Why Graduate School?

1. Why Graduate School?
Mr. Juhann Waller, PE
MATC Scholars Program
March 26, 2021 - April 9, 2021
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

2. OUTLINE
• Introduction
• Learning Objectives
• Learning Outcomes
• Session Presentation
• Conclusions

3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Reason(s) to pursue an advanced degree
• Considerations to begin the Graduate
Application Process
• Completing the Graduate Application
Process
• Gaining Admission

4. LEARNING OUTCOMES
• Knowledgeable about why graduate
school is important
• Knowledgeable about preparing for
graduate school
• Informed about the benefits of
attending and investing in graduate
studies, and career paths as a graduate
student

5. GRADUATE SCHOOL EXERCISE
Discovering Commonalities
In groups of (decide based on number of
students in session), generate a list of 20
things that you know about graduate school.
You will have a total of 5 minutes to
complete this exercise. At the end of the
exercise, a student from each group will be
selected to present the group’s list.

6. WHAT IS GRADUATE SCHOOL?
• Provides specialized knowledge and training
in your chosen field of study.
• Provides more depth to subjects taken in
your chosen field of study.
• Engaging in research and other intellectual
activities to advance as well as contribute
to the scholarly work in your field.
• Requires a personal commitment.

7. WHY PURSUE AN ADVANCED DEGREE?
•Personal Growth
•Greater Employment Opportunities
•Greater Career Advancement Opportunities
•Sense of Accomplishment
•Greater Recognition and Credibility
•Field of Study Requirement
•Financial Reward
Reference: Martin, Don. “6 Reasons Why Graduate School Pays Off”. U.S. News & World Report Education June 29,2012. US News. Accessed
on October 09, 2015

8. TRENDS IN PURSUING ADVANCED DEGREES
• Trends in the economy shows that the
US is becoming extremely dependent
on seeking a highly educated and
skilled workforce.
• Between 2009 and 2029, approximately
2.5 million jobs will require a master’s,
doctoral, or advanced degree.

9. TRENDS IN PURSUING ADVANCED DEGREES
Source: Education level and projected openings, 2019–29 : Career Outlook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov). Accessed on March 7 ,2021

10. TRENDS IN PURSUING ADVANCED DEGREES
Source: Education level and projected openings, 2019–29 : Career Outlook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov). Accessed on March 7 ,2021

11. TRENDS IN PURSUING ADVANCED DEGREES
Source: http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm. Accessed on March 7 ,2021
(Financial Reward)

12. TRENDS IN PURSUING ADVANCED DEGREES
(Field of Study Requirements)
Anthropologists and archeologists Healthcare social workers Nurse practitioners
Archivists Historians
Nursing instructors and teachers,
postsecondary
Art, drama, and music teachers,
postsecondary
Home economics teachers,
postsecondary
Occupational therapists
Curators
Industrial-organizational
psychologists
Orthotists and prosthetists
Economists Instructional coordinators Physician assistants
Education administrators,
elementary and secondary school
Librarians Political scientists
Education administrators,
postsecondary
Marriage and family therapists Rehabilitation counselors
Educational, guidance, school, and
vocational counselors
Mathematicians Sociologists
Epidemiologists Mental health counselors Speech-language pathologists
Farm and home management
advisors
Nurse anesthetists Statisticians
Genetic counselors Nurse midwives Urban and regional planners
Occupations that typically require a master’s degree for entry level employment
Reference: http://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/should-i-get-a-masters-degree.htm#STEM. Accessed on October 09, 2015

13. SOUL SEARCHING

14. SOUL SEARCHING EXERCISE: GRADUATE SCHOOL
Discovering Commonalities
In groups of (decide based on number of
students in session), generate a list of 5
reasons for attending graduate school and 5
reasons for not attending graduate school.
You will have a total of 7 minutes to
complete this exercise. At the end of the
exercise, a student from each group will be
selected to present the group’s list.

15. SOUL SEARCHING
•Increase your earning potential
•Professional growth, development and Advancement
in your career
•Enjoy gaining knowledge about
chosen field of study
(Personal Reasons to Pursue Advanced Degrees)

16. WHAT’S NEXT?
GRADUATE SCHOOL PROCESS
• Research the ratings and reputation of the graduate
schools/programs.
• What are the requirements for admission to the
university and the graduate program for your chosen
field of study?
• What type of research is being conducted by professors
in your chosen field of study?
• Student services available at the school in the
respective programs.
• What kind of financial support can a student expect to
receive during the entire course of the program?

17. • How much educational debt the graduates leave with?
• How many students within the school/program
complete their program of study?
• How many years does it typically take a student to
complete their program of study?
• Location of University and the associated cost of living
• Where are graduates employed?
• University/Program expectation of students?
WHAT’S NEXT?
GRADUATE SCHOOL SELECTION PROCESS

18. WHAT’S NEXT?
GRADUATE SCHOOL SELECTION PROCESS
• Participate in campus visits and graduate
preparation conferences
• Become familiar with the deadline timetable
for submitting your application
• Purpose statement
• GRE scores (general and maybe subject)
• Transcript(s)

19. WHAT’S NEXT?
GRADUATE SCHOOL SELECTION PROCESS
• Resume’/work experience requirements
• Letters of recommendation
• GPA requirements

20. WHAT’S NEXT?
GRAINING ADMISSION
• Fully understand the admission process
• Graduate admissions committee is
comprised mostly of professors
• Generate and submit a competitive
application
• Follow up and be proactive

21. CONCLUSIONS
• Attending graduate school offers tangible and
intangible opportunities.
• Earning potential is higher than those with
just the bachelorette degrees.
• Understanding factors that considered prior
to starting your application when greatly
enhance your chances of putting together a
competitive application.
• Be proactive about the investment being
made to pursue graduate school.

22. Slide design © 2009, Mid-America Transportation Center. All rights reserved.
Mr. Juhann Waller, MS, PE
Adjunct Assistant Professor
North Carolina A&T University
Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering Department
McNair Hall, Room #444
1601 East Market Street
Greensboro, North Carolina 27401
jw017827@ncat.edu
CREDITS