement/enhancement.
  • Develop citizen science programming to involve the community in collecting, analyzing, and making conclusions about woodlands data. May involve science education and communication product content development.
  • Create and promote recreational opportunities in the woodlands.
  • Produce interpretive educational materials including signage, posters, brochure, and web content.
  • Support the creation of an Eden Hall Forest website as part of the larger site with information about all of the data collected through class activities, citizen engagement projects, etc.
  • Assist with the DCNR grant for the development of a Master Plan for Eden Hall trails and help to maintain project momentum by tracking progress toward goals and deadlines. Requires interaction with Study Committee and the landscape architect firm.
  • Collaborate with external groups like the Audubon Society, the Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Society, and others to build capacity and educational/recreational offerings.

Applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree in forestry, forest ecosystem management, environmental resource management, or related area. A bachelor’s degree in another area combined with experience working in a forestry-related field may be substituted. 

Additionally, applicant must have knowledge of silviculture, reforestation, and wildlife habitat; forest management policies and principles; fundamental concepts of Geographic Information Systems; and forest practices as they relate to ecosystem management principles. Applicant must be able to identify different types of plants, animals, and habitats; operate and maintain various equipment and tools; and use proper safety methods.

GA positions available – dual degree Food Studies + MBA and dual degree Sustainability + MBA

Faculty Assistant - Business & Entrepreneurship Department

This position will focus on supporting the faculty in both research and teaching. Tasks may include data entry, data collection, data management, manuscript preparation and editing, and instructional materials building in the Brightspace environment.

Promotions Assistant

This position will work with the B&E team for Social Media management (WordPress, Facebook, LinkedIn, weekly newsletter, Moodle, Trello, bulletin boards). The job involves developing content; interviewing and following up with students, faculty, alumni, etc.; researching, formatting, editing, posting, and tracking progress; assisting with events, including the developing flyers, planning events, inviting attendees, promoting events to classmates, and attending event.

The Falk School of Sustainability is proud to participate in the Coverdell Fellows Program for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. We will provide up to five Coverdell Fellowships each year to RPCV who have been accepted to the Master of Sustainability, Master of Arts in Food Studies, or dual-degree MSUS+MBA and MAFS+MBA programs. Each fellowship will be worth 25% of the cost of tuition and mandatory fees.

Note: Students who receive a Coverdell Fellowship will not be eligible for any other scholarship/fellowship, Graduate Assistantship, tuition remission program, or reduced tuition rates offered by the University. However, a student may hold both a Coverdell Fellowship and an on-campus employment position, with total work hours not to exceed 19 per week. For questions about your eligibility, please contact your admission counselor.

Chatham University offers a 20% tuition discount to full-time students who have completed AmeriCorps service, as part of its Corporate & Strategic Partner program. To be eligible for this benefit, students must submit a signed verification form to the University, along with a copy of their AmeriCorps Certificate of Service, prior to their first term at Chatham.

Note: Students who receive the AmeriCorps discount will not be eligible for any other scholarship/fellowship, Graduate Assistantship, tuition remission program, or reduced tuition rates offered by the University. However, a student may hold both an AmeriCorps discount and an on-campus employment position, with total work hours not to exceed 19 per week. For questions about your eligibility, please contact your admission counselor.

School of Health Sciences

Success Coaches will interact with undergraduate students in one-on-one sessions and through co-facilitating a 1-credit student success course to make sure they have the resources they need to succeed at Chatham. Coaches troubleshoot issues that might prevent their successful transition to and ability to stay in college and develop ongoing relationships with the undergraduate students. They effect real change in their lives, as well as gain significant experience through training, observing, and working with students. There are multiple positions available and they are open to students in the MS Counseling Psychology, MA Psychology, and Doctor of Psychology program (PsyD/EPsyD). 

Student Success Coach awardees receive 12 credits of tuition remission (6 credits each for fall and spring terms) and a $6,000 annual stipend in return for working 15-hours per week from mid-July through May.

To express an interest in the Student Success Coach (SSC) role, please submit your assistantship application. To properly apply to the SSC role, please answer “Yes” to the “Would you like to be considered for a Success Coach position?” question. Additionally, you must supply the prompted separate Student Success Coach essay before submitting your assistantship application.

Graduate Assistantships provide students with the opportunity to conduct research with a faculty member, assist with teaching responsibilities, or participate in and organize departmental or campus projects. In turn, these positions offer students valuable hands-on experience, expanded learning opportunities, and professional skill development. 

The majority of the positions are initially awarded for one year and may be renewed for a second year depending on the length of the graduate program, as well as academic and job performance. The maximum length of an award is two years, regardless of the length of the program in which the student is enrolled. Students must maintain full-time enrollment in the program to maintain the Graduate Assistantship award.

Note: Students who receive a Graduate Assistantship will not be eligible for any other scholarship/fellowship, tuition remission program, or reduced tuition rates offered by the University. However, a student may hold both a Graduate Assistantship and an on-campus employment position, with total work hours not to exceed 19 per week. For questions about your eligibility, please contact your admission counselor.

Apply Today

The following Graduate Assistantships are available on a competitive basis to students applying to the School of Health Science graduate programs for full-time enrollment for the 2022-2023 academic year:

GA positions available – Psychology/Counseling Psychology

The priority application deadline for psychology Graduate Assistantship consideration is March 15. (Review of assistantship applications will continue after this deadline on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.) Graduate Assistantship award recipients will be notified in the spring.

Graduate Research Assistant (multiple positions)

This assistant will help support the psychology department in its data collection and research activities, including data analysis, writing, and research.

Graduate Research Assistant – Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics

This assistant will help support The Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics in its data collection and research activities. With direction and supervision, this individual will assist in data collection and analysis, writing, and research related to women in politics and public policy in Pennsylvania. 

Graduate Teaching and Research Fellowship

Teaching and Research Assistants will assist faculty in the Doctor of Psychology, Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, and Master of Arts in Psychology programs. Responsibilities include teaching, research activities, and administrative tasks. Specifically, students will assist with course preparation/maintenance; assist professors during class time; provide students with feedback outside class time; and conduct literature reviews. *Note: this position involves 15 hours per week of work during the academic year, with a $9,000 remitted tuition award. 

Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistants will assist faculty in the Doctor of Psychology, Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, and Master of Arts in Psychology programs. Specific responsibilities include: assisting with course preparation/maintenance, assisting professors during class time, and providing students with feedback outside class time.

Teaching Fellow (multiple positions)

This position will assist a faculty member with a master’s psychology course. Responsibilities include co-developing a syllabus for the course that is consistent with program expectations; provide partial instruction in the classroom, including lecture and supervision of activities and role-plays in class; evaluation of student performance on assignments and activities; and assistance in assigning final grades. *Note: this position involves 15 hours per week of work during the academic year, with a $9,000 remitted tuition award.

School of Arts, Science & Business

Graduate Assistantships provide students with the opportunity to conduct research with a faculty member, assist with teaching responsibilities, or participate in and organize departmental or campus projects. In turn, these positions offer students valuable hands-on experience, expanded learning opportunities, and professional skill development. 

The majority of the positions are initially awarded for one year and may be renewed for a second year depending on the length of the graduate program, as well as academic and job performance. The maximum length of an award is two years, regardless of the length of the program in which the student is enrolled. Students must maintain full-time enrollment in the program to maintain the Graduate Assistantship award.

Note: Students who receive a Graduate Assistantship will not be eligible for any other scholarship/fellowship, tuition remission program, or reduced tuition rates offered by the University. However, a student may hold both a Graduate Assistantship and an on-campus employment position, with total work hours not to exceed 19 per week. For questions about your eligibility, please contact your admission counselor.

Apply Today

The following Graduate Assistantships are available on a competitive basis to students applying to the School of Arts, Science & Business graduate programs for full-time enrollment for the 2022-2023 academic year:

GA positions available – MA Biomedical Studies

The priority application deadline for biology Graduate Assistantship consideration is March 1. (Review of assistantship applications will continue after this deadline on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.) Graduate Assistantship award recipients will be notified in the spring.

Graduate Assistant (multiple positions)

Graduate assistantships in the Department of Biology are assigned based on need within the department and appropriate skills from the applicant. Positions include teaching undergraduate introduction or general biology courses and/or associated laboratory sections. General duties include class prep, grading, tutoring, and exam review. This may also include administration of specific laboratory assignments, monitoring of safety during labs, and student support as needed. GAs may provide faculty and/or the department with administration support. GAs with independent laboratory skills (e.g. histology, cell culture, microscopy, live animal work) may support faculty research labs through independent experiments, laboratory maintenance, and training of undergraduate students.

Science Lab Assistant – Professional GA

**Position entails 19 hours per week during the calendar year, and awardee is compensated with a 50% tuition discount plus $6000 stipend

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Work with lab coordinators to design and prep undergraduate introductory science labs.
  • Work with lab coordinators to develop lab safety protocols and a system for their implementation.
  • Provide laboratory instruction under the supervision of lab coordinators.
  • Grade laboratory assignments and provide feedback to students.
  • Maintain office hours for student assistance.
  • Other duties as defined by lab coordinators.

Applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or closely related field, and have completed undergraduate introductory-level biology and chemistry lab courses.  

GA positions available – Master of Business Administration

The priority application deadline for MBA Graduate Assistantship consideration is February 1. (Review of assistantship applications will continue after this deadline on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.) Graduate Assistantship award recipients will be notified in the spring.

Faculty Assistant - Business & Entrepreneurship Department

This position will focus on supporting the faculty in both research and teaching. Tasks may include data entry, data collection, data management, manuscript preparation and editing, and instructional materials building in the Brightspace environment.

Promotions Assistant

This position will work with the B&E team for Social Media management (WordPress, Facebook, LinkedIn, weekly newsletter, Moodle, Trello, bulletin boards). The job involves developing content; interviewing and following up with students, faculty, alumni, etc.; researching, formatting, editing, posting, and tracking progress; assisting with events, including the developing flyers, planning events, inviting attendees, promoting events to classmates, and attending event.

GA positions available – Master of Communications

The priority application deadline for communications Graduate Assistantship consideration is March 15. (Review of assistantship applications will continue after this deadline on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.) Graduate Assistantship award recipients will be notified in the spring.

Graduate Assistantship – Communications Department (MCOMM Students Only)

The position involves working with communication department faculty on ongoing research projects, including but not limited to: library research; interviewing and data collection; running focus groups; attending conferences and presenting academic work; and descriptive statistical analysis. While prior experience in qualitative or quantitative research is not necessary, it is certainly a plus. This role is particularly suited for those students interested in pursuing doctoral studies.

Managing Editor – Online Publications

Best Practices in Strategic Communication is the online publication of Chatham University's Communication program. Publishing new content weekly, Best Practices offers tips for freelance and professional writers, advice for delivering presentations, social media strategy, and case studies in strategic communication. The managing editor is responsible for developing and maintaining the editorial calendar; recruiting writing staff; editing pieces before they are published; and increasing readership through promotional efforts. This is an excellent opportunity for a student currently working as a professional writer, journalist, communication strategist, or copy editor, or for students aspiring to such a career.

Social Marketing Director

The position serves as managing director of a student-run strategic communication agency focusing specifically on social marketing (using traditional tools and techniques of advertising, public relations, and marketing in order to work for the social good). This involves coordinating the "staff" of graduate and undergraduate students; assigning tasks; assuring that the agency meets deadlines; interfacing with clients; and approving overall strategy for projects. This position is ideal for a graduate student currently working or planning to work in public relations, marketing, or in a communications position at a nonprofit organization. It requires excellent leadership, organization, and communication skills. *Note: this position involves 15 hours per week of work during the academic year, with a $9,000 remitted tuition award.

GA positions available – MFA Creative Writing

The priority application deadline for creative writing Graduate Assistantship consideration is February 15. (Review of assistantship applications will continue after this deadline on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.) Graduate Assistantship award recipients will be notified in the spring.

Graduate Assistantship – Special Projects

This position will provide support for research, creative activity of faculty or special projects of the MFA program. This could include researching and assisting with grant proposals for the program or individual faculty members. Students may also be tasked to assist with coordinating the Summer Community of Writers Residency schedule and operation or teaching.  *Note: this position involves 15 hours per week of work during the academic year, with a $10,000 remitted tuition award. 

Graduate Teaching Fellow

The individuals awarded with these positions will assist professors with undergraduate creative writing classes, teaching in the Words Without Walls program in the Allegheny County Jail, and possible work in the writing center. Competitive applicants for these positions will have experience providing instruction, particularly of creative writing, in the classroom or workshop environment. *Note: this position involves 15 hours per week of work during the academic year, with a $9,000 remitted tuition award. 

Margaret Lehr Whitford MFA’07 Fellowship in Writing

This Fellowship carries a full-tuition remission for two years. The Whitford Fellow is responsible, with the Fellow from the previous year, for coordinating the Word Circus reading series – a monthly reading series which features four MFA students followed by an open mic. Additionally, this individual will serve as a liaison between the students and faculty. *Note: this is a full tuition award.

Robert Hull Mansell Endowed Fellowship

The name of this endowed fund shall be the Robert Hull Mansell Endowed Fellowship in Poetry. The purpose of this fellowship endowment shall be to provide recognition and financial assistance to an incoming, full-time Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing student with a genre focus in poetry who has financial need and a GPA of a 3.5 or greater. *Note: this is a $2,500 award.

Words Without Walls Fellowship

The individual awarded with this position will assist professors with undergraduate creative writing classes and teaching in the Words Without Walls program in the Allegheny County Jail or Sojourner House (a rehabilitation facility for women with children). Competitive applicants for this position will have experience providing instruction in a traditional or alternative space. *Note: this position involves 15 hours per week of work during the academic year, with a $10,000 remitted tuition award.

The Fourth River Fellowship

The individual selected for this position will serve as managing editor of The Fourth River literary journal. The Fourth River Fellow will manage production timelines and schedules for the online and print issues of the journal, coordinate reading schedules for the submittal queue, work closely with designers and authors, and represent Chatham’s MFA program and The Fourth River at AWP, the Conversations and Connections Conference, and launch parties.  

GA positions available – MFA Film & Digital Technology

The priority application deadline for film and digital technology Graduate Assistantship consideration is March 15. (Review of assistantship applications will continue after this deadline on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.) Graduate Assistantship award recipients will be notified in the spring.

Graduate Assistant – Digital Video Specialist (2 positions)

This position will provide audio and video production services for the university, with the primary job responsibility being to record and edit events, lectures, and speakers on campus. The position may also take on more elaborate video productions for recruitment, publicity, or other university purposes. The production process involves not only shooting and editing, but also compressing, uploading and delivering videos to departments that make requests for such productions. The graduate assistant must also act as producer and maintain communication with the requesting department as their client.

GA positions available – Master of Interior Architecture

The priority application deadline for interior architecture Graduate Assistantship consideration is March 15. (Review of assistantship applications will continue after this deadline on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.) Graduate Assistantship award recipients will be notified in the spring.

Graduate Teaching Fellowship

We are looking for a motivated, self-starter with excellent interpersonal and listening skills who can work well independently and in groups. As well, the candidate should be able to supervise and lead student groups; have strong outreach and presentation skills; and the ability to be creative (including the ability to develop new ideas and initiatives). This GA role will have teaching assistant responsibilities and administrative/department responsibilities. *Note: this position involves 15 hours per week of work during the academic year, with a $9,000 remitted tuition award.

Other Opportunities—All Programs

Graduate Assistantships provide students with the opportunity to conduct research with a faculty member, assist with teaching responsibilities, or participate in and organize departmental or campus projects. In turn, these positions offer students valuable hands-on experience, expanded learning opportunities, and professional skill development. 

The majority of the positions are initially awarded for one year and may be renewed for a second year depending on the length of the graduate program, as well as academic and job performance. The maximum length of an award is two years, regardless of the length of the program in which the student is enrolled. Students must maintain full-time enrollment in the program to maintain the Graduate Assistantship award.

Note: Students who receive a Graduate Assistantship will not be eligible for any other scholarship/fellowship, tuition remission program, or reduced tuition rates offered by the University. However, a student may hold both a Graduate Assistantship and an on-campus employment position, with total work hours not to exceed 19 per week. For questions about your eligibility, please contact your admission counselor.

The following Graduate Assistantships are available on a competitive basis to students applying to Chatham University graduate programs for full-time enrollment for the 2022-2023 academic year:

GA positions available – open to MBA, Master of Communication, MS Counseling Psychology, and MFA Creative Writing students

The priority application deadline for Graduate Assistantship consideration for the position listed below is March 15. (Review of assistantship applications will continue after this deadline on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.) Graduate Assistantship award recipients will be notified in the spring.

Student Services Coordinator

**Multiple positions available. Position entails 19 hours per week during the calendar year, and awardee is compensated with a 50% tuition discount plus $6,000 stipend

These positions are responsible for delivering services and programs related to student engagement, learning and development.  In these roles, the Coordinators will support areas of Student Affairs including Student Engagement, Residence Life, Counseling, Health & Wellness Services, and Multicultural Affairs. In these roles, Coordinators will work on projects related to student retention, community development, student programs and events, assist with advising student organizations as well as managing campus events including night and weekend activities. 

GA positions available – open to students of all graduate programs except physician assistant studies, physical and occupational therapy, nursing, and healthcare informatics

The priority application deadline for Graduate Assistantship consideration for the position listed below is March 15. (Review of assistantship applications will continue after this deadline on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.) Graduate Assistantship award recipients will be notified in the spring.

Assistant to the Honors Program Director

This GA position will be responsible for administrative duties, and to a limited extent, assisting in course instruction, for the Chatham Honors program. Specific duties include generating reports; email communication to Honors students related to events and updates; attending all-Honors meetings, when applicable; assist in social media posts; and development of social and education programs. Candidate should have demonstrated leadership skills, good writing and verbal communication skills, computer literacy, and experience in working with student councils or student groups.

Programming Coordinator for the Honors Program

This position will support the Honors Program through the development of programming designed to enhance student leadership, engagement, and research and creative endeavors.  The GA will focus primarily on program development and delivery, with limited administrative duties.  Specific duties will include development and coordination of monthly social events (including end-of-year celebration); creation of a fundraising event; assistance with securing guest speakers; updating the Honors calendar; and communication with Honors students about events

Chatham University offers a 20% tuition discount to enrolled students who are affiliated with an employer or professional/service organization on our Corporate & Strategic Partner Program list (see below). Students must be a full-time employee of one of these companies, a member of one of these professional organization, or have completed service fellowship with one of the organizations.

Once a student has been accepted into the graduate program and submitted a deposit, they must then submit an electronic membership/employment verification form to the University prior to their first term at Chatham. This form must then be submitted prior to the University’s add/drop date for each term enrolled. 

View Corporate & Strategic Partner Form

This discount does not apply to graduate-to-graduate programs, or to the following programs:

Note: Students who receive the 20% corporate/strategic partner discount will not be eligible for any other reduced tuition rates offered by the University. Conversely, if a student already receives a reduced tuition rate (which includes all Graduate Chatham Aid), they will not be eligible for the corporate and strategic partner discount program. As required by federal guidelines, the 20% tuition reduction must be counted as a financial aid resource for students receiving financial aid assistance. 

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Don't see your company on the list?

That doesn't mean you are out of luck. Contact the Chatham University Office of Admission about getting your current employer in partnership with Chatham's Tuition Reduction Benefit Program plan.

Chatham University is pleased to offer a special 20% tuition reduction benefit to alumni holding an undergraduate degree from Chatham.

The 20% discount pertains to the tuition charge only on degree-seeking programs and does not apply to any fees or indirect charges associated with the participating graduate programs.

This discount does not apply to graduate-to-graduate programs, or to the following programs:

Note: Students who receive the 20% alumni discount will not be eligible for any other reduced tuition rates offered by the University. Conversely, if a student already receives a reduced tuition rate (which includes all Graduate Chatham Aid), they will not be eligible for the alumni discount program benefit. As required by federal guidelines, the 20% tuition reduction must be counted as a financial aid resource for students receiving financial aid assistance. 

Chatham offers a limited number of paid graduate Student Employment positions in various academic and administrative departments across campus. These positions are paid hourly, and individuals may hold both a funding award or tuition discount and a campus work position, up to 19 hours per week. 

Positions are posted on Handshake—Career Development's online database of employment opportunities—before the beginning of the academic year. Some examples of past positions include:

Academic Affairs

  • Teaching Assistant, Anatomy Lab
  • Graduate Writing Mentors
  • Farm Outreach and Education Associate

Athletics/Athletic Fitness Center

  • Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Announcer
  • Graphics Coordinator and Videographer

Enrollment Management

  • Graduate Admissions Front Desk Assistant
  • Graduate Financial Aid Associate
  • Graduate Ambassador

Finance and Administration

  • Communications Assistant
  • Sustainability Metrics Assistant

Marketing & Communications

  • Video Production Graduate Associate
  • Writing Work-Study
  • Design & Video Communications Graduate Assistant

Student Affairs

  • Graduate Associate, International Programs and Services
  • Graduate Associate for Community Service
  • Health & Counseling Graduate Associate

Chatham is pleased to participate in both the Yellow Ribbon program for Veterans and Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance (TA) program for active Service members. See below for more details and how to apply.

Post-9/11 and Yellow Ribbon

A provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) provides matching funds from the Department of Veterans Affairs as a supplement to the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers tuition and fees not to exceed the maximum in-state tuition & fees at a public Institution of Higher Learning. The Yellow Ribbon Program covers tuition and mandatory fees and does not include room and board or books and supplies which are provided for separately under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. 

Individuals may be eligible if they:

  • Served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months;
  • Were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability and served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001;
  • Are dependents eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on a veteran’s service under the eligibility criteria listed above.

There is no minimum number of credit hours required for participation and awards will continue in subsequent years in which the student maintains satisfactory progress, conduct, and attendance.

If eligible, students should apply for Benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill with the Department of Veterans Affairs upon acceptance. Please forward your Certificate of Eligibility to the Office of the Registrar to be considered for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Please visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website for additional information.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

Tuition Assistance

Chatham University directs Service members to speak with their Educational Services Office (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service prior to enrolling. Eligible active duty Service members can receive tuition assistance (TA) funds. 

The Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides financial assistance for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of a Soldier's professional and personal self-development goals. TA is available for courses that are offered in the classroom or by distance learning and is part of an approved academic degree or certificate program. The courses must be offered by schools that are registered in GoArmyEd, are accredited by accrediting agencies that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and are signatories to the current Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding (DOD MOU).

In general, eligible active duty Service members can receive TA at a rate of $250 per semester hour cap with an annual ceiling of $4,500. The Services are authorized to establish Service specific eligibility criteria to manage TA funds. For Service specific TA policies and procedures, Service members are encouraged to contact their Education Service Officer (ESO).  

For more information: 

Airforce TA: https://www.airforce.com/education/ongoing-education 

Army TA: https://www.armyignited.com/app/

Army National Guard TA: https://www.nationalguard.com/education-programs/federal-tuition-assistance

Coast Guard TA: https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/ETQC/Voluntary-Education/Active-Duty/

Marine Corps TA: https://usmc-mccs.org/articles/how-do-i-apply-for-tuition-assistance/

Navy TA: https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/sailors/tuition-assistance-ncpace.htm

Tuition Assistance Refund Policy: 

Until a student has passed the 60% point of a payment period, only a portion of the student's tuition assistance has been earned. A student who remains enrolled beyond the 60% point is considered to have earned all awarded aid for the payment period. Please note students who are enrolled in modules, or courses which do not span the entire length of a semester, would also be included in this calculation. 

Students withdrawing from classes are responsible for payment of any balance due after the required return of Tuition Assistance funds.

Earned aid is not related in any way to institutional charges. In addition, the University's institutional refund policy and Return of Tuition Assistance refund policy are independent of one another. A student who withdraws from a course or courses may be required to return unearned TA funds and still owe the university for the course or courses. For more information on Chatham University's withdrawal and institutional charges' policies, please consult the catalog.

Students who stop attending all classes without officially withdrawing will be subject to a return of TA funds at the end of the semester based on the withdrawal date/last documented date of attendance as determined by Chatham University.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using DoD Tuition Assistance at Chatham

  1. Apply for admission to Chatham University. Check your eligibility status and the amount of funding in which you qualify with your service prior to enrolling.
  2. Reach out to your service component and provide your degree requirements.
  3. Meet with your academic advisor and register for courses.
  4. Let the Office of Financial Aid know you will be paying for your courses with TA funds by contacting them at 412-365-2781 or via e-mail at financialaid@chatham.edu.
  5. If your branch does not automatically forward your TA authorization, send your approved forms to us at financialaid@chatham.edu.
  6. Once funding has been received it will be applied directly to your student account.

Chatham recognizes that life learning may provide a knowledge base equivalent to college-level learning outcomes. And we believe that knowledge should be rewarded with an opportunity to work toward a degree faster and at a reduced cost.

Chatham's Prior Learning Assessment program grants degree-seeking students the ability to be awarded academic credit for prior learning knowledge gained in advance of matriculating at Chatham. Knowledge gained from employment, job training, independent study, open courseware, volunteer and civic duties, military service and travel are just some examples that may prepare a student to earn credit through our Prior Learning Assessment program.

Benefits of Using the PLA Program

  • Accelerate Degree Completion: Using PLA can lessen course overloads and potentially allow students to take advanced courses sooner.
  • Save money: Fees for credits earned through PLA are charged at a significantly reduced rate relative to Chatham University's undergraduate tuition rate and/or graduate per credit rate. Students can use PLA for up to 50% of their program credit requirement.
  • Satisfy pre-requisites, general education requirements, or elective credits: Prior Learning often develops knowledge that aren't included on a student's transcripts. Using PLA can help students evidence their course-specific knowledge for pre-requisites, general education requirements, or electives that allows them to then focus their time and effort on subsequent program courses.

Who Can Benefit from the PLA Program

  • Undergraduate Students: Transfer students, Gateway/Adult Learners (students starting Chatham at 23 years of age or older), Military/Veterans, and traditional undergraduate students
  • Graduate Students: Traditional graduate students, Military/Veterans

Ways to Earn Prior Learning Assessment Credits

  1. Portfolio Development: Based on course-specific learning outcomes, students assemble a portfolio that consists of a written narrative along with supporting documentation that demonstrates a student's proficiency in the course learning outcomes.
  2. Credit-by-Exam: A student may earn credit for a course by meeting established guidelines on standardized or challenge exams as approved by program or department per department approval.

How to Begin the PLA Process

After you have contacted your admissions representative, please use the Prior Learning Assessment Contract to determine and continue with next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How many credits can be earned through PLA?

Undergraduate degree-seeking students may earn up to 60 credits through the PLA Program. For example, undergraduate students may earn 50% of their program credits through PLA. The remaining 50% must be completed through courses at Chatham. As many as 6 credits earned through the portfolio development program may count towards Chatham University's residency requirement.

Graduate degree-seeking students in eligible programs may earn a maximum of 20% of their program requirements through PLA and transfer courses.

What courses are eligible for PLA?

This answer varies based on your major or program requirements, credits transferred or recognized from other institutions and other PLA credits (e.g. CLEP exams, Challenge exams) that you have applied towards your requirements. PLA credit may not be granted for PED courses (Physical Education) or SDE (Student Development) courses.

How much does PLA cost?

Fees for credits earned through PLA are charged at a significantly reduced rate relative to Chatham University's per-credit tuition rates. Undergraduate: For the portfolio review option, the PLA rate is $83 per credit assessed* ($249 per 3-credit course). For the credit by exam option, fees for CLEP and DSST exams are $85 per exam plus an administration fee of approximately $20.

Military Service members may be eligible for free exams. Eligibility information can be found at the DANTES site here.

Graduate: For the Prior Learning Assessment the charge is 20% of the per credit tuition rate. For the credit by exam the charge is 10% of the per credit tuition rate.

Both options represent significant cost savings for your education, with fees sometimes less than the cost of books and materials for a typical course.

*The PLA fee per credit assessed is not eligible for federal or state financial aid; however, as a Gateway student, a no interest, no application fee payment plan is available.