Graduate/Professional Schools: what is it all about? Tom Tomasi Professor of Biology Associate Dean – Graduate College

Questions for the Audience Seniors v. juniors?? Graduate school v. professional schools?? Not a clue?? Sciences? Arts? Social Science? Business? Education?

Presentation Outline Diversity of Graduate Programs Homework before applying Applying Fast-tracking a Masters degree Types of graduate programs

Graduate Programs Masters Degrees Specialists Degrees (education) Doctoral degrees – PhD (research degree/career) – Clinical degrees – EdD Graduate Certificates

For students who do not want to complete a Masters degree (generally credits) Usually credits in specialized area. Many can later be applied toward a Masters degree

Do Your Homework Investigate potential schools – How – Where – When Contact potential mentors (research-oriented) Apply – When – Secondary applications

Standardized Exams GRE, GMAT, MAT, MCAT, LSAT What is required? (exam?; score?) When do I take them? How do I prepare for them?

The Application Process Admissions requirements vary by program – Basics – Program-specific requirements The Process – Your application – Their review

Fast Tracking a Masters Degree Starting a graduate transcript Accelerated Masters degrees – Early pre-admission – Higher admissions requirements – “Mixed credit” (6-12 credits) Senior Permission (< 12 credits)

Discussion ????