2008 Woodie Awards
Interest in graduate school grows, cost still looming concern
Joanna Knight
Issue date: 10/19/07 Section: News
Originally published: 10/18/07 at 6:34 PM EST
Last update: 10/18/07 at 6:33 PM EST
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Studies cited by The Council of Graduate Schools, which is made up of almost 500 North American universities, show a high rate of satisfaction among students enrolled in graduate programs. Many of the students polled, however, expressed a desire to see a closer connection between curriculum and certain practical career considerations.
As anyone who has considered or is currently enrolled in graduate school knows, the cost of pursuing a master's degree or Ph.D. is considerable.
Meeting that cost can prolong the amount of time it takes to complete a degree.
Barbara Barry is a senior career counselor with the Career Development Center. She said that, for students thinking of going to graduate school, "usually there are a lot of factors that are challenges. Finances, timing - people have to ask themselves, 'Should I go directly from my undergrad or work first? Do I have family obligations? Loans to repay? Concerns about running up more loans? Is this a good investment of my time and money?'"
Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Patricia Higgins agreed that graduate school "is a big commitment of time and money and requires the making of big decisions concerning what program to choose."
Some students, Higgins said, choose a course of graduate study to which they can "apply" their B.A. Some pursue a master's degree with the intention of going on to get a Ph.D.
Barry spoke of the growing concern among some students that "a bachelor's degree might not be enough to make them stand out in their particular career."
Higgins makes the point that the demands of the job market have seen a significant shift. In her parents' generation, she said, to earn a high school diploma was often a distinct career advantage. Students now can expect to compete for jobs against individuals who have earned their B.A. as well as their master's degree or another professional degree or doctorate.
The Professional Master's Initiative is one of several programs that has been launched recently to help CGS advise graduate schools wishing to revamp their approach to graduate education.
As anyone who has considered or is currently enrolled in graduate school knows, the cost of pursuing a master's degree or Ph.D. is considerable.
Meeting that cost can prolong the amount of time it takes to complete a degree.
Barbara Barry is a senior career counselor with the Career Development Center. She said that, for students thinking of going to graduate school, "usually there are a lot of factors that are challenges. Finances, timing - people have to ask themselves, 'Should I go directly from my undergrad or work first? Do I have family obligations? Loans to repay? Concerns about running up more loans? Is this a good investment of my time and money?'"
Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Patricia Higgins agreed that graduate school "is a big commitment of time and money and requires the making of big decisions concerning what program to choose."
Some students, Higgins said, choose a course of graduate study to which they can "apply" their B.A. Some pursue a master's degree with the intention of going on to get a Ph.D.
Barry spoke of the growing concern among some students that "a bachelor's degree might not be enough to make them stand out in their particular career."
Higgins makes the point that the demands of the job market have seen a significant shift. In her parents' generation, she said, to earn a high school diploma was often a distinct career advantage. Students now can expect to compete for jobs against individuals who have earned their B.A. as well as their master's degree or another professional degree or doctorate.
The Professional Master's Initiative is one of several programs that has been launched recently to help CGS advise graduate schools wishing to revamp their approach to graduate education.
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