<p>Well a while back a few people had questions on the professorial assistantships (paid research jobs) that are awarded to honors college students with certain test scores. I'd just like to give out some basic info about it, now that it has been 2 months in. </p>
<p>Just FYI in case people don't know what a professorial assistantship is (from the MSU website): Professorial Assistantships are offered to Honors College invitees with an ACT composite score of at least 33, an SAT total score of at least 1500 (critical reading + math sections only), or semifinalist standing in a National Merit program. Professorial Assistants begin work immediately with a faculty member on research or other scholarly activities. PAs work eight to ten hours per week, are paid a stipend of about $2300 for the first year, and may be reappointed at a slightly higher rate for a second year.</p>
<p>My professorial assistantship (as I'm an international relations major) involves helping my professor publish his book. It is quite fascinating so far; I'm learning a lot about the publishing process and slowly realizing truly how much research it takes to actually get a book published. </p>
<p>Honestly the PA's are different across the board; it completely depends on your major and professor as to what you will be doing. For social sciences/liberal arts majors, the projects are a lot more abstract and involve writing, reading, and researching (or perhaps planning some sort of a conference). For hard science/engineering majors, most projects are a lot more concrete and based off "making/inventing" stuff with a more hands-on approach, with some research involved. Sometimes the professors are not lenient with hours (typically 8-10 a week), while most are. A few give out seemingly impossible, daunting assignments with no concept of what the project entails for the student; most professors are very reasonable. Personally, I really like my professor. I meet with him once a week for an hour or two and otherwise contact him through email. The rest of the time I am left to research/compile data on my own time. And I have to say, the monthly PA check is a lifesaver as far as spending money goes...</p>
<p>Some other tidbits...you can have your PA in whatever "subject" you would like. At the beginning when you qualify, you fill out a survey explaining what type of PA you are looking for. A PA is a two-year appointment; however, after the first year a quarter of students choose to change their PA topic and/or professor (which is definitely allowed as well).</p>