For-Credit Research Assistantships

Students undertaking a for-credit research assistantship have an opportunity to deepen their research skills, while sustaining a more advanced research project in a specific disciplinary area. Research assistants may earn one unit of academic credit (on a P/NP basis) for the completion of at least 45 hours of work.

For Faculty Members

Faculty interested in recruiting research assistants for a specific semester must submit their call to the Faculty Support Office by the designated deadline. Once the call is approved, all JCU degree-seeking students are notified and invited to apply via the online Student Research Assistant Application Form, which requires a CV and a statement of interest.

The sponsoring faculty member reviews all applications and selects eligible candidates (multiple students may be chosen). All applicants are informed of the outcome of their application. Only the applications approved by the faculty member are forwarded to the relevant university offices for processing. Once appointments are finalized, both faculty and selected students receive confirmation from the Office of the Dean of Academic Affairs.

Note: Visiting students, students studying abroad, and graduates are not eligible for research assistantships.

For Students

If you’re interested in a for-credit research assistantship, check out the current calls posted at the bottom of this page.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a full-time undergraduate student at the University during the semester of the assistantship. Visiting students, students studying abroad, and graduates are not eligible.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
• At least 30 completed credits
• Not on academic probation

Application Process

To apply, submit the Student Research Assistant Application Form along with your CV and a one-page statement of interest by the specified deadline.

Spring 2026 Application Window for Fall 2026 Research Assistantships: March 23 – April 3.

• Late submissions may not be accepted.
• You may apply for up to two positions; any additional applications will be discarded.

Post-Selection Process

If selected, you will receive a confirmation email from the Office of the Dean of Academic Affairs within ten days of the application deadline. The Center for Career Services will then assist you with the necessary administrative steps. Upon fulfilling all requirements, your appointment will be finalized by the Registrar’s Office. You and your sponsoring professor will be kept informed throughout the process.

Additional Important Information

• Research assistantships count only as general electives and cannot fulfill general distribution, major elective, or minor requirements.
• A maximum of three for-credit assistantships may be applied toward the 120-credit graduation requirement.
• At least 90% of your assistantship hours must be completed by the end of the semester to receive a passing grade.
• You must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at the University during the semester of the assistantship.
• Non-EU students are limited to 20 work hours per week — please consider this when applying.
• Students serving as Residence Assistants are ineligible for research assistantships.
• Research assistantships cannot be undertaken concurrently with for-credit internships.
• Students exceeding a 17-credit hour course load will be financially responsible for the additional credits.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the Dean of Academic Affairs at [email protected].