Countdown to Graduate School

1. Countdown to Graduate School How do I know if Graduate School is Right for me?

2. Countdown to Graduate School Is graduate school right for you? We are here to help! David Pittenger, Ph.D.Interim Dean, Graduate CollegeOld Main 113304.696.6606 graduatecollege@marshall.edu

3. Countdown to Graduate School Why should I get a graduate Degree? The answer depends on your career goals, your time, and your financial resources.

4. Countdown to Graduate School Graduate School may be right for you if you… have a real interest in learning and/or research. want to specialize in a particular area. value the importance of a higher degree. are willing to invest the time, effort, and expense.

5. Countdown to Graduate School 5 Reasons why Graduate School is different:

6. Countdown to Graduate School The quality and quantity of work required of you will be very demanding.

7. Countdown to Graduate School Graduate study is very focused. You will explore a single topic or program of study.

8. Countdown to Graduate School Classes are usually small and will require your active participation.

9. Countdown to Graduate School Original research is likely to be required.

10. Countdown to Graduate School Tests may be written or problem-based.

11. Countdown to Graduate School What types of graduate programs are there?

12. Countdown to Graduate School a degree for everyone… Master’s Degree Graduate Certificate Education Specialist Doctoral Degree

13. Countdown to Graduate School What exactly is a Master’s Degree (MA, MS, MSN, MAJ, MAT)? A Master’s Degree… Can be the final degree you can earn in some disciplines. May involve an original research project and a written thesis. Usually can be finished in two years.

14. Countdown to Graduate School What exactly is a Graduate Certificate? A Graduate Certificate is… A short program of study which you can earn usually in half the time of a master’s degree.Can be used to enhance your credentials or skills for career advancement.

15. Countdown to Graduate School What exactly is a an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree? An Education Specialist degree is… A Specialist Degree is usually earned in addition to a Master’s Degree. This degree prepares a student for professional certification or licensing.

16. Countdown to Graduate School What exactly is a Doctoral Degree? (Ph.D., Psy.D., PharmD, DPT) A Doctoral Degree is the highest degree you can earn. Students usually do independent research which may result in a publishable book or article (dissertation). The time to complete the degree can be several years.

17. Countdown to Graduate School How do I choose a graduate program?

18. Countdown to Graduate School Answer these questions…..

19. Countdown to Graduate School How do I choose a graduate program? What do I want to accomplish in my career?

20. Countdown to Graduate School How do I choose a graduate program? What area of study really excites me?

21. Countdown to Graduate School How do I choose a graduate program? How hard am I willing to work?

22. Countdown to Graduate School How do I choose a graduate program? Do I have to live in a particular location?

23. Countdown to Graduate School How do I choose a graduate program? Is there a faculty member I know I would like to work with?

24. Countdown to Graduate School How do I choose a graduate program? Am I prepared to make a serious commitment of time and resources?

25. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? A few other things to think about How do I choose a graduate program What are the program admission requirements? What is the reputation of the program? What is the size of the program?Where is the school located? What is the campus/community like? How much will it cost?

26. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? Some helpful resourcesHow do I choose a graduate program allaboutgradschool.com GradSchools.comGradview.com petersons.com princetonereview.com Don’t forget the best resource you have! Talk to your faculty. They can provide great advice on what program is the best fit for you.

27. Countdown to Graduate School Make a list of your priorities. Figure out what matters most to you!

28. Countdown to Graduate School Still unsure about graduate school?

29. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? Info that may help you decide… Marshall University offers classes online, evenings, on weekends, on the Huntington campus and the South Charleston campus. Consider enrolling as a Non-Degree student; take a few classes of your choice to see if graduate school is for you. Select a Certificate Program to earn an academic credential in less than half the time it takes to earn a degree.

30. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? I’ve decided that Graduate School may be right for me.

31. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? The Number 1 Thing to Do: PLAN AHEAD!

32. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? Work closely with and get to know faculty who will then be able to write strong letters of recommendation for you.

33. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? Look for opportunities to do research with professors, to enroll in summer programs, or to take a job that will help you focus on what really interests you.

34. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? Practice taking the GRE or any other standardized test that your program may require. Practice tests are always available online.

35. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? Obviously, get the best grades you possibly can!

36. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? OK…tell me what it is going to cost?

37. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? Cost consideration 1: As a graduate student you will need to budget for all of these expenses: • Tuition and Fees • Books • Living Expenses • Transportation

38. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? Cost consideration 2: Graduate Estimated Cost of Attendance,(Fall and Spring terms-2 semesters) 2013-2014Full-Time Student (9 or more hours)

39. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? Cost consideration 2: Tuition and Fees Only Spring 2014 (one semester)Full-Time Student (9 or more hours) Online course tuition Online course tuition is assessed at a flat rate. This rate is assessed for ALL online courses and is separate from tuition assessed for any other courses you may be enrolled in. If you are a full-time student taking traditional courses and add an online course, you will be charged the online course tuition in addition to the tuition for your full-time traditional courses. Graduate Students- $297 per credit hour

40. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? Is the cost of graduate school worth it?

41. Countdown to Graduate School Education Pays!Is the cost of graduate school worth it? What is the reputation of the program? US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population SurveyData are for persons age 25 and over. Earnings are for full-time wage and salary workers.

42. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? How am I going to pay for it?

43. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? Costs at Marshall U: A graduate degree at Marshall University is affordable and achievable! • Graduate Assistantships • Scholarships • Loans • Outside employment www.marshall.edu/graduate/costs-and-aid/how-to-finance-your-graduate-education/

44. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? Graduate Assistantships • A graduate assistantship is a competitive award made on the basis of your academic record and promise. • Typically GA positions cover all or part of your tuition and include a stipend for work of 10-20hrs. week for the hiring program.

45. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? What is a Teaching Assistantship? A teaching assistantshipis much like a graduate assistantship but the work involves teaching one or two first year undergraduate classes or overseeing a lab.

46. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? What is a Graduate Tuition Waiver? A graduate tuition waiver is a scholarship currently valued at $750 which is applied to the cost of tuition for a 3 credit course. For more information see: www.marshall.edu/graduate/graduate-scholarship-tuition-waiver/

47. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? What degree programs can Marshall University offer me?

48. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? Marshall University can offer you: 49different master’s degrees 33 different graduate certificate programs 2 different Educational Specialist degrees 7 different doctoral degrees

49. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? Marshall University can offer you: Click here for detailed information about any program:www.marshall.edu/graduate/programs/select-your-degree-or-certificate-program/ • Interested in an appointment with faculty to discuss a program?Call: 304.696.6606 • Interested in a campus tour?Call: 304.696.6833

50. Countdown to Graduate School What is the reputation of the program? OK—I am ready to apply. NOW WHAT?