April 19, 2017

Overview

  • What is graduate education?
  • Types of degrees
  • Characteristics of graduate education
  • Types of insitutions
  • Degrees and fields
  • Advanced degrees and careers
  • The value of a degree
  • Planning and the program
  • Graduate College at Texas State
  • Applying to graduate degree programs

What is graduate education?

  • Comes after graduate education
  • Marks advanced understanding of a discipline
  • Necessary to teach at the university level
  • Often involve exposure to research literature or advanced practice
  • Master's and Doctoral degrees

Types of graduate degrees

  • Often separated into research and practice degrees
  • Examples of research degrees: Master of Science, Master of Arts, Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Science
  • Examples of practice degrees: Master of Divinity, Master of Education, Master of Social Work, Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Dental Medicine
  • Research degrees generally require theses/dissertation (original research)
  • Vary in length by field
  • Usually have a major: Master of Education in Management of Technical Education; Doctor of Philosophy in Education.
  • In some fields, masters is required prior to doctorate.

Characteristics of graduate education

  • Not offered at every university
  • Often individuals may move to seek out expertise
  • Much more focused than undergraduate education
  • Programs are specific (full-time/part-time/online)
  • Changing majors is generally not possible
  • Students are admitted to a particular program
  • Not designed for discovery
  • Programs may be quite selective
  • Less tolerance for low grades/effort
  • Must complete degree within particular time period

Types of institutions

  • State/public insitutions
  • Private non-profit (generally religious in background)
  • Private for-profit

Degees and fields

  • Expected length
  • Credit hours needed
  • Exit/exam requirements
  • Course delivery
  • Mission and outcomes
  • Practicum/Internship/Project/Research requirements
  • Non-class requirements
  • Alumni/current students

Advanced degrees and careers

  • Alignment
  • Job requirements
  • Experience first?
  • Necessity of advanced degree

The value of a degree

  • Depends on field: usually 10-40% pay difference from bachelor to master's
  • Degree may not be the only cause for this observation
  • Degree utilization is key

Planning and the program

  • Finding time
  • Finding funding
  • Making sacrifices

Graduate College at Texas State

  • about 90 masters programs and 12 doctoral programs
  • some programs online only, Round Rock only, or San Marcos only
  • Master of Education (MEd) in Management of Technical Education
  • Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) or Master of Art in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Occupational, Workforce, and Leadership Studies

Applying to graduate programs

  • Typical requirements (transcripts, application, fee)
  • Exams
  • Resume/Vita
  • Recommendations
  • Statement/Essay
  • Examples of prior work

Contact information