matc scholars program: dr. judy a. perkins
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Why Graduate School?
Dr. Judy A. Perkins, PE
MATC Scholars ProgramOctober 3rd – 6th
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
OUTLINE
• Introduction
• Learning Objectives
• Learning Outcomes
• Session Presentation
• Conclusion
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Reasons to Pursue an Advanced Degree
• Considerations to Begin the Application Process
• Completing the Application Process
• Gaining Admission
LEARNING OUTCOMES
• Knowledgeable about why graduate school is important
• Knowledgeable about preparing for graduate school
• Informed about the benefits of attending and investing in graduate studies, and career paths as a graduate student
EXERCISE ON GRADUATE SCHOOL
Discovering Commonalities
In groups of (decide based on number of students in session), generate a list of 20 things that you know about graduate school. You will have a total of 10 minutes to complete this exercise. At the end of the exercise, a student from each group will be selected to present the group’s list.
WHAT IS GRADUATE SCHOOL?
• Provides specialized knowledge and training in your chosen field of study
• Provides more depth to subjects taken in your chosen field of study
• Engaging in research and other intellectual activities to advance as well as contribute to the scholarly work in your field
• Requires a personal commitment
REASONS TO PURSUE ADVANCED DEGREES• Become specialized in a field of study
• Personal goal
• Professional growth, development, and advancement in your career
• Change in career goals and paths
• Increase to earning potential
• Enjoy gaining more knowledge about your chosen field of study
REASONS TO PURSUE ADVANCED DEGREES
• Trends in the economy shows that the US is becoming extremely dependent on seeking a highly educated and skilled workforce
• Between 2008 and 2018, approximately 2.5 million jobs will require a master’s, doctoral, or advanced degree
REASONS TO PURSUE ADVANCED DEGREES
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey
Reference: http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm, accessed on September 30, 2012
CONSIDERATIONS TO BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCESS
• Research the ratings and reputation of the graduate schools/programs
• What are the requirements for admissions to the university and the graduate program for your chosen field of study?
• What type of research is being conducted by professors in your chosen field of study?
• Student services available at the school in the respective programs
CONSIDERATIONS TO BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCESS
• How much time will it take to complete your degree?
• Financial assistance available in the form of scholarships, fellowships, and teaching or research assistantships
• Create a budget for living expense (if relocating is required)
• Standardized Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
• Participate in graduate preparation conferences and campus visits
COMPLETING THE APPLICATION
• Become familiar with the deadline timetable for submitting your application
• Purpose statement
• GRE scores (general and maybe subject)
• Transcript(s)
• Resume
• Letters of recommendation
GAINING ADMISSION
• Fully understand the admission process
• Graduate admissions committee is comprised mostly of professors
• Generate and submit a competitive application
• Follow up and be proactive
CAREER PATHS AS A GRADUATE STUDENT
• While the career paths of a graduate student will vary, there a few commonalities to a career path selected by the graduate student and they are as follows:
• Position yourself to be more competitive
• Increased your marketability
• Increase job satisfaction and self-confidence
CONCLUSIONS• Attending graduate school offers tangible
and intangible opportunities
• Earning potential is higher than those with just the bachelorette degrees
• Understanding factors that considered prior to starting your application when greatly enhance your chances of putting together a competitive application
• Be proactive about the investment being made to pursue graduate school
Slide design © 2009, Mid-America Transportation Center. All rights reserved.
Dr. Judy A. Perkins, PEProfessor
Prairie View A&M UniversityCivil & Environmental Engineering Department
P.O. Box 519, MS 2510Prairie View, Texas 77446
juperkins@pvamu.edu
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