Why Graduate Education is Good for YOU Reasons for Advancing beyond the BA/BS

CONTENT-ORIENTED REASONS Sharper/deeper knowledge base in selected field. Greater skill development in researching/solving problems. Increased sophistication in articulating ideas (oral and written formats)

PERSONAL REASONS Desire to conduct research to satisfy curiosity (a major criterion for engaging in research—answering “why?”). More mature on leaving graduate program. Greater self-knowledge: “who am I and what can I do?”

PROFESSIONAL REASONS Hiring Level Increases Pay level increases: on average, MA recipients earn 23% more than BA/BS; PhD’s earn 35% more than MA’s and 63% more than BA/BS. [source: Educational Attainment in the US, Census Bureau May 2004—from Dr. Carl F. Williams-Director of Admissions, Graduate School, Univ. Of Alabama enefits/benefits_files/v3_document.htm] enefits/benefits_files/v3_document.htm

Mean Annual Earnings by Level of Education [same source]

Where should I go to Grad School? Program – which is best for me? Geographic – where do I see myself living – comfort zone? Future – where do I want to be in 5 years – and what am I doing?

What about program “Level?” MA only institutions Focus is on YOU at graduate level MA/PhD institutions Attention is split between MA and PhD students PhD only institutions As with MA-only, focus is on YOU

Fitting in – Your goals Goal: What do you want to accomplish? FIT – how do you see yourself contributing to a program? Do your goals mesh well with program strengths? Are faculty doing what you are interested in?

Student Questions Are current students happy? Are students completing program in timely manner? Are students getting positions they want after finishing?

Who Pays? Professional Programs: there are fewer opportunities for funding support, but some do exist. Academic/Research Programs: Teaching Assistantships Research Assistantships Adminstrative Assistantships This one cuts across Prof./Academic areas

What are you willing/interested in doing re. funding? – Teaching: What experiences have you had re. teaching? What do most entering students teach? Research: What topics/areas are you most interested in working with/in? Admin – what special skills do you have that may help in an administrative role? Who Pays?

Resources General: Funding: list.htmFunding: list.htm /Financial_Aid.htmhttp:// /Financial_Aid.htm Raymie McKerrow – Ohio Univ –