2023 MATC Scholars Program: Why Graduate School?

Mr. Juhann Waller, Adjunct Assistant Professor at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, covers reasons why to pursue a graduate degree, why and how to apply, and the benefits of attending.

1. Why Graduate School?   Mr. Juhann Waller, PE MATC Scholars Program March 15 - 18, 2023 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) . A ccessed 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) . A ccessed on March 7 ,2021

11. TRENDS IN PURSUING ADVANCED DEGREES Source: Education pays : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) a ccessed on February 24 ,2023 (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 SCH OOL 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 [email protected] or [email protected] CREDITS