Have Questions?
If you have questions regarding the Grader and Merit Scholarship Application, eligibility, or application status, please contact:
Email: csmsfa@gmu.edu
Support your graduate education and build professional experience.
The Department of Computer Science is accepting applications for a limited number of paid (hourly wage) grader positions and merit scholarships beginning Spring 2027 for students applying to the Master of Science in Computer Science (MS-CS) or Master of Science in Software Engineering (MS-SWE) , based on availability of funds.
Eligibility
To be considered for the grader positions and merit scholarships, applicants must:
- Apply for admissions to the MS-CS or MS-SWE program.
- Indicate interest in the positions when applying for admission to the selected MS program.
- Meet any additional qualifications outlined below.
Grader Position
Graders assist faculty with evaluating student work, providing feedback, and supporting course operations.
While we do not grant Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) positions in students’ first semesters, graders build strong credentials to apply for a GTA position in the future.
- $20 per hour (USD)
- 10 – 20 hours per week
*No tuition assistance is associated with these positions.
How to Apply
To apply for a Grader position, send an email to csmsfa@gmu.edu with the subject line “Application for Grader Position” and include the following as attachments:
- A 1-page document with 3 sections:
- Teaching/tutoring experience
- Courses that you would like to be grader for
- Any other relevant information
- Your George Mason ID number that begins with ‘G’ that was assigned to you after submitting your application or a screenshot indicating submission of a completed application for either the MS in Computer Science or Software Engineering
Merit Scholarship
The department also has a limited number of merit scholarships available to incoming master’s students. All students who enroll with full-time status are eligible, and students may receive both a scholarship and a grader position.
Award amounts will be announced prior to the start of the semester.
Scholarship amount: $5,000/semester (USD)
How to Apply
To apply for this scholarship, send an email to csmsfa@gmu.edu with the subject line “Application for Scholarship” and include the following as an attachment:
- Your George Mason ID number that begins with ‘G’, that was assigned to you after submitting your application or a screenshot indicating submission of a completed application for either the MS in Computer Science or Software Engineering
Priority Application Deadline: September 15
Applications received after September 15 will be considered if positions are available.
Selection Process
Qualified applicants will be reviewed for available Spring 2027 grader positions and scholarship opportunities. Applicants selected for a scholarship can expect decisions to be communicated around the same timeframe as their admission decision.
These opportunities are subject to the availability of funding and the completion of the review process.