GTA/GRAs for MS Thesis students

[8Phant0m8]

I recently got accepted for MS in Aero/Astronautical Engineering for Fall 2015. I didn't hear anything about funding so far. How difficult is it to get assistantships? The school is very big and department has a lot of research funding. Should I contact individual faculty or the department admin?

 

What do they look at students in appointing for assistantships? They look at GRE/GPA/previous relevent experience? I did have a good research experience but not related to Aerospace. But I currently work for an Aviation company. Its not research but does it count?

 

If I don't get assistantship for first semester, is there a good chance that I'll get one later if I perform well?

 

I also have an option to do part time Master's through my current employer but I won't be in research field. I am crazy about going back to research since I finished undergrad. Sorry I got a lot of questions but any opinions would be helpful. Thanks!