Research Assistantship

A Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) assists faculty with research-related tasks, including:

• Assisting with data collection and analysis
• Conducting literature reviews
• Supporting faculty research projects
• Preparing research presentations and reports

Why Become an SSW GRA?

• Gain practical research experience related to Social Work
• Build close working relationships with faculty mentors
• Develop skills that enhance academic and professional growth
• Engage with research topics that align with your career goals 

Being a GRA provides:

• Hands-on research experience in your field
• Financial support through monthly or hourly compensation
• Opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research

Please review the eligibility requirements before submitting an application.

• Must be admitted to the School of Social Work MSW Program
• Must be in second semester or beyond
• Must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Completed SOCW 5322, other research course, or have comparable research experience
• Must meet enrollment requirements for the semester of employment
  • 10-hour positions require at least 6 credit hours during Fall/Spring and 3 credit hours during Summer
  • 20-hour positions require at least 9 credit hours during Fall/Spring and 6 credit hours during Summer
• Students cannot combine a practicum/internship and a GRA position that totals more than 20 work hours per week
• Positions are assigned based on funding availability and project need

Verification Deadlines

The minimum enrollment requirement must consist of new coursework and cannot include incomplete courses from the current or previous semester.

Semester	Enrollment Verification Deadline
Fall	July 1
Spring	December 1
Summer	May 1

Eligibility confirmed after these dates may result in a delayed start date, delayed payment schedule, or deferral to a future semester.

• Fall Semester: September 1 – January 15
• Spring Semester: January 16 – May 31
• Summer Semester: June 1 – August 31

Important Note: Graduating international students may not work past the last class day of their final semester due to visa regulations.

Graduate Research Assistantships are assigned on a semester-to-semester basis and are not guaranteed. Availability depends on project needs and funding availability each semester.

1. Review Eligibility Requirements
2. Prepare Application Materials
• Resume or CV
• Cover Letter
• Other documentation as requested
3. Submit Application
4. Receive Confirmation Email

Weekly GRA logs are due every Monday and should report hours and activities completed from the previous Monday through Sunday.

Weekly work log should include:

• GRA Name
• Faculty Supervisor Name
• Project/Assignment Description
• Hours Worked
• Dates Worked

Office of Research - School of Social Work

The Office of Graduate Studies' I Engage Mentoring (IM) program provides funding for doctoral and doctoral-bound students to gain teaching and mentoring experience by serving as a research mentor to a UT Arlington undergraduate.

The McNair Scholars Program is designed to prepare qualified UT Arlington undergraduates for graduate study culminating in the Ph.D.