Why Graduate School?

1. Why Graduate School?
Juhann Waller, MS, PE
MATC Scholars Program
October 28 – 31, 2015
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

2. OUTLINE
• Introduction
• Learning Objectives
• Learning Outcomes
• Session Presentation
• Conclusion

3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Reasons to Pursue an Advanced Degree
• Considerations to Begin the Application
Process
• Completing the Application Process
• Gaining Admission

4. 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

5. GRADUATE SCHOOL EXERCISE
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.

6. 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

7. WHY PURSUE AN ADVANCED DEGREE?
•Personal Growth
•Greater Employment Opportunities
•Greater Career Advancement Opportunities
•Sense of Accomplishment
•Greater Recognition and Credibility
•Field of Study Requirement
•Financial Reward
Reference: Martin, Don. “6 Reasons Why Graduate School Pays Off”. U.S. News & World Report Education June 29,2012. USnews. accessed on
October 09, 2015

8. TRENDS IN PURSUING 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

9. TRENDS IN PURSUING ADVANCED DEGREES
Reference http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm accessed on October 09, 2015
(Financial Reward)

10. TRENDS IN PURSUING ADVANCED DEGREES
(Field of Study Requirements)
Anthropologists and archeologists Healthcare social workers Nurse practitioners
Archivists Historians
Nursing instructors and teachers,
postsecondary
Art, drama, and music teachers,
postsecondary
Home economics teachers,
postsecondary
Occupational therapists
Curators
Industrial-organizational
psychologists
Orthotists and prosthetists
Economists Instructional coordinators Physician assistants
Education administrators,
elementary and secondary school
Librarians Political scientists
Education administrators,
postsecondary
Marriage and family therapists Rehabilitation counselors
Educational, guidance, school, and
vocational counselors
Mathematicians Sociologists
Epidemiologists Mental health counselors Speech-language pathologists
Farm and home management
advisors
Nurse anesthetists Statisticians
Genetic counselors Nurse midwives Urban and regional planners
Occupations that typically require a master’s degree for entry level employment
Reference http://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/should-i-get-a-masters-degree.htm#STEM accessed on October 09, 2015

11. SOUL SEARCHING

12. SOUL SEARCHING EXERCISE: GRADUATE SCHOOL
Discovering Commonalities
In groups of (decide based on number of students in
session), generate a list of 5 reasons for attending
graduate school and 5 reasons for not attending
graduate school. You will have a total of 7 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.

13. SOUL SEARCHING
•Increase your earning potential
•Professional growth, development and
Advancement in your career
•Enjoy gaining knowledge about
chosen field of study
(Personal Reasons to Pursue Advanced Degrees)

14. WHAT’S NEXT?
GRADUATE SCHOOL PROCESS
• Research the ratings and reputation of the graduate
schools/programs
• What are the requirements for admission 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
• What kind of financial support can a student expect to
receive during the entire course of the program?

15. • How much educational debt the graduates leave with?
• How many students within the school/program complete
their program of study?
• How many years does it typically take a student to
complete their program of study?
• Location of University and the associated cost of living
• Where are graduates employed?
• University/Program expectation of students?
WHAT’S NEXT?
GRADUATE SCHOOL SELECTION PROCESS

16. WHAT’S NEXT?
GRADUATE SCHOOL SELECTION PROCESS
• Participate in graduate preparation conferences and campus
visits
• Become familiar with the deadline timetable for submitting
your application
• Purpose statement
• GRE scores (general and maybe subject)
• Transcript(s)
• Resume’/work experience requirements
• Letters of recommendation
• GPA requirements

17. WHAT’S NEXT?
GRAINING 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

18. 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

19. Slide design © 2009, Mid-America Transportation Center. All rights reserved.
Juhann Waller, MS, PE
Adjunct Assistant Professor
North Carolina A&T University
Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering Department
McNair Hall, Room #444
1601 East Market Street
Greensboro, North Carolina 27401
jw017827@ncat.edu
CREDITS