...January 29, 2014 “Preparing Graduate Students for Graduate-Level Study and Research” Summary The number of academically under prepared and at-risk college graduates completing graduate-level degrees is increasing. Many of the students are doomed to failure either because they are academically disqualified or because they lack the guidance to acquire new information necessary for involvement of their thesis and/or project. Ultimately the cost of losing students is worrisome to both university/college officials and program coordinators. One of the most common hindrances for graduate students is the completion of the thesis, which almost always involves complex reviews of subject area literature. This problem is often overlooked, since program coordinators, faculty advisors and other officials assume that students automatically have knowledge of procedures in obtaining previous data/research findings relevant to the thesis work. This could not be further from the truth. In lieu of reading this article for review Katherine O’Clair hypothesizes that providing graduate students with adequate resources and support, including the help from the library, is required for protecting and increasing return on investments for university graduate programs. Often, just simply involving a university/college librarian can help reduce graduate student attrition and improve degree completion rates. O’Clair had a simple question of, “does a course with given credit prompt graduate students to evaluate their...
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...As we begin our graduate degrees, it is very important for us to understand how and where the tradition originated. The foundation of the American higher education system is derived from the original ideology of European education. Two Greek pioneers of tutelage, Plato and Aristotle, established the Academy in 387 BC and the Lyceum in 335 BC, respectively (University of Oklahoma, 2015). Over the next few centuries there were significant developments in Palestine, Babylonia, India, China, and Egypt. Jewish, Buddhist, and Islamic religions each had their own educational institutions founded during this time, and were equally important in the expansion of graduate studies. The development of universities in Western Europe began when groups of students flocked from their home countries to various locations to witness instructors lecture about specific topics. Numerous universities were established in Europe during the 12th century. England, Germany, Bohemia, and Poland each had the inauguration of their first university. The primary model for European institutions originated from the basis of the University of Paris, which became the central establishment for the studies of philosophy and theology (University of Oklahoma, 2015). In Italy the University of Bologna became known for the study of law and the University of Salerno became renowned for the study of medicine. Future universities in Italy and Spain modeled their institutions after the University of Bologna (University...
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...Grad school has its benefits. People with advanced degrees tend to earn bigger paychecks than those who have only an undergraduate degree. They’re also more likely to land a job — and less likely to end up on their parents’ couch. But those perks come at a cost. For some it might mean temporarily giving up a paycheck, something they’ve gotten used to in the working world. And graduate students, who often reach this next milestone without the help of mom and dad, account for about 40 percent of the $1 trillion in outstanding student loan debt, according to the New America Foundation. Ideally, people will come out with the potential to earn a much bigger paycheck and to reach a point in their careers that wouldn’t have been possible without the advanced degree. The jobless rate for people with master’s degrees was 3.4 percent in 2013, compared to 4 percent for people with a bachelor’s, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Median annual earnings were $69,100 for people with master’s degrees and $57,600 for those with a bachelor’s. But the payoff varies. “The general conclusion about graduate degrees is that they do improve earnings,” says Anthony Carnevale, director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. “There’s almost no doubt about that.” Still, he points out: “That doesn’t mean there aren’t some turkeys in the mix.” Indeed, outcomes vary by major. Working as an engineer? Getting a graduate degree will probably lead to a big raise. For a...
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...Challenges and Success in Graduate School Graduate students who pursue an advanced degree will be faced with many challenges. In order for one to be successful, one must first acknowledge the challenges facing them. Obstacles from changes in health care to burnout all factor into the success or unsuccessful outcome. We as adults must recognize these challenges and implement successful solutions. Personal and Professionals Goals When I obtained my nursing degree, my intent always had been to return to school in pursuit of an advanced degree. However, I thought that I needed to gain practical experience along with a general knowledge of the industry as well as determine my areas of interest. In deciding to return to graduate studies, for the short term I want to expand my knowledge-base of the various skills, traits, and styles of effective leaders as well as return to the evidenced-based of why we do what we do. I have progressed in my career to a clinical manager; however, I have no formal leadership training or mentoring. My growth as a manager has been self-taught or mimicked after another leader I admired and I believe this program will assist me in achieving my short-term goal of solidifying a formal foundation of varying management and leadership styles to provide more effective oversight of fiscal and human resources as well as day-to-day departmental operations. For the long term, my goal is to pursue a clinical directorship with the pinnacle of obtaining a...
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...Challenges of Graduate Studies & Strategies for Success Challenges of Graduate Studies & Strategies for Success The modern job market makes advanced education necessary, but graduate studies are never an easy task. Distance learning, while it does add a layer of convenience, can also cause additional issues for some graduate students. A study performed by the Babson Research Group found that over seven million higher education students opted for online learning options in 2013 (Blair, 2014). However, as Reiss points out, “It’s one thing to start your online degree, but it’s another to finish it (2014)”. If distance learning graduate students are to succeed and overcome the challenges of graduate studies, they must devise an effective strategy for meeting these potential issues. Potential Issues Many of today’s online graduate students are faced with various educational and external challenges that can hinder successful completion of their studies. These issues could, and at ties do, lead to lower grades and lack of drive. Balancing multiple obligations, struggles with adapting to the online learning processes and environment, and internal battles are just a few of the issues that online graduate students are likely to face. The Juggling Act Balancing obligations can be a challenge for online graduate learning. Modern students must juggle the responsibilities to family and home, work, friends, and self in addition to school work. Quite obviously, this...
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...How to Succeed in Graduate School: A Guide for Students and Advisors Submitted to Crossroads, October 1994 Marie desJardins marie@erg.sri.com Abstract This paper attempts to raise some issues that are important for graduate students to be suc¬cessful and to get as much out of the process as possible, and for advisors who wish to help their students be successful. The intent is not to provide prescriptive advice – no formulas for finishing a thesis or twelve-step programs for be¬coming a better advisor are given – but to raise awareness on both sides of the advisor-student relationship as to what the expectations are and should be for this relationship, what a graduate student should expect to accomplish, common problems, and where to go if the advisor is not forthcoming. Introduction This article originated with a discussion I had with several women professors about the prob¬lems women face in graduate school, and how more women could be encouraged to go to grad¬uate school in computer science. Eventually, the conversation turned to the question of what these women could do in their interactions with women students to support and encourage them. I volunteered that over the course of my gradu¬ate career I had collected a variety of papers and e-mail discussions about how to be a good ad-visor, how to get through graduate school, and issues facing women. They were eager to get this material, and I told them I would sort through it when I got a chance. After mentioning...
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...Graduate School: Overcoming Barriers to Success Kasey Kiesler HCS/504 September 24, 2012 Professor Brenda Harton Graduate School: Overcoming Barriers to Success The decision to attend graduate school can be one of immense commitment and responsibility. Success requires rigorous planning and well-defined goals, both short-term and long-term. Exceptional communication skills are also necessary to interact effectively with fellow classmates and faculty. Although completion of a Master’s program opens doors to many professional career opportunities, it does not come without challenges. One also must have several strategies in place for dealing with these challenges when they arise. With determination and hard work, overcoming these barriers will lead to success. Personal and Professional Goals Pursuing graduate studies can be a very personal decision. More individuals are looking into higher education degrees to combat the negative effects of a poor economy on their families (McKelvie, 2009). Providing financial stability to one’s family is a readily attainable goal by obtaining a Master’s degree. Achievement of this goal is appreciated when exceeding the basic needs of family members, financial obligations are met within deadlines, and a spouse can stay at home more often and spend additional time with children. Personal goals may center on passion for one’s career. Graduate school is an admirable choice for those...
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...1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND The goal of the students in the graduate studies is to acquire a unique experience, to develop more professionally, to sharpen a variety of skills, and to learn some new ones. Graduate education represents mastery of an academic discipline. As distinct from undergraduate education, graduate education provides advance knowledge in the field of study that is characterized by specialized training in the discipline’s theory, research, methodology, and critical analysis. Since graduate education is concentrated, learning is more self-directed and involves more individualized instruction and mentoring than does learning for baccalaureate degree. A master’s degree provides student with the skills necessary to generate new knowledge and to apply existing new knowledge. It also provides student with the professional ethics and values of the discipline. Graduate school is training in research. It is for people who love research, scholarship and teaching for their own sake and for the difference they can sometimes make in the world. (Phil. Agre. 1996). Graduate school generally takes five to eight years. The first year is often the worst. It usually consists of an overwhelming amount of structured reading designed to give general background in the basic text of the particular field. Graduate education requires significant investment of financial and personal resources and students...
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...My short-term in life as of now is just to graduate high school. It's crazy to think that in a couple of more months I'll be able to walk across stage to receive my diploma. It's even crazier just typing this, all my life I have been waiting for this. To graduate high school and when I say the struggle is real, the struggle was real. With all the all-nighters that were pulled in the last few years, it was worth it. Although there were many regrets that were taken place, for example switching all my regular classes to mostly AP classes, in junior year. It was a lot, it was like jumping into the deep end without knowing how to swim. Luckily, I studied and worked my butt off that whole year and made it through. After graduation I plan on going...
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...Some school districts offer programs that allow high school students to graduate in three years instead of the traditional four years. Usually students do not graduate three early due to extra curricular activities such as sports or clubs. In most cases, teenagers graduate at the age of either seventeen or eighteen as well as receive their diploma in May. I believe students should should not graduate in three years for the reason that they would have no time out of school due to mandatory classes, stress from classes, as a consequence they would miss the joyful memories of high school. Students would have no time out of school in view of all the homework they will receive. These homework assignments include classes such as math, history, english,...
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...Of all the characters that I’ve “met” through books and movies, two stand out as people that I most want to emulate. They are Attacus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird and Dr. Archibald “Moonlight” Graham from Field of Dreams. They appeal to me because they embody what I strive to be. They are influential people in small towns who have a direct positive effect on those around them. I, too, plan to live in a small town after graduating from college, and that positive effect is something I must give in order to be satisfied with my life. Both Mr. Finch and Dr. Graham are strong supporting characters in wonderful stories. They symbolize good, honesty, and wisdom. When the story of my town is written I want to symbolize those things. The base has been formed for me to live a productive, helpful life. As an Eagle Scout I represent those things that Mr. Finch and Dr. Graham represent. In the child/adolescent world I am Mr. Finch and Dr. Graham, but soon I’ll be entering the adult world, a world in which I’m not yet prepared to lead. I’m quite sure that as teenagers Attacus Finch and Moonlight Graham often wondered what they could do to help others. They probably emulated someone who they had seen live a successful life. They saw someone like my grandfather, 40-year president of our hometown bank, enjoy a lifetime of leading, sharing, and giving. I have seen him spend his Christmas Eves taking gifts of food and joy to indigent families. Often when his bank could not justify a...
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...Graduate Degree essay Why should I pursue a graduate degree? Is a demanding question that is often asked in one form or another among students that have completed their undergraduate degree. This question is a challenging question for many due to situations and circumstances that are taking place in student’s lives. Situations and circumstances include new marriages, new families, demanding careers, as well as, diverse social and networking activities in the church and community. Despite the situations and circumstances that are weighed against the options of pursuing a graduate degree or not pursuing a graduate degree: Choosing to obtain a graduate degree could prepare one for unlimited possibilities in personal, scholastic, or professional endeavors. I chose to pursue a graduate degree to mutually fulfill my life long learning commitment as well as my personal development commitments established before or during undergraduate school. One commitment I made to myself was to increase my self-confidence. It was the same reason I chose to join the US Army immediately following high school; since, I wanted to fulfill the army’s basic training requirements while increasing my self-confidence. Another commitment made to myself was to improve specific networking skills in my current job at UPS. For instance, I committed to improving my interpersonal skills, both oral and written communication skills. By improving these skills, I would be able to relate better with my coworkers...
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...Preparing For Academic Success at the Graduate Level University of Phoenix COM/600 Renee Lemieux 10/26/2014 Preparing for Academic Success at the Academic Level Being successful academically is what students devote their time and efforts to while pursuing a collegiate education at the graduate level. Many find it hard and frustrating to take on such a responsibility at this level because of certain standards of writing, and the time management needed to stay focused on your writing. Becoming prepared for the responsibilities your about to take on can be overwhelming, but in the end you will be rewarded with success in your future, if the proper steps to getting there are taken. Graduate Level Writing At graduate level writing, it is imperative to be readily prepared for the responsibility to meet your goals in academic writing. Graduate level writing will help find your strengths and weaknesses, help construct time management, and manage stress. It takes full commitment to becoming successful as a professional in your writing, and the goal with graduate level writing is just that. There are many characteristics to graduate level writing that stand out more from undergraduate levels of writing. Writing in graduate level form you may find yourself doing more clear concise research, and citing more sources to ensure your research has an accurate conclusion, along with an organized format that can be clearly read. You’ll find yourself citing sources in different...
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...considering whether to go to graduate school. I think that such a decision is very important and personal. One has to consider many underlying factors, including the commitment and time that will be dedicated to studies instead of other obligations. Such a decision will not only affect the individual, but it will affect other people as well. If someone had purposed to start a family, then he will have to reconsider this decision, in face of the overwhelming challenges. Identify the Audience This is a class project and the instructor is the primary reader. It is in line with the course work and it is therefore meant for her evaluation. However, by doing this project, I also realize that I also have a lot of gain as it concerns an aspect that might affect my future. Define the Purpose Is going to graduate school the best decision for me? Clarify the purpose It will be of great importance to conduce this research because it will give a clear insight on the benefits and drawbacks of going to graduate school. Following the research, I will be in a position to know what I stand to gain by going to graduate school and the sacrifices that I have to make if I do decide to go. Scope Define graduate school Identify the importance of going to graduate school Identify the cost associated with going to graduate school Practical alternative options Conclusion Limitations and Delimitations Although one can get a picture of graduate school by reading the experience...
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...Graduate Study Challenges and Strategies for Success Suzanne D. Bamfield Instructor Marilyn Ketchum HCS/504 University Of Phoenix Abstract Graduate School can be very intimidating for an individual who has been out of school for quite some time. In this paper I will discuss the personal challenges and tools for success. Introduction: Reasons for Pursuing Graduate Studies Success is measured by how motivated and hard one works to achieve their goals. In his journal, (David H. Lyman( 2004) he states that there are a few key tips to success. They are passion, setting goals, high self -esteem, persistence, mastering your craft and talent. These major tools are what drive an individual to be successful. These tools are also driving me to succeed. I decided to maintain a level of discipline within myself. My reasons for pursuing Graduate studies are very simply. I want a sense of accomplishment because I was out of school for many years i became stagnant...
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