Fall 2015 Graduate School Guide

E S T C A H U OOL D A R G Guide GRE

LSAT

Master’s

Ph.D

2 | Wednesday, October 28, 2015

The Graduate School Guide

EDITOR'S NOTE

Grad school is the next step GLISSETTE SANTANA

EDITOR IN CHIEF

@ GLISSETTETWEETS

W

elcome to the Graduate School Guide. In these pages, you'll find a guide to help you on your next educational step. Whether you're ready to take on the LSAT or are just looking to see if you should pursue more degrees, this should GLISSETTE help.

SANTANA We here at The Cougar decided there were way more people than before taking advantage of getting their master's or even their doctorate degree, and we wanted to celebrate that and help you along the way.

Grad school is something that people look at to further their education, either because that's how they planned it or they couldn't find a job with just a

How to: write a personal statement

It's the essay that could decide whether or not you persue a graduate degree. Good luck.

04

LSAT pep talk

Our writer has already taken the LSAT. Here's what she has to say.

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Sam Houston State University

06-07

University of St. Thomas

About Graduate School Guide

The Graduate School Guide is part of a series of special sections published every month by The Cougar. These sections are intented to give recognition and focus to certain aspects of student life that can often be overlooked.

EDITOR Glissette Santana WRITERS Leen Basharat Efren Diosdado Karis Johnson Mónica Rojas Anthony Torres

Taking the GRE exam is the first step in starting a graduate education. | Glissette Santana/The Cougar

PRODUCTION Josue Diaz Jennifer Garcia Alex Tomic Courtney Williams ADVERTISING Lizette Garcia Jose Salazar

CLOSING EDITORS Sean Alder Mónica Rojas

ABOUT THE COVER bachelors. And that's OK. There are so many different degree types out there it's hard to count, but that doesn't mean its a bad decision. If anything, it's going to secure your future even more (and maybe even add a few zeroes to the end of your salary.)

Education is something is that

is valued highly in my family, and I'm sure in some of yours, too.

Take this guide and allow it to help you answer some tough questions or even give you some tips to not freak out from excessive stress. It'll be worth it in the end.

P.S. — don't blame me if this gives your grandma even more to talk to your relatives about at Thanksgiving. You got yourself into that mess.

08-09

15

18

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Juggling school and work can be tough, especially in grad school.

Here's how to handle it.

UH Bauer School UH Master's of of Business Public Work

10-11

University of Houston Downtown

12-13

UH College of Pharmacy

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University of Houston Clear Lake

Coolest UH graduate degrees There's some in our own backyard.

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An online Master's?

There's pros and cons.

18

Balancing act

19

These weird degrees should have graduate potential Ever thought about getting a master's in comedy?

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Budget-friendly More school for graduate schools you?

Take this quiz and Getting a Master's doesn't have to hurt your pocketbook.

No matter which direction you decide to take your education, there's always a path that's tailor made for you.

— Graphic design by Alex Tomic

ADVERTISING MANAGER

TABLE OF CONTENTS 03

i

find out if you could survive the world that is graduate school.

Callista Brown 713-743-5340 csmadvertising@uh.edu

Contact The Cougar thedailycougar.com NEWSROOM 713-743-5360 editor@thedailycougar.com facebook.com/thedailycougar twitter.com/thedailycougar

EDITOR IN CHIEF Glissette Santana

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Wednesday, October 28, 2015 | 3

The Graduate School Guide

HOW TO WRITE A PERSONAL STATEMENT: Grad school is all about applications and if you are truly ready to take on the extra responsibility of additional years of school. Applicants have to show each university their academic worth and how they differ from the rest. Writing a great personal statement is the first step in doing that.

1. The hardest part is getting started.

2. Make sure your introduction states what you want.

It’s true. Set aside some time to make your personal statement the best it can be, whether or not you spend one hour or one week working on it. Odds are the longer you work on it, the better it will be.

You're applying to specific schools for specific reasons. Be sure to tell them that. Having a great intro can help get your foot in the door with your dream school, ultimately having an effect on your future.

October 28, 2015 To Whom It May Concern:

3. What are your goals?

A cliché question, yes, but an important one nonetheless.

Universities won't accept you into their program if they don't know what to expect from you afterwards. Set goals early on and make sure that you do everything possible to show that in your statement.

I am pleased to know that the Natural Sciences & Mathematics college at the University of Houston has opened a position as an office coordinator in the Mathematics department. I have read the requirements and believe that I can fulfill them very well.

Working as a Senior Teller for four years at JP Morgan Chase Bank, I have gained experience in various office tasks, such as training new entry level tellers, providing administrative reports on a periodical basis, answering telephone calls, following up on client and customer request, ordering inventory, and providing great customer service. Furthermore, I was able to successfully process accurate office transactions for my entire employment at Chase Bank. I also possess essential computer knowledge in Microsoft Office, Windows and Mac operating systems.

My hard work and dedication combined with my good organization and problem-solving skills have made me successful in professional environments and my experience, ability and willingness to learn ensures that I am ready to become a contributor to your team.

Enclosed is my resume for your review. I welcome the opportunity to personally discuss how my skills and strengths can best serve you.

Respectfully, John Doe

4. Don't lie.

Believe it or not, this happens more often than not. Don't lie to impress a committee because it could backfire with horrendous results. Saying you studied abroad and helped orphans only looks good if you actually did it.

5. Make sure you're proud of the end product.

It goes without saying that you should be proud of your work.

You want to go to this grad school for a reason, whether they are highly ranked or close to your hometown. Put your best foot forward, and be proud of things that you have accomplished so far. It'll show in your statement.

— Infographic by Courtney Williams

4 | Wednesday, October 28, 2015

The Graduate School Guide

Most who take the LSAT prepare for months ahead of time. The majority of people who take the law school entrance exam take it three times to improve their scores. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

COMMENTARY

LSATs? I've been there and done that SARAH KIM

ASSISTANT OPINION EDITOR @SEKIM93

Law school applicants can come from various backgrounds and different majors; there are no required courses that students must take to apply to law school.

There’s a common misconception that in order to be pre-law, one must be a political science major. Frankly, if someone wants to go into corporate law, a business major would be helpful. If someone wants to be involved in medical law or healthcare, having a background in science is also useful. Pre-med students can also be pre-law, and these guys will have greater background knowledge of the field.

Another aspect that should be considered is GPA. Law schools will recognize students who took more difficult classes or had more difficult majors. But if you love English literature and think you will have a higher GPA in it, then don't switch. A higher GPA is more impressive.

According to the UH Law School, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, have taken the LSAT, submitted the application, a personal statement,

letters of recommendation and a list of extracurricular activities or resume.

Students also have to register with the Credential Assembly Service, which is essentially the post-graduate version of Apply Texas, in that applicants must submit their application materials online through this website.

Applicants must pay $170 in order to use it. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify.

You will then pay $175 to take one LSAT (most take three exams, though.) Then, you add in the cost of test preparation courses and books (which is typically more than $1,000 even with discount codes.) You also pay to apply to each law school. This is all before you are accepted to law school. And you thought paying for your undergraduate applications were bad.

The UH Law School 2015 entering class profile includes 2,415 applications, a 216 class size, a median LSAT score of 159 and median GPA of 3.54.

LSATs are typically offered four times a year, in February, June, October and December. Each test date has strict registration deadlines, and the

average LSAT score is 150.

In other words, you must score at least slightly above average to apply to the UH law school.

Some might say that it is important for applicants to be well-rounded, involved on campus, have relevant work experience, etc. These are all important and do affect the acceptance of some students.

But realistically, acceptance into a given law school is mostly dependent on two numbers: the LSAT score and GPA. If an applicant has a lower GPA, they would ideally have a higher LSAT score and vice versa. According to the LSAT Center, some schools weigh your LSAT score 70 percent versus 30 percent for your GPA, meaning that this three and a half hour test is worth more than four years of undergraduate work.

Basically, stop trying to kid yourself and think you can work two jobs, take classes and study.

It’s all lies.

Unlike the GRE, the LSAT is does not cover subjects typically learned in college courses such as math, although taking English courses may help with

reading comprehension.

The LSAT testing experience lasts about four to five hours. It has 50 logical reasoning questions, 25 analytical reasoning (logic games) questions, 27 reading comprehension questions and a 35-minute essay section.

Students can prepare by studying LSAT preparation books and guides, or by taking courses offered by companies like the Princeton Review, or Blueprint.

Often, applicants study by taking practice tests. Making a study timeline and truly committing to it can make a huge difference for many.

For some people, they can study for one month and still do very well. But for majority of students, they study eight to 10 hours daily for four months before their exam while taking practices tests on weekends.

Applicants can only take the LSAT three times. I’m under the impression that if you fail three times, LSAC is basically hinting you should stop trying.

The LSAT is a giant mind game.

Enjoy.

5 tips to get you through your LSATs

I may or may not have participated in some of these.

Coffee and alcohol are beverages that may be consumed and possibly help some students.

Not working or sleeping at all while studying for the LSAT is a way to go to make sure you have enough study time.

Taking the minimum class load ensures that you are never too busy to study.

Did I already say something about alcohol? I can't remember because my brain is fried from...studying.

It is physically possible to study with your friends.

Just make sure that no fun is happening so that you can be fully focused.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 | 5

The Graduate School Guide SPONSORED ARTICLE

Sam Houston State University: A World of a Difference What sets us apart sets you apart Sam Houston State University has been preparing students for meaningful lives of achievement through research, creative endeavors, community service, and academic excellence among its seven colleges.

Heralded by its flagship MBA program, the College of Business Administration also offers graduate programs in accounting, banking and project management.

Our strong curriculum, excellent teaching, and real-world perspective prepares you to meet the challenges of today’s business environment.

One of the largest and most prestigious in the country, the College of Criminal Justice continues to set the national standard for the study of criminal justice.

With programs in criminal justice, criminology, leadership and management, forensic science, homeland security, and victim services; you’ll stay at the forefront of both criminal justice research and sciences.

Consistently ranked among

the top schools of education, the College of Education provides you with opportunities for professional growth, research, and community service.

With programs in administration, counseling, curriculum and instruction, higher education, instructional technology, leadership, library science, reading, special education, and teaching; you’ll work together with students, teachers, administrators, and the community to fulfill the best hopes of a brighter tomorrow.

The College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication offers dynamic programs in dance, music, and digital media that seek to inspire, educate, and graduate creative artists and media professionals.

Our faculty provide the avenues to help nurture your

imagination, expand your knowledge, and advance your talents to further shape our contemporary culture and media landscape.

The College of Health Sciences embraces their mission to promote stewardship of

and global partners to advance knowledge by employing and communicating evidence-based practices.

Nationally recognized for excellence in both instruction and research, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences provides a balanced education to facilitate personal growth, competent professionalism, and responsible citizenship.

Join faculty on a mission to understand human beings in their diversity through a graduate program in humanities and social sciences—communication studies, creative writing, English, history, political science, psychology, public administration, sociology, and Spanish.

The College of Sciences embraces high standards, ethical practices, and personalized

“Sam Houston State University is proudly leading the way forward in on campus and online education. Find your inspiration to lead at SHSU, where faculty demonstrate what commitment, hard work, and talent can accomplish every day. ” health in Texas, the nation, and the world by offering graduate programs in dietetics, family and consumer sciences, health education, health care quality and safety, kinesiology, and sport management.

Working alongside faculty, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with community

student-faculty interaction while dedicating itself to excellence in teaching, engagement in quality research, and active community service.

As a graduate student, you will research alongside faculty who are renowned throughout the world for their teaching acumen and collaborative research, drawing from deep experience as practitioners in biological, chemical, computer, mathematical, statistical, geographical, and agricultural sciences.

Sam Houston State University is proudly leading the way forward in on campus and online education.

Find your inspiration to lead at SHSU, where faculty demonstrate what commitment, hard work, and talent can accomplish every day. What sets us apart sets you apart.

60+ MASTER’S AND DOCTORAL DEGREES

25+ ONLINE PROGRAMS, INCLUDING 2 ONLINE DOCTORATES

15+ CERTIFICATES AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Graduate Admissions Box 2478 Huntsville, TX 77341 936.294.1971 graduate@shsu.edu shsu.edu/grad-degrees

Jump Start Your Career with a Graduate Degree at SHSU

6 | Wednesday, October 28, 2015

The Graduate School Guide

SPONSORED ARTICLE

Small classes, big opportunities for students in UST’s graduate programs Convenient location and diverse program options make the University of St. Thomas a great choice for graduate students The University of St. Thomas offers 18 graduate degrees in business, education, public affairs and liberal arts. Find a degree that can help you further your career, or consider a program that satisfies your desire to pursue an intellectual interest.

Some of the advantages to choosing UST include: • A convenient location minutes away from downtown Houston, the Museum District, the Texas Medical Center and Greenway Plaza that makes your commute to and from class quick and easy.

• Small classes that allow you to develop strong ties with faculty who serve as advocates for future opportunities.

• Varied scheduling options that enable you to pick the classes that fit your needs.

Many programs have evening and Saturday classes to accommodate students who work and pursue a graduate degree at the same time.

• GMAT/GRE waivers available for many programs when applicants meet GPA and/ or work experience requirements.

• Network building through events and contacts with peers and industry leaders.

UST is committed to helping students succeed. The on-campus Career Services department assists students with finding jobs and internships, as well as prepares them for interviews and reviews their resumes. The department also hosts networking and career fair events throughout the year for students and alumni.

Eighty-seven percent of UST graduates are employed within six months of graduation.

Students also enjoy a diverse campus, with classmates from 36 states and 50 countries. This gives a more global perspective to class discussions and creates a space where students learn more about the world from the people around them.

Many UST students take advantage of study abroad opportunities for their major.

Students travel for one week or more to places all over the world. Recent trips include a session in China offered as an elective through the Cameron School of Business. Students visited financial institutions and small businesses to hear briefings on business models and philosophies. They also toured manufacturing centers to see a day in the life of a worker.

UST’s graduates are prepared to excel as they progress in their careers. Part of the University’s mission includes developing ethical leaders who think critically and communicate effectively within the companies where they work. This gives students an edge over other candidates who may not possess these “soft skills” that have become so important in the workforce.

Apply to UST today and see how affordable a private university education can be. The University offers a limited amount of scholarships for graduate programs, works with students who have employee reimbursement plans and even offers interest-free payment plan options.

Popular Programs at UST Cameron School of Business is AACSB accredited for both undergraduate and graduate programs. The school offers five master’s degrees: • MBA – customizable with one of nine concentrations • Accounting • Clinical Translation Management (in collaboration with Houston Methodist Research Institute) • Finance • International Business A joint JD/MBA degree is offered through a partnership with the South Texas College

of Law and a joint MHA/MBA degree is offered through a partnership with Texas Woman’s University.

The Cameron Scholars program is available to qualified MBA students and can provide a 40% discount on tuition.

The School of Education and Human Services also offers five master’s degrees: • Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, leading to Licensed Professional Counseling (LPC) Certification • Catholic Education • Catholic Educational Leadership • Master of Education – customizable by choosing one of our resource areas • Master of Arts in Teaching The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program provides off-campus classes throughout the Houston area and some programs are available online.

The Master of Public Policy and Administration prepares students for, or advances them in, careers in leadership and management in public service or non-profit administration. The MPPA provides students with three tracks to tailor the degree to specific student interests or needs.

The Master in Liberal Arts program is designed for students who seek professional advancement, admission into doctoral programs or personal enrichment.

Choosing from one of the 18 concentrations offered gives you the chance to study the topics you most enjoy.

Applications for most programs are on a rolling basis for the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Learn more about all of UST’s graduate degree programs, review admissions requirements, or register for a campus visit at stthom.edu/gradadmissions

The Graduate School Guide

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 | 7

Earn Your Graduate Degree at UST The University of St. Thomas has expanded its graduate programs to serve the needs of Houston residents in our growing economy. We offer 18 graduate degrees in business, education, liberal arts, public affairs and more. Eighty-seven percent of our graduates gain employment within six months of graduation!

You can get there from here!

Our centrally located campus means you are minutes away from downtown Houston, the Texas Medical Center and Greenway Plaza. This provides an easy commute for our students coming from work or home.

It also gives our students plenty of opportunities for internships in a variety of industries.

Experience the UST Advantage: • Flexible scheduling, including online, hybrid, evening and weekend courses • Small class sizes which allow for personalized instruction and classroom discussion • Scholarship opportunities available in some degree programs

Check out our Graduate Programs and apply online: stthom.edu/gradadmissions 713-942-5998

•

choose-ust.org

8 | Wednesday, October 28, 2015

The Graduate School Guide

SPONSORED ARTICLE

Get more than your MBA from Bauer

Degrees in accounting, finance, marketing and more help student leaders excel in the real world Tailor-made to address the growth of the region, the Master of Science degree programs at the C. T. Bauer College of Business complement the long-established Bauer MBA. The MS degrees bolster Bauer’s position in the region’s higher education marketplace.

“We have identified where the jobs and opportunities will be in the coming decades, and we are managing our resources — our faculty, our facilities, our business leaders — to meet these essential leadership needs,” Bauer College Dean Latha Ramchand said.

“We’re ready, and our graduates will be, too.”

MS Accountancy The MSACCY program provides a broad based business education that equips students with the necessary technical knowledge, communication skills and critical thinking abilities expected by employers.

MS Finance Over the last decade, finance professionals have faced an increasingly complex and technical world with the advent of a tremendous number of new “exotic” securities, the explosion in the options and futures markets, the increase in financial globalization, and the increased volatility in equity and currency markets.

This has generated a demand for a focused, intensive course of study in the technical aspects of security valuation, trading strategies, hedging, and corporate reorganization.

The program provides students with a focused, technical concentration in the finance area to help graduates deal with the increasingly complex world of finance.

MS Management Information Systems The U.S. government forecasts a remarkable 22 percent growth spurt in this field during the cur-

rent decade, making Management Information Systems (MIS) a top career option across all professions. The MS degree will allow MIS professionals to upgrade their skills in technology and enhance their management acumen. It is intended for people working in information systems, software development, database administration and computer-systems analysis.

MS Marketing The U.S. government estimates that more than a quarter-million Texans work in marketing. This advanced professional credential will position them to advance in their jobs and be more nimble sales and marketing practitioners. The MS in Marketing is designed to provide skills in marketing research, strategic marketing, brand management and integrated marketing communications.

MS Global Energy Management Bauer’s world-class Global Energy Management Institute (GEMI) is internationally recognized. The MS in Global Energy Management is the natural next step in serving the needs of Houston, the energy capital of the world, at a time when jobs in energy outpace the overall private sector. The degree will equip students with effective management skills and make them highly conversant in the business of energy. The degree is intended to serve those with careers in energy management, trading and finance.

MS Supply Chain Management Supply Chain Management (SCM) is the fastest growing business discipline. With global operations becoming more complex, companies in manu-

facturing, retail and technology – and the consulting firms that service them – are scrambling to hire people with supply chain expertise and enhance the skills of current employees. But these experts and training opportunities are hard to come by.

Bauer has assembled a nationally renowned faculty in supply chain management to help provide business professionals with an opportunity to advance their careers by enhancing their professional knowledge and obtaining an advanced professional credential in the field of SCM. The program provides a focused course of study that will increase the understanding of the theory and practice of supply chain management.

For more information about Bauer’s MS programs, visit www. bauer.uh.edu/mba

The Graduate School Guide

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 | 9

RAISE YOUR GAME New Masters Programs

Whether you want a career in supply chain management or marketing, the C. T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston can take you to the next level with our specialized Master of Science programs. For more information, visit bauer.uh.edu/graduate-studies.

10 | Wednesday, October 28, 2015

The Graduate School Guide

SPONSORED ARTICLE

Your Career Reimagined

UHD graduate degrees offer value and flexibility for working professionals While a bachelor’s degree alone may have sufficed in the past, more and more working professionals in Houston are realizing the tremendous value – and greatly enhanced earning potential – that a master’s degree can bring.

The University of HoustonDowntown (UHD) – conveniently located in the heart of the nation’s fourth-largest city – provides busy professionals with the high-demand degrees, skills and leadership development that today’s industries require.

But with Houston’s many options for graduate studies, what gives UHD – and you as a student – an edge?

High-Demand Skills Industry Requires At UHD, we realize that degrees and individual courses must align with industry needs for students to claim highly competitive positions following graduation. For this reason, UHD has reinvented the MBA through a “flipped,” discussion-based classroom model, team teaching by faculty and industry-leading executives, and a price tag that is up to 70 percent less than other programs.

And it’s attracting a lot of attention. In the last year alone, UHD’s MBA has risen from No. 13 on the Houston Business Journal’s list of largest Houston-area MBA programs to No. 4 – with no signs of slowing down.

By bringing real-world application to course material, applying case studies to today’s most pressing business issues and providing students with handson interaction with some of Houston’s top business executives, UHD MBA students can immediately transfer classroom knowledge to the boardroom.

And upon graduation, students are prepared to transition seamlessly into advanced positions of leadership in their current companies or build their own businesses as entrepreneurs.

Tailored Certificates to Meet Individual Student Needs For students who are not ready to commit to a full MBA program,

but would like graduate-level training to improve their skills, UHD offers its newly launched Graduate Certificates in the College of Business.

Those with an undergraduate degree can gain specialized training through eight corporatedesigned, AACSB-accredited Certificates, including Accounting, Business Development/ Sales Management, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business, Investment Management, Leadership, and Supply Chain Management.

These separate, free-standing Graduate Certificates – which align with UHD’s MBA concentrations – enable students to take their careers to the next level with critical skills needed for business success. After earning a Certificate, students can choose to enter the UHD MBA program – no GMAT required – with nearly half of all coursework already completed.

Training in Cutting-Edge Technology and Emerging Fields This fall, UHD is proud to launch its new Master of Science in Data Analytics. With the emergence of Big Data and the need to manage vast quantities of information to find innovative solutions in fields from life science to oil and gas, today’s graduates need interdisciplinary skills in statistics, computer science and risk analysis to become tomorrow’s leaders. A master’s degree in data analytics is an excellent complement to a foundation in technology, science, engineering and other business arenas.

Another high-demand field requiring the analysis of real-time data is security management.

UHD’s Master of Security Management for Executives equips students with the knowledge and skills to lead the continuously changing international security environment. Developed in collaboration with current security management executives – and team taught by these industry leaders and instructors from the College of Public Service and College of Business – the two-year

program is offered on alternate Saturdays to allow security professionals to earn the degree without interfering with their job responsibilities.

Affordable Cost and Flexible Schedules for Working Professionals UHD offers students these and

other high-value master’s degrees in areas including technical communication, nonprofit management, criminal justice, rhetoric and composition, and teaching. Each of these programs offers an outstanding return on investment, with the lowest tuition rate of any public university in Houston. The University is routinely named as one of the best values in higher

education in Texas, with tuition and fees ranking 20 percent below the statewide average for 2013-2014.

With face-to-face, hybrid and online classes, UHD graduate programs cater to working professionals. Take the first step toward a more profitable and rewarding career.

Visit www.uhd.edu/masters.

“Through the MBA program at UHD, I’ve gained skills that allow me to better understand my clients’ businesses and the complexities of the financial transactions involved in their deals. This additional knowledge has helped me to be better at what I do, as well as allowing me to expand into new areas.”

Aaron Roffward, UHD MBA student and Partner, Bracewell & Giuliani LLP

The Graduate School Guide

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 | 11

university of houston-downtown

earning your Master’s degree

We get that — and to ensure we deliver, the University of

will provide that coMpetitive

Houston-Downtown promises small class sizes, innovative

edge you need to stand apart.

curriculum and faculty mentoring with a focus on your success. With face-to-face, hybrid and online classes, unparalleled networking opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities, UHD is the best value for working professionals seeking an advanced degree in Houston.

Learn more

Master of bus iness ad M inistration (MBA) M a s ter of scie nce in data analytics (MSDA) Ma s t e r of science in t echnical coM M unication (MSTC) M a s t e r of se curity ManageMent f or executives (MSME) Ma s t e r of arts in nonprofit Manag eMent (MANPM) Ma s ter of s cience in criMinal Justice (MSCJ ) M a s t e r of arts in rhe toric and coM position (MARC) Mas ter of arts in te aching (MAT)

uhd.edu/masters

12 | Wednesday, October 28, 2015

The Graduate School Guide

SPONSORED ARTICLE

Be part of the solution in drug discovery, development in College of Pharmacy Thanks to advances in the biomedical and health sciences, most people are enjoying longer, healthier lives. However, there are many diseases – from Alzheimer’s and asthma to cancer and cardiovascular disease – that continue to take a heavy toll on the lifespans and quality of life of those we know and love among the millions touched by these persistent threats.

In the Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy, students and faculty members are actively identifying new drug targets and therapeutic agents to treat many of the most deadly and debilitating diseases facing modern society.

Specific areas of investigation and discovery in the college include identifying and developing novel drug targets and therapeutic agents/drug delivery systems for cancer, heart disease, obesity, hypertension, Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, Fragile X Syndrome,

Now working as a UH postdoctoral fellow, recent UHCOP Pharmacology Ph.D. graduate Odochi Nwoko found that exercise provides health benefits in models of neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s. | Courtesy of Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences

atherosclerosis, asthma, chronic stress and anxiety, diabetes, alcohol abuse, and bacterial/fungal infections, as well as improving drug metabolism and reducing inflammation.

In Pharmacology, faculty and students work in areas of cardiovascular, pulmonary and

renal pharmacology, cellular and molecular pharmacology, and neuropharmacology. In Pharmaceutics, faculty and students work in areas of metabolism; drug and gene delivery systems; preclinical, clinical, population and physiological-based pharmacokinetics; drug stability; and bioavailability.

In Medicinal Chemistry, projects are available in drug screening and design, synthesis of novel drugs, identification of drug targets and exploration of natural products.

Graduates of these Ph.D. programs typically work in academic or public/private research institutions, the pharmaceutical industry, and governmental agencies, such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

Ranked in the top 50 colleges of pharmacy nationwide by US News & World Report, the college is ranked in the 40 for total research and 26th in the number of Ph.D. degrees conferred by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. In addition, the college’s pharmaceutics graduate program is ranked 16th in the nation by the National Research Council.

The college will move into its new home in Health & Biomedical Sciences Building 2 (HBSB2) following its completion in the fall of 2017. HBSB2 will provide state-of-the-art laboratory facili-

ties and equipment for faculty and students to conduct cuttingedge basic and bench-to-beside translational research, including high-throughput drug screening systems, 3-D molecular modeling, confocal imaging, and nuclear magnetic resonance.

Students play a direct, handson role in the labs of UHCOP faculty members, which includes several award-winning faculty holding domestic and/or international patents and prestigious National Institutes of Health funding. For example, doctoral students were credited as first authors on nearly 65 percent of the department’s publications in 2014-15 while several students received external awards to present their research findings at major national and international conferences.

In addition to collaborations with labs across the UH campus, UHCOP faculty researchers also have ongoing projects with colleagues at fellow institutional members of the world-renowned Texas Medical Center.

About Our Doctoral Programs Ranked No. 26 nationally in Ph.D.s conferred — American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy

Pharmaceutics program ranked No. 16 nationally — National Research Council Careers in pharmaceutical industry, academia, and government Tuition support and insurance stipends

Pharmacology

Opportunities for scholarships and travel support to present research at national conferences About Our College

Pharmaceutics

New state-of-the-art Health & Biomedical Sciences Building 2 coming in fall 2017 New college record of $7.6 Million in research funding in 2014-15 Ranked No. 38 nationally in total research funding — American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy

Medicinal Chemistry

Apply by 1/10/16 www.uh.edu/pharmacy/prospectivestudents/graduate-programs The University of Houston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 | 13

The Graduate School Guide SPONSORED ARTICLE

Improving population health through research and policy Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy consists of pharmaceutical practice and policy research, a multidisciplinary field of scientific investigation examines cost, access, and quality of pharmaceutical care from clinical, socio-behavioral, economic, organizational and technological perspectives.

Based in UH College of Pharmacy, the Ph.D. program in Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy offers structured learning and experiences in health-care systems, health-care quality, health behavior, biostatistics, multivariate analyses, research methods and design, pharmacoepidemiology, and pharmacoeconomics.

Current investigations by PHOP faculty and doctoral students include examining the use and risks associated with antipsychotic medications in pediatric and elderly populations; comparative safety and effectiveness of cardiovascular and oncology therapies; prescription drug abuse/diversion; and HIV/AIDS prevention and education, to name a few.

Recent accolades for PHOP students include “Early Stage Investigator” honors for Ph.D. candidate Pratik Rane from the

American Gastroenterology Association for his study raising concern about rare but serious health risks with drugs called proton pump inhibitors in the elderly as well as the nine students accepted into internships this past summer.

Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy graduates are in high demand by the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare consulting groups, pharmacy benefit management companies, healthcare organizations, academia and government/regulatory agencies.

Welcoming its first students in 2009, the UH College of Pharmacy’s PHOP doctoral program at boasts a 100 percent job placement rate for its first 17 graduates.

Among the department faculty are recipients of national awards and/or research grants from such organizations as the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality, foundations, and pharmaceutical companies. The nine core and eight adjunct faculty members in the Department of Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy come from a range of backgrounds, including pharma-

coepidemiology, practice-based research, public health, biostatistics, and sociobehavioral and administrative pharmacy.

Currently housed at the College of Pharmacy’s Texas Medical Center Campus, PHOP faculty and students soon will have access to state-of-the-art facilities following the completion of the college’s new home in Health & Biomedical Sciences Building 2 in fall 2017.

Applicants to the PHOP Ph.D. program must have either completed or expect to complete a B.S. degree in a similar area with an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale.

The program requires a minimum of 70 credit hours and successful defense of a doctoral dissertation.

Applicants with a pharmacy background and/or advanced training will be given preference, and prospective students with health care-related backgrounds and/or experience are encouraged to apply.

For more information about the program, please visit http://www. uh.edu/pharmacy/prospectivestudents/graduate-programs/ phop or email phop@uh.edu.

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes & Policy Translating Data into Healthier Communities The rapidly changing landscape of health care needs outcomes researchers to help guide decisions and policies related to costs, access and quality of pharmaceutical care for improving the health of our communities.

Typical annual starting salary for our graduates is $95,000-$110,000 Open to all bachelor’s degree majors, but preference given to health-related disciplines or pharmacy background GRE/GMAT required All classes in Texas Medical Center Apply by January 10, 2016 Erin Ferries, Ph.D. (’15), Senior Research Scientist, Humana

Find out more at www.uh.edu/pharmacy/prospective-students/ graduate-programs/phop or email phop@uh.edu

• 100 percent placement of graduates in pharmaceutical industry, private-sector consulting, health systems and academia • Tuition support and insurance stipends • Opportunities for scholarships and travel support to present research at national conferences

The University of Houston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

14 | Wednesday, October 28, 2015

The Graduate School Guide

SPONSORED ARTICLE

UH-Clear Lake graduate programs launch careers Launch your career to new heights with a graduate degree from University of Houston-Clear Lake, offering 45 distinctive degree programs through its Schools of Business; Education; Human Sciences and Humanities; and Science and Computer Engineering.

UH-Clear Lake graduate programs provide convenient online, hybrid (online and face-to-face) and face-to-face programs at UHCL, UHCL Pearland Campus and the Texas Medical Center.

Flexible scheduling meets the needs of students with busy work lives and families.

ate programs in applied behavior analysis, family therapy, industrialorganizational psychology and school psychology. Finally, graduate students earning a Master of Arts in sociology can choose the medical sociology concentration to enhance their degree.

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BE THE BOSS Executives and aspiring executives in numerous fields can benefit from UHCL’s Master of Business Administration program, which offers a face-to-face and online option. The combination Master of Healthcare Administration/MBA program in the Texas Medical Center had led many graduates to top administrative positions in area hospitals.

The Master of Science in Management Information Systems focuses on “hands on” applica-

tions of both hardware and software. Finally the Master of Science in accounting and Master of Science in finance can advance the careers of those working in area businesses.

EDUCATE THE FUTURE Teachers aspiring to move into administrative positions can learn how through the School of Education’s Master of Science in educational management, which currently is offered through a

face-to-face format or a hybrid online and face-to-face format.

An online only version of degree program will launch in spring 2016. Meanwhile, employees in education, healthcare, business and other industries can take the next step in their career with a Master of Science in instructional design and technology.

CONNECT COMMUNITIES For art, graphic design and gaming careers, the School of

Human Sciences and Humanities offers the Master of Arts in digital media studies. Graduates with a Master of Arts in criminology can excel in the criminal justice system. Students prepare for work in human and government services with a Master of Arts in psychology, which offers specializations in applied cognitive psychology, behavioral neuroscience and applied social issues. The Department of Clinical, Health and Applied Sciences offers gradu-

UHCL’s School of Science and Computer Engineering connects to the growing computer science field with such degree programs as the Master of Science in computer engineering and the Master of Science in computer science.

Those wishing to build careers in biomedical, agricultural and environmental sciences can seek the Master of Science in biotechnology, while the Master of Science in environmental science prepares students for careers in government or the private sector. For those with a love of data interpretation, a Master of Science in statistics will train students to apply their knowledge in medicine, insurance, finance and education.

To learn more about the graduate opportunities available to students at UHCL, visit www.uhlc. edu.

YOU DON’T KNOW EVERYTHING. YET. 45 MASTER’S DEGREES

The Graduate School Guide

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 | 15

SPONSORED ARTICLE

UH MPA the go-to degree for public servants For nearly 50 years, the UH MPA program has been the go-to graduate degree program for educating public service leaders in the Houston metro area.

Engaging in all activities of government at every level, our graduates include elected officials, community leaders, public and non-profit manager, policy analysts, and advisors to government, non-profits and the private sector.

Residing in a leading global city and metropolitan area with well over 1,000 governmental units, the UH MPA program offers a real world, metropolitan driven and leadership focused educational experience as many of our faculty are former and current practitioners with established ties

to local government, the public and nonprofit sectors.

With low cost, individualized instruction, an ethnically diverse campus and evening classes for the working student, the UH MPA program offers a unique

educational opportunity for learning, discovering and engaging in public service in Houston and beyond.

For more information about our program, like us on Facebook at UH MPA and follow us on Twitter at UH_MPA to learn

about upcoming social events where you can meet alumni, faculty, and current students of the UH MPA Program.

We also live tweet during Public Administration events, so be sure to follow us on Twitter for the latest information.

Courtesy of Ed Uthman

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16 | Wednesday, October 28, 2015

The Graduate School Guide

it comes to graduate school, many Want to stay a Cougar? When look past UH for that second degree Here are some options. without looking at what it has to offer.

Master of Public Policy College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences The Master of Public Policy is perfect for people who want to get things done, and get them done right. The program focuses on analysis and decision-making using UH as a case study. Upon graduating, students can either take the next step in their education by enrolling in a doctoral program, or they can go work with local and state governments, educational institutions or private sectors.

Cara Smith/The Cougar

M.S. in Subsea Engineering Cullen College of Engineering It makes sense that the world’s energy capital houses the country’s only subsea engineering program. The program focuses on the development of off-shore engineering for energy exploration and is offered mostly online. Graduates can look at job options in big energy companies upon graduation.

M.S. in Global Hospitality Business College of Hotel and Restaurant Management Travel, culture and experience are three of the main components of the Global and Hospitality Business program. The program is highly selective and prepares students for the hospitality business of different cultures and countries. Students start their first semester in Switzerland and their second in Hong Kong and the U.S.

M.S. in Foresight College of Technology The future is a far-away, fuzzy concept for most people — but not for those who apply and are accepted into the Foresight program.

Students work toward becoming a professional futurist for companies ranging from energy to commercial firms like Coca-Cola.

Graduates will be able to forecast and plan discontinuous and transformational changes by analyzing rapid alterations in external environments and how to shape actions for the most desirable outcome.

M.S. in Human Space Exploration Science College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Houston, we no longer have a problem for those who dream of space. The Human Space Exploration Science program prepares students to understand and allow them to work in space exploration. The program has an interdisciplinary approach that focuses on bioengineering, habitat development and physiology.

Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

M.A. in Creative Writing College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences As one of the top universities in this field, a master’s in Creative Writing gives avid readers and writers a way to build on that love and make money off of it. Graduates will have a better understanding of both published works as well as their own writing — many even come out with their debut novel almost done.

M.A. in Sports and Fitness Administration College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Lovers of sports rejoice, the Sports and Fitness Administration program is here to turn your childhood love to an adulthood career.

Graduates learn the ins and outs of the sports world and take on a minor in order to specialize in one section. Career options include sports team management, event and facility management and sports media.

M.S. in Space Architecture Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture The Space City continues to shoot for the stars with the world’s only Space Architecture master's program. Although named after that big thing above the sky, the program focuses on the design of ocean facilities, polar research stations and human disaster accommodations.

Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

M.A.T. in Athletic Training College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences A master’s of athletic training is the perfect mix of medicine and sports, without having to go through a decade of schooling and thousands of dollars in tuition. From working with the elderly to working with world-class athletes, graduates will work to train and rehabilitate those who seek them out.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 | 17

The Graduate School Guide

Taking on an online master's degree is a big task, but if students keep themselves on track, they wil be successful. | Photo illustration by Justin Tijerina

VIRTUAL LEARNING

There are pros and cons to an online master's LEEN BASHARAT

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @LEEENCUISINE

Online courses have their pros and cons. Some shudder at the thought of taking an online class and cannot begin to imagine obtaining a Master’s fully online. Although everyone has a different style of learning, it is important to acknowledge both sides and weigh the difference.

The pros Online classes can be cheaper than traditional classroom or auditorium courses.

Cheaper in an aggregate sense rather than just tuition cost. For traditional classroom courses, you have to pay the usual fees and books, but you also have to account the commute from home. You have to pay for parking, you have to find parking and you have to keep up with the vehicle to park. Whether it is dealing with traffic or rising gas prices, time and money are spent. Even for those who live on campus, online graduate classes saves them the hassle of showering, putting pants on and walking across campus to go to a class that can be self-taught or done online.

The availability and convenience of an online graduate degree can work in their favor.

Nowadays, students carry some sort of technological device on them. An online master’s option allows students to not only complete their classwork in any location, but also to do their classwork without impeding their work schedule. This option also applies to those who are raising families or are getting back into the job market.

The cons Responsibilities daunt on people like one’s conscience.

Keeping up with an online course is usually a deterring factor that causes most students to shy away from enrolling. Having too much freedom and flexibility can stem laziness, feed lack of motivation and nurture procrastination.

With that said, a common misconception is that online courses are easier than face-to-face courses.

Online courses, especially with master’s courses, require self-discipline.

Preference of traditional classroom courses often trump online courses.

Having a professor lecturing or nonchalantly reminding of upcoming assignments keeps some students comfortable and constantly on their toes.

Clinical assistant professor Ginger Lucas, the UH online master’s social work program director, believes a transition to an online master’s programs is an excellent option for students.

The master’s program in social work is one of many degrees that require students to do field work alongside online assignments. It eases the burden of having to go to class and participate in field, all while working at a job or raising a family.

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18 | Wednesday, October 28, 2015

The Graduate School Guide

STRUGGLES

Balancing act Trying to juggle school and work can be difficult, especially as a grad student.

Here are some tips on how to stay sane.

EFREN DIOSDADO

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @EFRECORP

The hardest part of going back to school when you’re working full time is figuring out how you’ll manage your time between school, work and your personal life. Here are a few tips to help you manage the transition.

Schedule It is important to plan out a weekly schedule. Fill in your time commitments — work, school,

meetings — first. Then incorporate two study hours for every hour you’re in class. It is important to free-up some personal and social time for yourself to relax and reduce stress. Some helpful planning apps you can use are Cozi and Google Calendar.

Study Habits You should develop an effective method for note taking and eliminate thinking that results in procrastination. Not starting an assignment because you have plenty of time usually leads to working on it last minute. Also, get to know your professors.

You’ll be more appreciative of the courses, and it makes it easier to seek help when you need it.

Work efficiently A cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind. According to Inc. com, it’s important to organize your work space. Give everything a proper place to make sure

Organization is key for juggling school and work. | Photo illustration by Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

you know where everything is at. Stop multitasking because it results in poor quality of work.

Don’t take on more than you can accomplish. Know when to pass down tasks to others.

Know how to handle stress Part of balancing school and work is to keep them separate from each other. Don’t worry

about school if you’re at work or the other way around. It is impossible to eliminate stress but you can learn how to manage it, according to Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Find out what works for you, whether it’s working out, talking to friends or family, eating, listening to music or even sleeping. Don’t overwork yourself and make sure you are

taking 5-10 minute breaks when you’re working or studying.

Keep your eyes on the goal There’s a reason you decided to go back to school. Whenever the workload starts piling up, just keep in mind that it will all pay off in the long run. According to entrepreneur.com it is important to identify your priorities. Make

FINANCES

On a budget? There's pocket-friendly graduate options ANTHONY TORRES

grams worldwide. It’s currently ranked number 12 in the nation, with specialty degrees focusing on computer science, electrical and chemical engineering and more. With its close proximity to Houston, A&M is a great choice for those not wanting to be too far from home.

OPINION EDITOR @IBEANTRYAN

People who continue their education to get master’s degrees typically do make a better salary than people with just their bachelor’s.

Now undoubtedly the best schools in the U.S. are going to be your typical Ivy League colleges like Stanford, Harvard and Columbia, but most of these schools are outrageously expensive with some costing as much as $60,000 or more per year.

Luckily, many of the cheaper options are right here in Texas.

Here’s a good list of schools that offer top-tier graduate programs and their tuitions based on if you were a full-time student.

Business Indiana University Kelley School of Business Tuition: $25,500 per year (in-state), $44,460 per year (outof-state) Kelley School of Business is currently tied for 21st best

University of California – Berkeley UH is one of the most budget-friendly graduate school options. | File photo/ The Cougar

business school in the nation, and is fairly inexpensive given the tuition price of other toptier universities. IU has close ties to China, making it a great university for those interested in global economies.

23rd in the nation. The benefit of this school is its close proximity to major companies like Amazon.com, Inc., Starbucks Corp. and Microsoft Corp.

University of Washington Foster School of Business

Texas A&M University – College Station Dwight Look College of Engineering

Tuition: $29,250 per year (in-state), $43,086 per year (outof-state) Settled in the great city of Seattle, UW’s Foster School of Business is currently ranked

Engineering

Tuition: $227 per credit (in-state), $581 per credit (outof-state) A&M was recently named in the top 10 engineering pro-

Tuition: $11,220 per year (in-state); $26,322 per year (outof-state) If it weren’t for the cost, UC Berkley would be at the top of this list. UC Berkley is third in the nation for its engineering program. The university has an accelerated one-year master’s program, offering programs in industrial engineering and applied science and technology.

Social sciences, humanities and fine arts The University of Texas at Austin Tuition: $5,500 - $6,706 per

semester (in-state), $11,106 - $12,697 per semester (out-ofstate) In terms of liberal arts schools, UT has almost every field of study you want. They offer master's and doctorate programs in English, theatre, communication and is one of the best fine arts colleges in Texas.

The University of Houston Main Campus Tuition: $5277 - $6447 per semester (in-state), $12,627 - $13,797 per semester (out-ofstate) We can’t forget our own school. With the recent designation as a Tier I university, UH offers an array of programs right here at home. In particular, the Moores School of Music has been gaining prestige with its recent accomplishments, and the UH School of Theatre and Dance works hand in hand with the Alley Theatre right here in town, giving many opportunities for students.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 | 19

The Graduate School Guide THE BRIGHT SIDE

'Yeah, I'm getting a master's in comedy' These majors should go into the realms of higher education even further than they already are.

Entertainment Engineering and Design This one's only available as an undergraduate program at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas.

Its core study involves learning how the entertainment and casino industry operates. It takes students from the ground up into learning the behind-the-scenes of the entertainment industry. So take heed, graduate programs; you don’t want billion-dollar gamblers rolling the roulette on a machine made by someone without a higher degree.

KARIS JOHNSON

COOGLIFE EDITOR

@ KARISINPARIS

Thousands of career paths and education options are open to explore after completing your undergraduate degree, but there are still a few majors that haven’t made the graduate school cut.

These majors are quirky, unique and only available as undergraduate degrees. Whether it’s a master’s in wine tasting or a doctorate degree in lawn care, these majors should to have higher-education status.

Fermentation Services Only available at Appalachian State University, the listed description for this bachelors of science is “an interdisciplinary degree within the College of Arts and Sciences intended to provide students with a strong background in chemistry and biology

Fermentation services should definitely be some sort of graduate degree. | Dailey Hubbard/The Cougar

Ecogastronomy and a considerable focus in business, marketing, and entrepreneurial principles.”

So it’s more than just fancy brewing methods. If this major had a graduate degree we would probably all be thankful that our craft drafts were handled by someone with a master’s degree.

Comedy Sure, they have a “performing arts” graduate program, but comedy is its own genre and deserves its own degree. This

major is unique to Humber College in Ontario, and specializes in a variety of studies including how to manage a crowd, comedic timing, improv and stand-up.

America would be more hilarious if comedians could prove their hilarity with a doctorate.

Popular Culture Contrary to what you may think about this major, it has a greater purpose than giving students an excuse to watch Netflix for homework. According

to Bowling Green State University’s description of this major, “examining television programs, movies, cars, houses, music, museums, celebratory events, holidays, magazines and many other manifestations of culture, insights can be used to examine society presently and historically.”

This strangely specific major would make a great graduate program that would realistically provide insight into media studies.

Food tasting at its finest. This program, developed and offered by the University of New Hampshire, takes an in-depth look at how food gets from the farms to the table. Its central focus is on sustainability and the environmental impact of food growing and consumption. With a few people owning master’s degrees in ecogastronomy, our plates would definitely be filled with more organic food and less chemically-enhanced fare.

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20 | Wednesday, October 28, 2015

The Graduate School Guide

MORE SCHOOL FOR YOU? Undergraduate juniors and seniors ask themselves all the time: should I go to grad school?

The better question should be: are you ready for grad school? Take this quiz to find out if you’ll survive life on the other side of your undergraduate degree.

1

Are you a procrastinator? a. Absolutely not. That goes against every thing I learned in school b. It depends on what the assignment is. c. Does procrastination count if I do my best work cramming?

4

How do you handle stress? a. I curl up into a ball and cry until someone tells me it’s OK. b. Does getting angry at anyone who talks to me count as handling it? c. I do all my stuff early, so I don’t have to stress about it later.

2

Do you love energy drinks? a. Energy drinks aren’t on my diet plan. b. I can’t live without them. c. I didn’t know we were in high school again?

5

Are you majoring in something you love or something that makes you money? a. It’s all about the Benjamin’s, baby. b. I’m really passionate about my field, so I don’t care if I get money. c. I think I have the best of both worlds.

3

How do you feel about an extra two years — maybe more — of school? a. I could barely survive my undergrad. b. I like school, so I think I’ll thrive. c. If it gets me more zeroes at the end of my salary, I’m game.

6

Do you like having a social life? a. Yep. My friends are No. 1 in my life. b. People still have those? c. I’d like to think that I’m good at balancing both school and work.

If you answered mostly A’s: You’re pretty ready, but you should probably watch out for that part of your brain that tells you to work just for the money. Sometimes that isn’t enough. And if it is, well then good for you.

If you answered mostly B’s: You love what you do and it shows. You’ll thrive, and you’re just looking for those extra letters at the end of your name to validate yourself.

If you answered mostly C’s: You’ll thrive in grad school.

It’s just going to be another walk in the ballpark, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll have a social life, too.

Congrats.