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Affordable Master’s, Specialist, and Doctorate Programs | Pensacola Christian College

Graduate Assistant Program

Pursuing a graduate degree can be easier and more affordable than you think. The Graduate Assistant Program at PCC will allow you to get a master’s, specialist, or even doctorate degree—minus the price tag.

As a graduate assistant (GA), you’ll take the same two or three years to graduate as a regular full-time graduate student would while working part-time.

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The program operates like a scholarship, accepting only a select number of candidates each year to become graduate assistants.


What Students Say

When you are in the GA Program, you’re not just furthering your education academically, but also practically by becoming a leader at work—wherever you’re placed. You’re sharpening your leadership skills and growing in your faith on a daily basis, while learning from faculty with years of experience.

—Lois Cing

Educational Leadership student

Degrees Available Through the GA Program

Business Department
Education Department
Nursing Department
Performing Arts Department
Visual Arts Department
Pensacola Theological Seminary

Work Placement

Graduate assistant jobs cover a diverse range of positions—from facilities management to teaching to Abeka Publishing.

Placement is based on ministry needs and may vary from semester to semester. You may also be placed in more than one work area. Your work experience will be valuable no matter the position(s) you hold, related or unrelated to your field.

Because ministry needs can change very quickly, we will not be able to inform you of job placement in advance of each semester.

Student studying on laptop

Hours

GAs will work 20–28 hours per week depending on their academic program and citizenship.

Pay

Your tuition and fees will be paid in full by your GA scholarship. In addition, you will earn $10 per hour. To increase your yearly earnings, you may also choose to work during the summers.

Housing

If you’re single, you’ll stay on campus with one to three roommates for $90 a month, utilities and furnishings included. After your contract begins, on-campus housing is free for June and July.

Housing may be available for married couples. Reach out to the Housing Coordinator for more details.

Value

Your GA scholarship covers your tuition, fees, and even most of your living cost—leaving you with minimal out-of-pocket costs. Your scholarship value could amount to over $45,000!


Frequently Asked Questions

A graduate assistant is a graduate student who works for the school to cover tuition and other fees.

  • Bachelor’s degree (master’s with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for Ed.S.)
  • Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA (2.0 for M.Div. degree)
  • Contract length is 2 or 3 years (depending on program of study)

It can be hard to know when the moment is right in your life to pursue higher education. Just like many life changes, there may never be a perfect time. However, some indicators that can help students feel like it might be time to apply to grad school include:

  • You’ve reached the highest position or earning potential available with your current credentials.
  • You have a specific career goal in mind that can only be achieved with a master’s degree.
  • You’re interested in pivoting into a different field or discipline.
  • You’ve identified a specific academic area that you’d like to become an expert in.

Those are just a few common examples of reasons some students choose to enter graduate programs, but at the end of the day, you’ll know when the timing is right for you.

No, but summer work positions are available to increase your earnings.

Keep the 3.0 GPA (2.0 for M.Div. degree) required for your graduate program, stay in good standing at work, complete your degree in the specified time given in your contract, and follow the policies outlined in the Graduate Assistant Handbook.

As long as students achieve satisfactory academic performance, every fee related to earning your graduate degree is covered by your GA scholarship. Students who fail a course and have to take it again are responsible for the cost of that course.

You will be responsible for housing ($90 per month), books, and other class supplies. Since your assistantship is a scholarship, you will not be taxed on its value. GAs with kitchens can provide their own food, but all GAs may eat in the dining halls and are only charged the tax value on meals.

GAs sign a contract that generally begins in August and requires attendance at the opening All Personnel Meeting (usually two weeks before fall semester starts). In some circumstances, you may request to begin in January.

All degree programs except M.A. in Studio Art and M.A. in Graphic Design will have between one and four 9-day classes during the summer.

Yes, but housing is not guaranteed. Talk to the Housing Coordinator about your specific circumstances and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Housing for families with children are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

You’ll receive a two-week unpaid vacation between semesters at Christmas, generally starting the week before Christmas and ending the day after New Year’s.

Yes, unless you are earning a seminary degree and have received prior approval to intern at a local church.

Apply and be accepted into the graduate program. While applying, indicate your interest in the GA program. Once you’re accepted, you will be given access to Workday in your Applicant Portal, where you can complete an employment application for the GA program. You will also be reminded to complete your GA application when you receive your ‘Final Acceptance’ email.

A limited number of doctoral graduate assistantships may also be available. Contact the Seminary-Graduate Studies Office at PTS-Grad@pcci.edu or 850-478-8496, ext. 5241, for details.

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