http://matc.unl.edu/education/scholars-program2012.php

1. Why Graduate School?
Dr. Judy A. Perkins, PE
MATC Scholars Program
October 3rd – 6th
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

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

3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Reasons to Pursue an Advanced Degree
• Considerations to Begin the Application
Process
• Completing the 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. EXERCISE ON GRADUATE SCHOOL
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 10
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. REASONS TO PURSUE ADVANCED DEGREES
• Become specialized in a field of study
• Personal goal
• Professional growth, development, and
advancement in your career
• Change in career goals and paths
• Increase to earning potential
• Enjoy gaining more knowledge about your
chosen field of study

8. REASONS TO PURSUE ADVANCED DEGREES
• Trends in the economy shows that the US is
becoming extremely dependent on seeking a
highly educated and skilled workforce
• Between 2008 and 2018, approximately 2.5
million jobs will require a master’s, doctoral,
or advanced degree

9. REASONS TO PURSUE ADVANCED DEGREES
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey
Reference: http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm, accessed on September 30, 2012

10. CONSIDERATIONS TO BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCESS
• Research the ratings and reputation of the
graduate schools/programs
• What are the requirements for admissions 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

11. CONSIDERATIONS TO BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCESS
• How much time will it take to complete your
degree?
• Financial assistance available in the form of
scholarships, fellowships, and teaching or research
assistantships
• Create a budget for living expense (if relocating is
required)
• Standardized Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
• Participate in graduate preparation conferences and
campus visits

12. COMPLETING THE APPLICATION
• Become familiar with the deadline timetable
for submitting your application
• Purpose statement
• GRE scores (general and maybe subject)
• Transcript(s)
• Resume
• Letters of recommendation

13. GAINING 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

14. CAREER PATHS AS A GRADUATE STUDENT
• While the career paths of a graduate student
will vary, there a few commonalities to a
career path selected by the graduate
student and they are as follows:
• Position yourself to be more competitive
• Increased your marketability
• Increase job satisfaction and self-
confidence

15. 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

16. CREDITS
Dr. Judy A. Perkins, PE
Professor
Prairie View A&M University
Civil & Environmental Engineering Department
P.O. Box 519, MS 2510
Prairie View, Texas 77446
juperkins@pvamu.edu
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