Course Assistants for MSSP 6290: Research & Evaluation Design - University of Pennsylvania

University Overview


The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.




Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.








Posted Job Title

Course Assistants for MSSP 6290: Research & Evaluation Design





Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt





Job Description Summary

. Each of the lecture sessions are held at the times below:


• Mondays, 12:00-2:30pm

• Mondays, 3:30-6:00pm

• Tuesdays, 12:00-2:30pm

• Thursdays, 5:15-7:45pm


Course description: Research & Evaluation Design introduces social research methods in the context of social policy and program evaluation. The course provides a conceptual and practical understanding in the design of experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental research and in the application of quantitative and qualitative methods. Students learn about the application of the research process and skills in all phases of assessing a social policy and developing a social program, including needs assessment, implementation analysis, and evaluation of policy or program effectiveness. Students learn to be critical and informed consumers of research and to apply guidelines of research ethics in social policy settings.


Requirements: The teaching or course assistant (TA or CA) must have a strong mastery of the course content as demonstrated by relevant degrees, classes taken, and/or professional experience. The duties include the following:

1. Managing the Canvas site

2. Grading of assignments/class participation

3. Contributing to the design of some of the assignments

4. Answering students’ questions about assignments, course logistics, course content, and grading. The questions will be answered via email and/or Ed Discussion, as determined by the instructor. Difficult questions are escalated to the instructor.

5. Attending lectures or, by permission of the instructor, reading the relevant course materials instead of attending lectures.


Teaching/Course Assistants can expect to work 7-10 hours/week (max of 10hrs/wk, max of 100hrs for the semester) and are paid $20/hour up to $2,000, or $2,000 over the course of the semester. To apply, please submit a resume and short cover letter detailing your relevant experience to: msspprogram@sp2.upenn.edu. Please list all available course sections in your application.





Job Description

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt





Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania





Department / School

School of Social Policy and Practice





Pay Range

$7.25 - $20.00 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.








Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.




Special Requirements Background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.



The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.