Graduate School

1
Graduate School?
Inquire
System Constraints
Best Choice
Apply
Accept
Complete Program!!
2
General Timeline

• Apply as early as possible!
• GRE no later than Nov. for Sept. admission
• Full application by Jan.
• Notification in March-April
• Little time to decide

3
System/Constraints

• Academic Program (1)
• Which Degree?
• How long will it take?
• What are the requirements?
• Facilities/Research
• Cost Financial Aid (2)
• Job Opportunities After Graduation (3)
• Awareness (Division 1A helps)
• Image/Reputation/National Ranking/Market Position
• Geographic Location
• Academic Environment

4
Graduate Degrees

• Masters (MS, MEng, MBA, MA)
• Plan A
• Plan B
• Doctorate (PhD or ScD)
• Other Fields (Law)

5
Requirements for MS

• Plan A
• 26 course hours
• 4 research hours
• thesis and defense
• 2 years beyond BS typical
• Plan B
• 30 hours of course work
• Plan B paper
• 1.5 years beyond BS typical

6
Requirements for PhD

• 72 hours beyond BS
• 2 consecutive semesters in residence
• Prelim Exam
• Dissertation and Defense
• 3-4 years beyond MS typical

7
Types of Financial Assistance

• Know exactly what is included!
• Scholarships
• Fellowships
• Graduate Assistantship
• Teaching (half, three-quarter, or full)
• Research (half, three-quarter, or full)

8
How to Pick your School?

• Specialize in area of interest
• Knowledge about faculty
• Access to faculty/staff
• Cost/Stipend
• Geographic area

9
Application Procedures

• Application form and fee (40 - 100)
• Transcript
• GRE
• Recommendation letters
• Statement of Purpose
• Application for Assistantship

10
How to Improve Your Chances

• Ask good questions!
• Take application seriously, proofread, and
  faculty assistance
• Take GRE seriously!
• Take graduate course as undergrad
• Participate in research program as an
  undergraduate
• Recommendation from faculty acquaintance