MHE Graduate Apprenticeship Program

Graduate Apprenticeships (GA) are paid, half-time professional positions for graduate students to work in an Elon University department/program for the full two years of their MHE program. Apprentices are expected to meet professional work standards and responsibilities. The apprenticeships are an integral part of the MHE program’s emphasis on integrating students’ in-and-out of class learning, with students applying what they learn in their courses to their work. Likewise, students’ work experiences are designed to animate and deepen students’ academic and professional knowledge. Each GA will meet weekly with their supervisor/work mentor to get their feedback and insights as professionals who are committed to advancing the student’s professional, personal and career development plan and goals.

Apprenticeship Application Process and Stipend

Every student is required to have an apprenticeship. Students who apply to the MHE program and are invited to interview for an apprenticeship in February during Preview Weekend must be offered and accept an apprenticeship in order to be fully admitted to the MHE cohort and to enroll the following fall semester. The GA positions start in early August and run through mid-May. GA stipends are $16,000 for the year, except for Residence Life GAs who receive a $13,000 stipend as well as an apartment on campus and meal plan.

Internships

In addition to the two-year apprenticeship, each MHE student is required to complete two internships in university approved settings during their program. Internships are credit-bearing, 135-hour experiences. In addition to completing required fieldwork hours, students participate in a one credit-hour seminar that accompanies each internship. To assist students in the identification of internships, the MHE program maintains an internship database as well as hosts a series of internship preparation workshops during the first year.

Together, apprenticeships and internships prepare student to work in a variety of functional areas by giving students rich experiential learning opportunities as they learn the breadth and depth of the higher education profession.