Countdown to Graduate School

Transcription

1 How do I know if Graduate School is Right for me? 1

2 Is graduate school right for you? We are here to help! David Pittenger, Ph.D. Interim Dean, Graduate College Old Main

3 Why should I get a graduate Degree? The answer depends on your career goals, your time, and your financial resources. 3

4 Graduate School may be right for you if you have a real interest in learning and/or research. want to specialize in a particular area. value the importance of a higher degree. are willing to invest the time, effort, and expense. 4

5 5 Reasons why Graduate School is different: 5

6 The quality and quantity of work required of you will be very demanding. 6

7 Graduate study is very focused. You will explore a single topic or program of study. 7

8 Classes are usually small and will require your active participation. 8

9 Original research is likely to be required. 9

10 Tests may be written or problem-based. 10

11 What types of graduate programs are there? 11

12 a degree for everyone Master s Degree Graduate Certificate Education Specialist Doctoral Degree 12

13 What exactly is a Master s Degree (MA, MS, MSN, MAJ, MAT)? A Master s Degree Can be the final degree you can earn in some disciplines. May involve an original research project and a written thesis. Usually can be finished in two years. 13

14 What exactly is a Graduate Certificate? A Graduate Certificate is A short program of study which you can earn usually in half the time of a master s degree. Can be used to enhance your credentials or skills for career advancement. 14

15 What exactly is a an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree? An Education Specialist degree is A Specialist Degree is usually earned in addition to a Master s Degree. This degree prepares a student for professional certification or licensing. 15

16 What exactly is a Doctoral Degree? (Ph.D., Psy.D., PharmD, DPT) A Doctoral Degree is the highest degree you can earn. Students usually do independent research which may result in a publishable book or article (dissertation). The time to complete the degree can be several years. 16

17 How do I choose a graduate program? 17

18 Answer these questions.. 18

19 How do I choose a graduate program? What do I want to accomplish in my career? 19

20 How do I choose a graduate program? What area of study really excites me? 20

21 How do I choose a graduate program? How hard am I willing to work? 21

22 How do I choose a graduate program? Do I have to live in a particular location? 22

23 How do I choose a graduate program? Is there a faculty member I know I would like to work with? 23

24 How do I choose a graduate program? Am I prepared to make a serious commitment of time and resources? 24

25 A few other things to think about How do I choose a graduate program What are the program admission requirements? What is the reputation of the program? What is the reputation of the program? What is the size of the program? Where is the school located? What is the campus/community like? How much will it cost? 25

26 Some helpful resources How do I choose a graduate program allaboutgradschool.com GradSchools.com Gradview.com What is the reputation of the program? petersons.com princetonereview.com Don t forget the best resource you have! Talk to your faculty. They can provide great advice on what program is the best fit for you. 26

27 Make a list of your priorities. Figure out what matters most to you! 27

28 Still unsure about graduate school? 28

29 INFO THAT MAY HELP YOU DECIDE Marshall University offers classes online, evenings, on weekends, on the Huntington campus and the South Charleston campus. What Consider is the reputation enrolling of as the a Non-Degree program? student; take a few classes of your choice to see if graduate school is for you. Select a Certificate Program to earn an academic credential in less than half the time it takes to earn a degree. 29

30 I ve decided that Graduate School may be right for me. What is the reputation of the program? 30

31 THE NUMBER 1 THING TO DO: What is the reputation of the program? PLAN AHEAD! 31

32 What is the reputation of the program? Work closely with and get to know faculty who will then be able to write strong letters of recommendation for you. 32

33 What is the reputation of the program? Look for opportunities to do research with professors, to enroll in summer programs, or to take a job that will help you focus on what really interests you. 33

34 What is the reputation of the program? Practice taking the GRE or any other standardized test that your program may require. Practice tests are always available online. 34

35 What is the reputation of the program? Obviously, get the best grades you possibly can! 35

36 OK tell me what it is going What is the reputation of the program? to cost? 36

37 Cost consideration 1: As a graduate student you will need to budget for all of these expenses: What is the reputation of the program? Tuition and Fees Books Living Expenses Transportation 37

38 Cost consideration 2: Graduate Estimated Cost of Attendance, (Fall and Spring terms-2 semesters) Full-Time Student (9 or more hours) WV Resident Metro Resident Non-Resident What is the reputation of the program? Tuition & Fees $6,540 $11,712 $15,922 Books & Supplies $1,100 $1,100 $1,100 Housing & Meals $8,110 $8,110 $8,110 Transportation $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 Miscellaneous $1,078 $1,078 $1,078 Average Loan Fee $124 $124 $124 Total $18,942 $24,114 $28,334 38

39 Cost consideration 2: Tuition and Fees Only Spring 2014 (one semester) Full-Time Student (9 or more hours) Credit Hours 1 9 or more What is the reputation of the program? WV Resident $ $3, Metro $ $5, Non-resident $ $7, Online course tuition Online course tuition is assessed at a flat rate. This rate is assessed for ALL online courses and is separate from tuition assessed for any other courses you may be enrolled in. If you are a full-time student taking traditional courses and add an online course, you will be charged the online course tuition in addition to the tuition for your full-time traditional courses. Graduate Students- $297 per credit hour 39

40 Is the cost of graduate school What is the reputation of the program? worth it? 40

41 Education Pays! Is the cost of graduate school worth it? What is the reputation of the program? US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey Data are for persons age 25 and over. Earnings are for full-time wage and salary workers. 41

42 How am I going to pay What is the reputation of the program? for it? 42

43 Costs at Marshall U: A graduate degree at Marshall University is affordable and achievable! What is the reputation of the program? Graduate Assistantships Scholarships Loans Outside employment 43

44 Graduate Assistantships What is the reputation of the program? A graduate assistantship is a competitive award made on the basis of your academic record and promise. Typically GA positions cover all or part of your tuition and include a stipend for work of 10-20hrs. week for the hiring program. 44

45 What is a Teaching Assistantship? What is the reputation of the program? A teaching assistantship is much like a graduate assistantship but the work involves teaching one or two first year undergraduate classes or overseeing a lab. 45

46 What is a Graduate Tuition Waiver? A graduate tuition waiver is a scholarship What is the reputation of the program? currently valued at $750 which is applied to the cost of tuition for a 3 credit course. For more information see: 46

47 What degree programs can Marshall University What is the reputation of the program? offer me? 47

48 Marshall University can offer you: What is the reputation 49 of the different program? master s degrees 33 different graduate certificate programs 2 different Educational Specialist degrees 7 different doctoral degrees 48

49 Marshall University can offer you: Click here for detailed information about any program: What is the reputation of the program? Interested in an appointment with faculty to discuss a program? Call: Interested in a campus tour? Call:

50 OK I am ready to apply. NOW WHAT? What is the reputation of the program? 50

51 Ready to apply? What is the reputation of the program? Start the application process early October/November Advice: Set February 1 as your own application deadline. 51

52 Ready to apply? A typical application will consist of: Application form What is the reputation of the program? Letters of recommendation Personal essay Transcripts Standardized test scores Possibly a personal interview 52

53 Will I be qualified? What is the reputation of the program? 53

54 Every program will have different admission requirements, but here are items likely to be considered: Undergraduate GPA What is the reputation of the program? Test scores-gre, GMAT, MAT What your references say about you Your personal statement must be well written, free of errors, and an honest reflection of who you are. 54

55 Typical Admission Requirements Transcripts What is the reputation of the program? Ask your issuing institution to send official transcripts directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Do this as early as possible. 55

56 Typical Admission Requirements Test Scores What is the reputation of the program? GRE-around 50 th percentile on quantitative and verbal, but minimum scores vary. Schedule standardized tests at least 12 months before you plan to start graduate school. Spring or Fall of your Junior year is a good time. Ask the testing agency to send your scores directly to the Graduate Admissions Office if you did not do so when you took the test. For more info see: 56

57 Typical Admission Requirements Reference Letters What is the reputation of the program? You may need reference letters which address your ability to succeed. As a courtesy, give your letter writers a month in advance of the due date and provide them with a copy of your resume. Choose faculty who know you well rather than friends or relatives. 57

58 My best admission application strategy is What is the reputation of the program? Definitely contact the program you are interested in. members of the faculty, call them, arrange for a campus visit. The benefit of making a personal contact is that you can demonstrate what YOU can bring to the program and you can also gain some sense of the level of interest of the program in your application. 58

59 Congratulations! You have been accepted into What is the reputation of the program? Graduate School! 59

60 Thank you! 60