Graduate Assistantships

Hands-On Experience for MFA Students

Otis College graduate students enrolled in the MFA Fine Arts and Graphic Design programs can build valuable professional experience through Graduate Teaching Internships and Graduate Assistantships.

These opportunities are open to both domestic and international students, giving all participants the chance to work closely with faculty, gain real classroom and departmental experience, and strengthen their skills for future careers in the arts and academia. Along the way, students earn paid positions that help support the cost of materials and living expenses while making a meaningful contribution to the campus community.

Graduate Teaching Internship

MFA students in Fine Arts and Graphic Design can gain real classroom experience through a mentored teaching internship. Working alongside faculty in BFA courses, interns move from observing to leading, giving lectures, demonstrations, critiques, and eventually teaching full lessons and projects. A companion pedagogy workshop series strengthens their teaching practice and prepares them for future academic careers. Internships are limited. Students are selected through an application and interview.

Graduate Assistantships 

All MFA students in Fine Arts and Graphic Design are guaranteed at least one semester of a Graduate Teaching Internship or Graduate Assistantship. Assistantship positions and duties range based on department needs. Past positions have included classroom, gallery, and office assistants, as well as social media marketing assistants. These positions give students valuable experience while also providing an hourly rate that can assist with the cost of materials, supplies, books and living expenses. These roles are in addition to other on campus work opportunities that students can apply for. Students are required to apply through the department for these roles.