Volume 82 Issue 11 Graduate School Guide 2016

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ADMISSIONS

Top grad programs in the Lone Star State GREG FAILS

ASSISTANT COOGLIFE EDITOR @GREGFAILS

These days a masters is to a bachelors degree what a bachelors was to a high school GED. For many degrees, it’s all but a necessity if you want to be able to compete in the job market and, according to CareerBliss, can net you an

almost 20 percent higher salary than your peers with four-yeardegrees.

According to payscal.com, if money is your motive, you’re best served to apply to University of Texas in Austin and Southern Methodist University where the average graduate with a masters degree earns $159,000 by the mid point of their career, University

of Houston follows close behind the two with graduates earning an average of $156,000 by the same point.

It’s more complicated than simply what university you attend though, the more important thing to focus on is which has the best program for your field of study. Luckily Texas offers an impressive variety of options when it

comes to prestigious programs.

University of Texas in Austin leads the pack for most programs however if you are considering going into nursing, biology or medicine there are a bevy of colleges ranked in the top 50s and hundreds for graduate programs across the United States. editor@thedailycougar.com

Southern Methodist University (Dallas) Business: No.55 Economics: No.64 Law: No.42 Medicine: No.26

University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington) Computer Science: No. 90 Public Affairs: No.73

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas) Biology: No.19 Baylor University (Dallas) Nursing: No.64

University of Texas at Dallas (Richardson) Business: No. 37 Texas Christian University (Fort Worth) Business: No. 76 Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Lubbock) Nursing: No.64 Texas Tech University (Lubbock) Business: No.87 Engineering:No.94 Texas A&M University (College Station) Business: No.37 Computer Science: No. 40 Economics:No.42 Education:No.55 Engineering:No.11 English: No.59 Mathematics: No.41 Political Science: No.25 Public Affairs: No.33 Veterinary Medicine: No.8

University of Texas (Austin) Biology: No.30 Business: No.15 Computer Science: No.9 Economics: No.26 Education:No.10 Engineering:No.10 English: No.17 Fine Arts: No.22 Law: No.15 Mathematics: No.14 Nursing: No.32 Political Science: No.21 Public Affairs: No.16

Baylor College of Medicine (Houston) Biology: No.25 Rice University (Houston) Biology: No.42 Business: No.33 Computer Science: No. 20 Economics: No.48 Engineering:No.33 English: No.26 Mathematics: No.28 Political Science: No.32 University of Texas Health Science Center (Houston) Medicine: No.56 Nursing: No.21 University of Texas Health Science Center (San Antonio) Nursing: No.36

Results based on 2014 U.S. News and World Report study of graduate schools

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UH may consist mostly of undergraduates and Houston natives, but students from all over the world come to the school each year for the various grad programs offered. | Justin Cross/The Cougar

ADMISSIONS

Ten grad programs at UH to look out for EMILY BURLESON

NEWS EDITOR @EMILYRBURLESON

Many Coogs are born and raised in Houston before staying in town for a bachelor’s degree at UH, and when graduate school comes calling, they’re ready to get out to town.

But UH is home to many topranked and well-respected graduate and professional programs, so if you’re thinking of applying to any, it might be worth sticking around the UH campus for a few more years.

And for those hoping to remains Coogs in medical school: UH is planning to open its own, with a focus on training general practitioners for community health, by 2019.

Social Work According to the U.S. News & World Report, the Masters in Social Work program is one of UH’s highest-ranked graduate or professional programs. The program, founded in 1967 by the Texas State Legislature, is ranked No. 38 in the country.

Notable faculty include Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jody Williams, who teaches a course on global justice. Social justice is a major theme of the college, which this fall is hosting a community forum series titled “Social Justice Solutions.”

Creative Writing Dozens of not only published but award-winning novelists, poets and nonfiction writers have emerged

from the Master’s of Fine Arts and doctorate programs in Creative Writing, housed within the Department of English. Atlantic Magazine and Poets & Writers Magazine have both ranked UH’s doctorate in creative writing within the top 5 in the country in recent years.

Some UH faculty have even graduated from the program. Kimberly Meyer, who teaches in the Honors College and her alma mater department, obtained her Ph.D. in creative writing from UH.

Optometry Only 23 accredited optometry schools exist in the United States, but UH still ranks among the best.

The 4-year Doctor of Optometry program, established in 1952, houses an on-site surgical center unique among optometry programs.

Before graduating from the professional program, each student encounters and helps to treat the eyes of 1,500 patients who pass through the University Eye Institute.

Pharmacy All of UH’s programs with links to medical industry offer unique residencies and connections, but students in the College of Pharmacy’s Doctorate of Pharmacy program have direct access to resources at the Texas Medical Center.

According to the college’s website, students are “actively involved in the creation, evaluation and delivery

of complex pharmaceuticals,” not just sorting pills, during the 4-year program. The U.S. News & World Report ranked the program No. 44 in the nation.

Sales Excellence Institute, and his marketing textbook is the No. 1 best-selling professional marketing book in the world.

Speech-Language Pathology

Unlike other professional programs, in which UH hosts the only program in the city or even the state, law schools abound in the United States. UH’s Law Center ranks No. 50 out of the hundreds of accredited schools in the United States, according to the U.S. News & World Report.

It’s also one of the cheapest law programs for its value, at under half of the cost of other top-ranked private colleges. For students with specific career goals in law, the Law Center offers a number of joint degrees. Combining a juris doctor with social work, business, art history, medical doctorate or public health is a speciality of the Law Center.

According to the U.S. News rankings, UH’s Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology is ranked No. 69 in the nation. During this two-three year graduate program, students obtain skills to identify, work with and treat communication disorders.

100 percent of speech-language pathology graduates since 2013 have passed the Praxis teaching exam.

Students also work hands-on with patients at the University Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic, where they treat people of all ages with speech and hearing problems.

Business The Bauer College of Business is great for undergraduate business majors, but the Master’s of Business Administration also ranks in the top 100 on the U.S. News & World Report rankings. The college offers a unique Global Energy Executive MBA that prepares students for the fast-paced world of Houston’s energy industry.

Although he may not teach MBA students, one star of the college is C.T. Bauer Professor of Marketing Michael Ahearne. He heads the

Law

Political Science The U.S. News college rankings place UH’s Master of Arts in Political Science at No. 68 in the country.

One new feature makes UH a destination for scholars interested in American political science. The department started a new forum in 2015, the Tocqueville Forum on American Ideas and Institutions, which encourages discussion and research on “the challenges facing democratic constitutionalism today,” according the its website.

Engineering The Cullen College of Engineering ranks No. 73 overall for its graduate programs, according to the U.S. News & World Report college rankings. It’s one of UH’s earliest colleges, as the first engineering courses opened in 1941.

Today, the college offers 14 different concentrations for graduate degrees. Two notable programs are unique to UH: the Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture was the first of its kind when it opened in 1987 and works directly with the Johnson Space Center to “advance peaceful and beneficial uses of space and space technology on Earth and beyond,” according to the center’s website.

Earth Sciences UH’s department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences also made the U.S. News & World Report rankings. The Masters of Science in Geology, Geophysics and Atmospheric Sciences collectively ranked No. 64 in the rankings.

Graduate students in the programs do field work all over the world, engaging in geologic research in areas like Greenland, Nepal, Turkey and Antarctica. Like many other top graduate programs at UH, earth science students can study energy at the Center for Petroleum Geochemistry, for example. news@thedailycougar.com

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Creative writing program assistant director gives tips for undergrads ALEX MEYER

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @ALXMEY

While some are sizing their class rings, others are filling out applications for the next step in their education. With graduation emphasizing the end of 2016, the new crop of Cougar alumni begin to look to the future, which — for those intending to apply to graduate school — is often ambiguous.

To alleviate students' stress, The Cougar sat down with the assistant director of the UH Creative Writing Program, Giuseppe Taurino.

The Cougar: What is your advice for current undergraduate students thinking about applying to graduate school?

Giuseppe Taurino: Give yourself plenty of time. The application process can be an arduous one. Between prepping your creative and/or critical materials, securing transcripts, identifying recommenders, taking the GRE exam, and whatever else the program you’re applying to requires, time can really get away from you. The last thing you want is to feel rushed as you try to pull together your best work.

TC: When the time to apply comes, how would you suggest students narrow down their options?

GT: Attending graduate school is a major commitment. You’ll be asked (and expected) to work harder than you ever had to as an undergrad. Presumably, you’ll be pursuing a degree in a field you’re very excited to master, so the work, in many instances, won’t feel like work, but you’ll more than likely have less free time than you’re accustomed to. You will also, more than likely, be traveling to a different city/state/region to attend graduate school. And you will, more than likely, be broke! Taking all these factors/ variables into account, I always advise undergraduates to prioritize their needs.

TC: What should students anticipate when going into graduate school?

GT: If you’re determined to commit your life to your subject (for our students it’s writing), and nothing else matters, well, make sure you’re familiar with the faculties of the schools you’re interested in. If you hate winter or rain or dry weather, you might consider striking particular areas based on these factors.

If you’re in debt and are reluctant to take on more, or if you simply don’t

Giuseppe Taurino is the assistant director for the prestigious graduate creative writing program, which some rankings place at No. 2 in the nation. | Trey Strange/The Cougar want to worry about where your money is coming from each month, you might want to avoid applying to programs that offer little or no funding.

To reiterate, graduate school is a significant life choice that’s going to present significant challenges. It’s important to give yourself the best opportunity to succeed; taking personal inventory of what you want and

TC: Do you think graduate students stand a better chance at acquiring high-paying jobs than students who opt not to go?

GT: I don’t think graduate school guarantees a higher paying job. For example, programs geared towards the arts - while certainly providing graduates with practical skills they can use in the real world – are geared towards creative endeavors. Creativity

“Sustainable future cause honesty generosity prevention enabler cross-agency coordination. Incubation stakeholders public s Billionaire philanthropy, turmoil.”

Name Lastname, Title or Position goes here

what’s important to you can go a long way towards this end.

TC: Some say college should not be the last stop in education. In your opinion, is graduate school a good idea for everyone?

GT: No, I don’t think graduate school is for everyone. Which is okay. Really depends on what you hope to accomplish and why.

is THE end goal. Many graduates of our program (and others like it) end up taking jobs that help them support themselves, while also providing them with the opportunity to nurture their art. These two things don’t necessarily equate to ‘high’ paying jobs, though they may equate to a more fulfilled life – depending not the individual.

TC: What do you think graduate school admissions officers look for in their applicants? How can students improve their chances of getting in?

TC: How much importance do UH admissions officers place on a student's GPA, especially in light of impressive work experience or resumes?

GT: I can’t speak for other programs or fields, but, at the UH Creative Writing Program, our faculty is looking for writers who demonstrate exceptional talent, and a desire/ability to be part of and to contribute to a supportive community.

TL: Again, I can’t swpeak for other

TC: At UH's Creative Writing graduate school, are undergraduates at a disadvantage? Does the graduate school primarily accept out-of-state applicants, as some students believe?

GT: While we don’t typically admit a high number of UH undergrads to our graduate program (by my count, we currently have three), I wouldn’t say UH undergrads are at a disadvantage.

We receive applications from all over the U.S., and also receive a significant number of international applications each year. We accept 12-16 students per year, which represents well under 5 percent of the total number of applications we receive. In those terms, every applicant faces the same kinds of competitive challenges.

programs or fields, but our faculty is looking, first and foremost, for writers who demonstrate exceptional talent, and a desire/ability to be part of and to contribute to a supportive community. Everything else, including GPA and resumes, etc. falls in line behind that. This said, we aim to offer full funding to all students we accept into the program. Full funding, among other things, includes a teaching assistantship from the university. In order to qualify for a teaching assistantship, applicants must have, at minimum, a 3.0 GPA.

TC: In your opinion, should students apply to graduate school immediately after graduating college or should they try to boost their resume?

TL: In my opinion, the best graduate students are those who have taken some time off after college. news@thedailycougar.com

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SPONSORED

List of degrees offered at UT Dallas Founded in 1969, UT Dallas has evolved into one of the top research institutions in Texas.

Students seeking state-ofthe-art academics and exciting research find the perfect balance at UT Dallas. With an enrollment of nearly 27,000, UT Dallas offers a diverse yet intimate community where every student has a voice.

However, UT Dallas is also backed by the powerful UT System and is aligned strategically with other institutions and corporations to offer advanced research and exciting opportunities.

Take a virtual tour of campus at utdallas.edu/virtualtour and create your own guide at guide. utdallas.edu.

Degree Programs Arts and Humanities • History • Humanities • Humanities – Aesthetic Studies • Humanities – History of Ideas

• Humanities – Studies in Literature • Latin American Studies Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication • Arts and Technology • Emerging Media and Communication Behavioral and Brain Sciences • Applied Cognition and Neuroscience • Audiology • Cognition and Neuroscience • Communication Disorders • Communication Sciences and Disorders • Human Development and Early Childhood Disorders • Psychological Sciences Economic, Political and Policy Sciences • Applied Sociology • Criminology • Economics • Geospatial Information Sciences • International Political Economy

• Justice Administration and Leadership (Executive MS) • Political Science • Political Science – Constitutional Law Studies • Political Science – Legislative Studies • Public Affairs • Public Policy • Public Policy and Political Economy Erik Jonsson School Engineering and Computer Science • Biomedical Engineering • Computer Engineering • Computer Science • Electrical Engineering • Materials Science and Engineering • Mechanical Engineering • Software Engineering (MS & Executive MS) • Systems Engineering and Management† (MS & Executive MS) • Telecommunications Engineering Interdisciplinary Studies

• Interdisciplinary Studies Naveen Jindal School of Management • Accounting • Business Administration (MBA & EMBA*) • Business Analytics • Energy Management • Finance • Global Leadership EMBA • Healthcare Leadership and Management (MS & Executive MS) • Information Technology and Management • Innovation and Entrepreneurship • International Management Studies • Management Science** (MS & Executive MS) • Marketing • Supply Chain Management (MS & Executive MS) • Systems Engineering and Management† (MS & Executive MS) Natural Sciences and

Mathematics • Actuarial Science • Bioinformatics and Computational Biology • Biotechnology • Chemistry • Geosciences • Mathematics • Mathematics Education • Molecular and Cell Biology • Physics • Science Education • Statistics * Concentrations offered in Healthcare Management for Physicians, Product Lifecycle and Supply Chain Management and Project Management. ** Concentrations offered in Project Management and Organizational Behavior and Coaching. † Joint program between Engineering and Computer Science and Management.

88 3.5 million new or renovated sq. ft. and $1 billion in development added to campus in the last decade Research dollars amounting to

$106.2 million in 2015

D

ynamic growth and unbridled innovation are only a few of the reasons that Times Higher Education ranks UT Dallas #1 in Texas, #2 in the nation and #24 in the world among universities under 50 years of age.

Our internationally renowned faculty — including several members of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering — collaborate with outstanding graduate students from 88 master’s, doctoral and professional programs.

Become part of an environment that encourages creativity and supports ingenuity.

Explore the opportunities available at UT Dallas at:

utdallas.edu/ogs

master’s, doctoral and professional programs

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Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

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Grad programs at University of Texas at San Antonio UTSA is an emerging research university and one of the fastest-growing public universities in Texas.

Our top-tier university currently offers over 100 graduate programs across our seven colleges: College of Architecture, Construction and Planning, College of Business, College of Education and Human Development, College of Engineering, College of Liberal and Fine Arts, College of Public Policy and College of Sciences.

Excellence, innovation and diversity are abundant at our University. A prime example of this is UTSA’s recent ranking as one of the best young universities in the nation by Times Higher Education.

UTSA has been recognized as a Global Leader and is highly ranked as the best University for Veterans by Military Times and “Best of the Best” U.S. Universities for

Hispanics, African-Americans and Females by the Hispanic Network Magazine.

The Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering have prepared thousands of graduate students for successful careers in the public sector, private sector and higher education.

Engineering faculty are national and international leaders in communications security, biomedical engineering, aging aircraft/ structures, manufacturing, water resources and transportation.

Various Departments within the college been awarded grants from the Department of Defense to build and support new research laboratories in Manufacturing Engineering. The center will serve as

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

a one-stop, unique source of expertise in flexible and lean technologies and systems, state-of-the-art technology applications in manufacturing, service and defense industries.

UTSA professors in the Department of Criminal Justice are to receive a grant by the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of

Justice (NIJ) to conduct the first multi-site evaluation of Veterans Treatment Courts.

In recognition of academic distinction, our faculty have been appointed as the inaugural holder of the Mark G. Yudof College of Public Policy Dean’s Endowed Professorship.

The College of Architecture Construction and

Planning (CACP) offers graduate students opportunities for funding and a culturally rich graduate educational experience through study abroad programs through their nationally accredited programs.

The College of Architecture Construction and Planning offers several global studyabroad experiences that give students opportunities to live and study in different cultural environments. Culture, history, language, art and architecture are just some facets of the study-abroad experience, with the chance to see some of the most important ancient and modern sites in Europe, Asia and South America.

In the Department of Architecture, both the M. Arch 2 and M. Arch 3 programs are accredited by NAAB, the National Architectural Accrediting Board.

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Today's brightest minds choose UTSA.

Welcome.

The PLACE is The Graduate School at the University of Texas at San Antonio, a city of 1.3 million, renowned for its amiable fusion of cultures.

The DEGREES number more than 100 doctoral, master’s and graduate certificate programs. This is where YOU come in, taking the next step in your education.

We offer graduate degrees across seven academic colleges: Architecture, Construction & Planning Business Education & Human Development Engineering Liberal & Fine Arts Public Policy Sciences

The Graduate School

The University of Texas at San Antonio

graduateschool.utsa.edu gradrecruit@utsa.edu 210.458.4331

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Courtesy of Baylor School of Social Work

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Baylor's School of Social Work readies students for the community Social work is about compassion and service.

It is about the dignity of individuals and the power of relationships. It is about integrity and competence.

Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work strives to prepare social workers to do these things well, and we are happy to now be located in downtown Houston.

The Garland School of Social Work offers a unique experience where students learn about human dignity, the power of hope, the need for justice and service that transforms lives and communities.

Houston is the ideal setting for social work education due to its booming economy, growing population and cultural diversity.

It provides a variety of opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in field in any number of areas.

The Garland School prepares social workers to serve in a wide range of public and private settings, from schools and hospitals, to prisons and foundations with a diverse group of human service

organizations in between. One of the competencies we help social workers develop is the ethical integration of faith and social work practice.

This means we are also preparing students to serve in congregations, religiouslyaffiliated and other faith-based organizations.

The mission of the GSSW at Baylor University is to prepare social workers in a Christian context for worldwide service and leadership.

The Garland School of Social Work seeks...

1. To produce alumni who: • Influencing (through service and leadership) the social welfare of people, families, and communities globally.

• Ethically integrating religious faith with social work practice.

• Culturally responsive and competent.

• Effective in creating healthy organizations.

2. To produce research by the school and its alumni that: • Provides resources and models for excellence in professional social work practice that contribute to

social justice and the wellbeing of persons, families, and communities.

• Provides resources and models that are respectful, faithful, and effective for communities of faith and religiously-affiliated organizations.

The Garland School of Work offers its Master of Social Work program on the campus of South Main Baptist Church in downtown Houston. The program at this new location is uniquely structured to serve those who seek the MSW degree but for whom relocation to Waco is not the best option.

Students participate in a combination of in-person courses and courses taught in a live (synchronous) virtual classroom using high-definition videoconferencing to complete the Standard Program’s 60-credit hour curriculum.

We also offer an Advanced Standing program to those who hold a BSW, allowing them to complete their degree in as little as 10 months. A highlyselective group of students will be admitted every year.

Prospective students are

invited to apply for admission as early as possible, because space is limited at our Houston Campus.

Financial aid is available. One way to guarantee your eligibility for all of our financial aid opportunities is to apply by our Feb. 1 priority deadline.

The Garland School operates on a rolling admissions process.

However, students who submit a completed application and all supplementary materials by our priority deadline are: • Guaranteed a Graduate Assistantship • Eligible to apply for competitive higher paid Graduate Assistantships with faculty doing outstanding research, the recruitment office, marketing and other offices.

• Eligible for more competitive financial aid opportunities Financial aid packages are individualized to every student.

Part of the application process includes a financial aid form that asks students to explain their level of need and sources of income.

We use that document along with your application to

determine your financial aid package. The three sources of financial aid we offer are: 1. Tuition Remission — these awards are a direct offset of tuition costs charged to you by Baylor. These funds are credited to your student account at the beginning of each semester and not available for personal expenses.

2. Scholarships — these awards are based on need and/ or merit and are awarded as funds that do not have to be paid back by the student. You can find information about scholarships offered by the School of Social Work here.

3. Graduate Assistantship Stipend — A stipend is defined as a fixed sum of money paid periodically for work. A graduate assistant is a person who serves in a support role in the School of Social Work. Graduate stipends are considered income.

For more information, please visit our website, email us at swo@ baylor.edu, or call us at (254) 7106411. You may also join us for Preview Day in Houston on Jan. 21, 2017.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016 | 9

in Downtown Houston

Take your career to the next level with a master’s degree in Social Work!

SW O@baylor.edu Baylor.edu/Social_Work/mswhouston

First Houston Cohort Graduate William Flakes, MSW ’16

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Courtesy of University of Saint Thomas

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Small classes, big opportunities in UST’s graduate programs The University of St. Thomas offers 19 graduate degrees in business, education, public policy, counseling 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: • Your commute is made easy by a convenient location at the corner of Montrose Blvd. and West Alabama. Our campus is minutes away from downtown Houston, the Museum District, the Texas Medical Center and Greenway Plaza.

• 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 you succeed. The on-campus Career Services department assists students with finding jobs and internships by reviewing their resumes and preparing them for interviews. 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 lends a more global perspective to class discussions and creates a space where you learn more about the world from the people around you.

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 15-day trip to Cuba offered through the Cameron School of Business. Students participated in conferences with Cuban scholars and professors, who explained current and historic economic conditions.

They also toured local businesses, visited a reforestation project and met with community project leaders who teach artistic skills to people in their towns.

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 you 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 students and provides a scholarship equal to 40 percent of UST tuition.

The School of Education and Human Services offers five master’s degrees and a doctorate: • Doctor of Education in Ethical Leadership • 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 you with three tracks to tailor your degree to specific 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 our website.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016 | 11

Go Beyond the Bachelor’s

Earn Your Graduate Degree at UST The University of St. Thomas has expanded its graduate programs to serve the needs of Houston.

We offer 19 graduate programs in business, education, liberal arts, public policy, counseling and more.

You can get there from here!

Our neighborhood is your neighborhood. Choose UST and stay close to downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center. Your commute stays the same – UST is less than 15 minutes from the University of Houston.

Experience the UST Advantage: • Flexible scheduling, including online, hybrid, evening and weekend courses • Small class sizes allow for personalized instruction and classroom discussion • Unique complementary opportunities, such as faculty mentorship and study abroad

87%

employed full-time within six months of graduation

Check out our graduate programs and apply online: choose-ust.org/graduate 713-942-5998 • gradadmissions@stthom.edu

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INSPIRE

CHANGE

&DEMOCRACY

STRENGTHEN

FEARLESS ON EVERY

FRONT Houston Grad Guide Ad_final.indd 1

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College of Liberal Arts | Texas A&M Univeristy Texas A&M University/The Association of Former Students Merit Fellowship The Texas A&M University/The Association of Former Students Merit Fellowship in the College of Liberal Arts is intended to attract and support outstanding Ph.D. candidates to strengthen democracy through basic or applied research on the inequalities associated with one or more of the following thematic areas: • • • • • •

Civic Engagement and Government Creativity and Free Expression Gender, Ethnic, and Racial Justice Inclusive Economies Health and Wellbeing Conflict and Security

The fellowship package consists of •

Five years of guaranteed support to include: fellowship stipend, assistantship, as well as tuition and fees.

Ph.D. Programs by Department • • • • •

Anthropology Communication Economics English Hispanic Studies

• • • • •

History Philosophy Political Science Psychology Sociology

For more information, contact LiberalArts-GPO@tamu.edu

Top-Tier University Texas A&M has flourished to become one of the nation’s premier research universities and is one of 60 elected national universities belonging to the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU).

Top 50 Graduate Programs U.S. News & World Report ranks Texas A&M University Liberal Arts graduate programs in the top 50 in their respective fields: #17 #25

American Politics Political Science

#42 #46

Economics

Sociology

10/19/16 4:02 P

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A world of difference at Sam Houston State University 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 can 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 health in Texas, the nation and the world by offering graduate programs in dietetics, family and consumer sciences, health, health care quality and safety, kinesiology and sport management.

Working alongside faculty, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with community and global partners to advance knowledge through evidencebased 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 humans in their diversity through a program in humanities and social sciences —

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

communication studies, creative writing, English, history, political science, psychology, public administration, sociology and Spanish.

The College of Science and Engineering Technology embraces high standards, ethical practices and personalized student-faculty interaction while dedicating itself to excellence in teaching, engagement in quality research and active community service.

You will research alongside faculty 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 graduate 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.

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College of Pharmacy lets students on board drug discoveries, development 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 UH 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

Courtesy of University of Houston College of Pharmacy

cancer, heart disease, obesity, hypertension, Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, Fragile X Syndrome, 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 and Drug Administration.

The college will move into its new home in Health and Biomedical Sciences Building 2 (HBSB2) following its completion in the Fall of 2017.

HBSB2 will provide state-ofthe-art laboratory facilities 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, hands-on 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 2015-16 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. 31 in federal research funding among all colleges of pharmacy — American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy

Medicinal Chemistry

Apply by 1/20/17 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.

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Your career reimagined at UH-Downtown 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 Houston-Downtown (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 Master of Business Administration (MBA) through a “flipped,” discussion-based classroom model, team teaching by faculty and industry-leading executives, and tuition that is far below other

programs.

And it’s attracting a lot of attention. This year, UHD’s MBA has taken the No. 1 spot on the Houston Business Journal’s list of largest Houston-area MBA programs.

By bringing real-world applications to course materials, applying case studies to today’s most pressing business issues and providing students with hands-on interactions 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 corpo-

rate-designed, 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 – provide students with opportunities to take their careers to the next level with critical skills needed for business success. After earning a Certificate, students can 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 launched 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 sciences 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

“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 Roffwarg, UHD MBA student and Partner, Bracewell & Giuliani LLP

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 (MSM) equips students with the knowledge and skills to lead the continuously changing security and cybersecurity environments. Developed in collaboration with security management professionals, this online program follows a “Partof-Term” schedule. Students can complete one course during the first half of the semester and a second course following the midterm. The MSM is for individuals who have a vision of their future in the security and cybersecurity industries and are able to demonstrate professional competency and commitment to their organizations and the community.

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 some of the lowest tuition rates in Houston. The University is routinely named as one of the best values in higher education in Texas, with tuition and fees ranking below the statewide average.

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.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016 | 17

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-DOWNTOWN

The University of Houston-Downtown promises small class sizes, innovative 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.

EARNING YOUR MASTER’S DEGREE WILL PROVIDE THAT COMPETITIVE EDGE YOU NEED TO STAND APART.

MASTER OF BUS INESS AD MINISTRATION (MBA) M A STER OF S CIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE (MS) M AS TER OF S CIENCE IN D ATA ANALYTICS (MS) MA S T ER OF ARTS IN NON-PROFIT MANAGEM ENT (MA) MA S T E R OF ARTS IN RHETORIC AND COM POSITION (MA) M AS TER OF S E CURITY MANAG EM ENT (MSM) MASTER OF ARTS TE ACHING (MAT) MA S T E R OF ARTS IN TE CHNICAL COM M UNICATION (MS)

LEARN MORE

uhd.edu/masters

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PHOP researchers generate real-world evidence It’s an understatement to say that creating an effective, efficient and affordable healthcare system is a complex puzzle with multiple pieces — from patients and providers to payers, policymakers and pharmaceutical companies.

Now more than ever, there is a demand for real-world outcomes evidence to create value proposition for stakeholders.

Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy (PHOP) research comprises a multidisciplinary field of scientific investigation examines cost, access, and quality of pharmaceutical care from clinical, sociobehavioral, economic, organizational and technological perspectives.

Based in UH College of Pharmacy, the PHOP Ph.D. program offers structured learning and experiences in health-care systems, healthcare quality, health behavior,

Courtesy of PHOP

biostatistics, multivariate analyses, research methods and design, pharmacoepidemiology, and pharmacoeconomics.

Current investigations by PHOP faculty and doctoral students include safety of

antipsychotic medications in pediatric and elderly populations; health care quality, comparative safety and effectiveness of cardiovascular and oncology therapies, prescription drug abuse/

diversion, health literacy, behavioral interventions for improving medication adherence and HIV/AIDS prevention and education, to name a few.

PHOP graduates are in high demand by the pharmaceutical industry, health care consulting groups, pharmacy benefit management companies, healthcare organizations, academia and government/ regulatory agencies. Welcoming its first students in 2009, the PHOP doctoral program boasts a 100 percent job placement rate for its 22 graduates.

Among the department of PHOP faculty are recipients of national awards and/or research grants from government entities, foundations and pharmaceutical companies. Faculty members come from a range of backgrounds, including

pharmacoepidemiology, 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-ofthe-art facilities following the college’s move into its new home in Health and Biomedical Sciences Building 2 by Fall 2017.

Minimum eligibility requirements include GRE and a B.S. degree in a similar area (with overall 3.0 GPA on 4-point scale), and program completion requires a minimum of 70 credit hours and successful defense of a doctoral dissertation.

For more information about the program, please visit our website or email phop@uh.edu.

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes & Policy Generating Real-world Evidence for 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 $110,000-$130,000 Open to all bachelor’s degree majors, but preference given to health-related disciplines or pharmacy background GRE required Apply by January 20, 2017 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.

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TESTS

A guide to the graduate school admission exams period.

Medical College Admission Test

To enter the highly esteemed J.D. program at the UH Law Center, students must excel at the Law School admissions test, or LSAT. | File photo/The Cougar

JONATHAN VALADEZ

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @JONOUNSEEN

If you plan on going to graduate school, the chances are you will have to take an admissions test before getting accepted.

The most common one is the Graduate Record Examination, but it all depends on where and what program you are applying to as some tests are major-specific.

Here are some of the exams that you may encounter and what each one covers.

GRE As mentioned, the GRE is the standard for most programs because it covers a wide range of subjects.

The best way to think of it is a beefed-up version of the SAT. The GRE General Test examines the test taker in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing.

It is broken up into six parts and typically takes about three hours and 45 minutes.

The verbal reasoning portion has two sets of questions, both last 30 minutes, and are made up mostly of multiple-choice questions.

The quantitative reasoning section has a similar structure to the verbal portion of the exam in that it has two parts and is mostly made up of multiple choice.

The verbal and quantitative sections are scored the same way, which range from 130-170 in onepoint increments.

The final part of the test is the writing segment. There are two individually timed essays totaling one hour.

The essay is scored on a scale

of 0-6 in 0.5 increments. The GRE costs $185 and is good for five years.

Graduate Management Admissions Test

determine how successful a candidate will be in law school by testing their ability to comprehend and evaluate lengthy, complex

texts.

The examination is $160 and lasts for five years, but can only be taken three times in any two-year

The MCAT is required for all U.S. medical schools and is intended to assess a prospective student’s knowledge in several different disciplines.

It is broken down into four parts and is made up of sections on analytical writing, physical, biological and psychological sciences.

Other than the writing portion, all sections are multiple choice.

A final 15-point score is taken from the multiple-choice questions and is converted to scaled score ranging from 118-132.

Wrong and unanswered questions aren't counted toward the score.The cost of the MCAT is $240. Medical schools generally only accept the exam for three years. sportsassist@thedailycougar.com

The GMAT is designed to test candidates who are applying to a graduate program in business.

It is similar to the GRE because it has verbal, quantitative and analytical portions, but it also includes an integrated reasoning section.

The verbal segment tests a candidate’s ability to analyze and comprehend written passages and also to correct grammar, spelling and punctuation errors. There are 41 questions to be answered in 75 minutes.

The quantitative section examines an individual’s capacity to problem solve and understand data.

This section is also 75 minutes, but only 37 questions.

Unlike the GRE, there is only one essay and it tests the applicant’s ability to evaluate an argument.

There is a 30-minute time limit.

Finally, the integrated reasoning segment is also multiple choice with 12 questions in 30 minutes.

The GMAT total score ranges from 200-800. It is $250 and is good for five years.

Law School Admission Test The LSAT is the requirement for any student who plans on seeking a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in law.

It is broken down into three parts consisting of reading comprehension and analytical and logical reasoning.

The test lasts two hours and 55 minutes.

The LSAT is designed to

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Jenae Sitzes, UH English literature graduate and former managing editor of The Cougar, now attends New York University, which is located in Washington Square Park. | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

POST-BAC

My time, so far, with NYU's grad program JENAE SITZES

FORMER EDITOR @JENAESITZES

It’s October, and here in New York City the leaves are boldly changing their hues.

This city is truly wonderful in the fall. As golden leaves cover the concrete and the air grows crisper, people seem a little happier, a little more relaxed, as if the thought of the approaching holidays is enough to make even the most aggressive New Yorker find some peace.

As I sit here in my favorite café, watching New York University students stroll with friends through Washington Square Park, it’s hard to believe that I’ve been in this city for over ten months, and that I’m halfway through my master’s program in print and digital media publishing at NYU. This time last year, I was finishing up my last semester of undergrad at UH and I was terrified — not so much about graduating or leaving all of my friends or even about moving to New York, but about my choice to attend grad school.

When the acceptance letter from NYU came in the mail, I decided the same day to attend;

it had been my top choice among publishing programs.

In Houston, my job options in the magazine field were limited (and in my home state of Arkansas, practically nonexistent), but in New York, I could have the career of my dreams.

But how much of a difference does grad school really make?

Am I just wasting time spending another two years in school, when I could be applying for entry-level jobs? I couldn’t help but wonder.

On top of that, the price of tuition at NYU, a private university, is painful, not to mention the cost of just living in New York City.

Is it worth it? Ten months in, and I can tell you that it is.

For pre-professional students, continuing school after undergrad isn’t even a question; for the rest of us, especially those who pursued liberal arts majors in college, it’s not a clear road.

Many will tell you that it’s not worth it, that it’s a waste of money and you’re better off finding a job right away to start paying off loans, but grad school is a choice that is always worth considering no matter

your field of study.

My master’s degree will give me a competitive edge when applying for jobs at New York's magazines. NYU’s publishing program has name recognition that is enough to get my resume at least picked up when it might otherwise have gotten lost in a stack.

Grad school has allowed me to develop relationships with editors at some of the city’s top publications, because at night, they’re my professors.

Because many internships now require that applicants be eligible for school credit, grad school is an opportunity to keep building my resume through internships.

Without NYU, I could never have scored my internship at ELLE Magazine.

It’ll come as no surprise that, yes, grad school is more difficult than undergrad in terms of workload and expectations. And while you may have felt a huge amount of freedom in undergrad, in grad school, you’re truly on your own.

No one is going to make you meet with an adviser; it’s up to you to make sure you’re on track to graduate.

Excuses for late assignments or missed classes won’t fly with even the nicest professor.

In general, the class sizes are smaller; in my program, they range anywhere from five to 20 students in a session.

This can be a good or a bad thing depending on your perspective. It’s a chance to really get to know the professor well (a smart idea if she’s a connection you want to network with later), but it also means that attendance and participation are absolutely crucial.

As a grad student, you’re much more visible to your professors and fellow students — they will know your name and they will know exactly how much effort you’re putting in.

My favorite aspect of grad school has been the fact all my classes are at the same time, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. each night.

Not all grad programs will be structured this way, but it has allowed me the chance to work three full days a week at my internship while still having plenty of time for class, homework and a social life on the weekends (take that with a grain of salt — going out in New York is expensive!).

After this semester, I’ll be applying for full-time jobs while still taking classes, so don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t work through grad school.

Grad programs recognize (and expect) that most of their students have jobs and they will be more flexible with class scheduling.

The freedom to pursue any job or internship I want while getting my master’s at my own pace, with no one pressuring me to graduate on a certain schedule, alleviates a lot of the stress.

Everyone’s experience will be different.

For me, grad school has meant the chance to explore a new city, meet the most amazing and intelligent people through my program and gain both practical knowledge and hands-on experience in the magazine industry.

More than anything, it’s given me the confidence to step out into a highly competitive market and know that I have the knowledge, skills and connections to thrive. editor@thedailycougar.com

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3 tips for studying for the GRE KARIS JOHNSON

COOGLIFE EDITOR @KARISINPARIS95

If you’ve ever taken the SAT, ACT, GED or any other form of standardized testing, then you know the painful question that always arises at some point before the testing date: to study, or not to study?

That is, indeed, the question.

And when it comes to the GRE — Graduate Requirement Exam — your best bet is to buckle down and hit the books.

Most requirement exams cover three basic areas of educational skill or comprehension: mathematical reasoning, verbal prowess and writing ability.

The GRE is no different, and while it may seem like a daunting task to sit down and study for something you’ve never seen before, it is an achievable feat.

Check out these tips for study-

Tip 3

ing and preparing for the GRE, and thank yourself later when you’re sending in those grad school applications.

Tip 1 Pick a testing date that will suit your personal study-habit needs.

It may seem easy to sign up for the soonest possible date to just get it over with, but I encourage you to pick a date with studying time in mind. When you allot enough time for preparation, you give yourself some leeway, since we all know that life as a college student can get outrageously busy — I mean, I barely even have time to study for our regular courses.

Choose a date that gives you a minimum of two months to study.

It’s much better than looking at your planner and realizing the GRE snuck up on you and it's next weekend. Trust me.

Students should find a quiet place to study for the GRE. | Justin Cross/The Cougar

Tip 2 Find a group of friends who also want to study and eventually make it into College 2.0 (a.k.a. graduate school).

It will boost your productivity when you have some accountability with your studying, and it’s also a fun excuse to meet up once or twice a week.

Working with a group to

study for the GRE is a good way to stay on top of things. But you should also make sure it’s not a breeding ground for any unnecessary distractions, like Gilmore Girls marathons.

Grab a cup of coffee, and find a fun atmosphere.

Just don’t let the temptation to just hang out ruin your precious study time.

Review the GRE scoring system, timing and how the questions are set up before walking into the testing center.

Although you may have taken the SAT or some similar form of timed test, it’s imperative to remember that the GRE is different and probably set up in an unfamiliar form.

Being prepared for not only the test material but the test itself is always a safe option.

Besides: Who remembers what the SAT was like anyways?

Some good resources for finding out the scoring system and timing of the test are located for free on the GRE website.

You can only help yourself by finding out how the GRE works, and it’s a relatively simple process. arts@thedailycougar.com

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At the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, students can meet with advisers to find out about payment plans and decide the best way to fund their university studies, but those wanting to go should arrive early and expect a long wait, especially at the beginning and end of the semester — at a school of more than 40,000, everyone needs to see the advisers sometime. | File photo/The Cougar

MONEY

Financial aid options to ease the next step FRANK CAMPOS

OPINION EDITOR @FRANKCAMPOSJ

You made it. That’s right, you finally graduated college after almost four years of ramen noodles, hard partying that turned into late-night cram sessions and fighting yourself to go to class.

What’s next?

Well, if you are part of the 3 million students currently enrolled in graduate school or plan to enroll in a post-baccalaureate program, you are going right back into the trenches. This time, however, you are a little bit wiser and with an average student loan debt of $37,172.

If you still want to go to school to get that extra leg up on a job market that is overcrowded with undergraduate degrees, here are some options to help you with financial aid.

Remember, graduate school at UH starts at just over $5,000 (12 credit hours) a year, depending on your residency status and hours taken. It’s important you know what you are getting into.

Graduate assistantships If you are willing to go to class fulltime while working, this program is perfect for graduate students ready to commit a lot of time to the university. These assistance programs

pay a monthly stipend ranging from $600 to $2,500 during the school year.

Of course, you have to meet certain qualifications, but they are relatively easy for the amount of money you receive. The labor calls for administrative work like academic advising and reading papers.

This is an easy way to make the school a workplace and vice versa.

Although assistantships can get stressful, they are better than going to school while working for an off-campus firm that may not be understanding if you have a project due the next day or a midterm.

Avoid debt These forms of financial aid help you avoid adding more student loan debt. They are also based on your academic record and community involvement.

Many people think that the University only offers scholarships to undergraduate students. This is a common misconception that is also applicable to scholarships offered by private organizations.

Graduate students can find many scholarship opportunities to ease their financial burden as they move into the next phase of their lives.

The biggest issue with scholarships is that it depends on the student; they must have the motivation to apply and follow through on

aid officers and people as possible before you make the decision to add debt to your life. Many people focus solely on their post-college debt when what they should be doing is making themselves a fierce competitor in the job-seeking race.

Taking out a loan should be your last choice for graduate school, but often times it is the only one you have. Be careful.

FAFSA

Students wait in line to see a financial aid adviser. | Justin Cross/The Cougar

any issues. As always, the opportunities are out there, it is just up to you to take advantage of them.

Doesn't matter if you get a $100 scholarship from Coca-Cola and a $50 scholarship from Wendy's, just collect as much money as possible before you have to get loans that accrue interest.

Loans From the government to private companies, you will find countless locations willing to loan you money for college. It is up to you to decide if it is worth adding more money to your current student loan debt.

The government offers below-market interest rates on certain loans, graduate federal PLUS loans and unsubsidized loans for students who apply to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Although a loan can be bad, there is no excuse to not go to school if you are willing to take on the debt. Even loans from big banks and private companies can offer low interest rates — if they are your only option.

Be warned, however, since student loans can haunt you for the next 30 years of your life if you are careless. Consult as many financial

This should go without saying, but make sure that you apply for FAFSA. So many opportunities for financial aid out there, and the biggest obstacle between you and money is your own effort to apply and find your options.

Throughout this process, remember that the only person that will make sure you have everything you need, like the right paperwork and patience, is yourself.

You are a college graduate and ready to conquer the world. Don’t let graduate school and its cost deter you from your ultimate goal.

Figure out all your options, take advantage of the benefits you have earned and enjoy the next extra couple of years before you are thrown into the real world to fend for yourself. opinion@thedailycougar.com

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ADMISSIONS

4 ways to better your grad school essay FRANK CAMPOS

OPINION EDITOR @FRANKCAMPOSJ

For many people, the most difficult part of any exam or application is the essay portion.

With so much — or maybe so little — to say, it can be tough to organize your thoughts to produce a quality essay.

Since writing can be timeconsuming and rather boring, students typically rush through essays and produce unclear, lazy ideas.

It’s common that you have to write an essay when applying for graduate schools. Just apply these following methods and another two years of school could be in your near future.

Planning is important You’ve finally mustered up the courage to sit at your desk and write the essay that’s due soon.

It was hard enough to get to this point, so taking extra time to plan out your essay isn't going to happen.

We’ve all been there, but learning to break from this habit can vastly improve your writing. By making a clear outline, it'll be easier to pick major points to discuss in your paper. A good brainstorming session beforehand can prevent you from getting lost midpaper.

Too often we let boredom dismantle an essay that, so far, has a smooth flow with clear ideas and transitions.

Let your outline double as a commitment to staying on task while assuring that the admissions office understands the points you are trying to make.

Write multiple drafts This is asking a lot.

After devoting hours of your

The Writing Center is a great resource for students looking to improve their writing skills, even if they aren't working on a grad application. | Justin Cross/The Cougar

week to an essay, you’re ready to never see it again. But putting the essay away for a day or so and then writing another draft can give you confidence that you will reach your objective.

Just because something makes sense in your head does not necessarily mean it does to the people reading your work.

When you come back to your first draft, you may find that the order of your paragraphs

Having 100 percent accuracy in grammar, spelling and punctuation in a college essay is of utmost importance. Failure to do so will leave your reader thinking you are either dumb or lazy.

Frank Campos, Opinion Editor

or sentences could be more effective or a point can become clearer.

Continuously reread your prompt while conducting additional drafts to ensure that you have quality essay. If going to graduate school depends on your ability to write this essay, it is worth your time to devote a little extra effort to make it great.

Be specific In any writing you do, it’s important to avoid being vague.

Don’t use generalizations or clichés to explain why you’re the best candidate to be considered. Having a specific focus will help you in being efficient with your words and stand out from the pack.

No matter the essay type, being specific is a must. The best way to prove a point in a scholarly essay is to specify just the necessary facts or supporting information.

Don’t drag on with useless details just to reach the word count.

If the essay is a personal one, tell the reader exactly why you are interested in their graduate school. You obviously applied to the school for a reason and make sure that is known.

Are you following in a family member’s footsteps? Realizing a childhood dream? Maybe you just know how great of a program the school has.

No matter what, be specific in why you want to attend.

Edit, edit, edit Having 100 percent accuracy in grammar, spelling and punctuation in a college essay is of utmost importance.

Failure do so will leave your reader thinking you are either dumb or lazy.

An easy error can reflect either your intelligence or work ethic; it’s important to be perfect here.Throughout this

process, remember that the only person that will make sure you have everything you need, like the right paperwork and patience, is yourself.

While editing, pay attention to your word choice and decide if there is a more colorful word to use. However, be absolutely sure that your new word still makes sense with exactly what you’re trying to say. Even a subtle difference in word definitions can change the meaning of an entire sentence.

Varying your sentence structures can also make your work more interesting to read.

While editing, highlight the various sentence types and make sure you have plenty of each type.

You can never spend too much time editing an essay that could determine your future. opinion@thedailycougar.com

24 | Wednesday, October 26, 2016

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Trey Strange, EDITOR

Quiz: Should you go to graduate school?

Thinking about continuing your education, here's a guide to help you decide whether you should.

First off, do you want to go to graduate school?

A B C

Definitely!

I think so, but I’m not sure.

Not really.

Can you afford graduate school?

A B C

Yes, I (or family) have saved up a bit.

Maybe, I’d be a good candidate for scholarships and grants.

No, I already have a lot of student debt.

Are you looking into graduate programs similar to your undergraduate degree?

A B C

Yes, I want to advance my education in that field.

No, but I’m seeking to transition into a different career path.

I don't know what to get a graduate degree in, I just think I need one.

What makes you want to go to graduate school?

A B C

Specific education and career goals.

I don’t feel fully prepared for the workforce.

To postpone the “real world” for as long as possible.

Are you interested in doing research or eventually becoming a professor?

A B C

Yes! Maybe, I’d consider it.

No, that sounds boring.

Have you enjoyed your upper-level classes at UH? A B C

Yes, more intensive classes is where I have strived.

Some of them, as long as they aren’t too time-consuming.

No, and I’ve carefully planned my schedule to take the easiest courses possible.

Now, count up how many points you got.

A=1 point

B=2 points

C=3 points

1–6 points It seems like you’re ready and excited for graduate school. You enjoyed your undergraduate degree, and want to advance your education and research opportunities. Applications for Fall 2017 have already opened for most schools, so look at what’s needed to take the next step. Check out the map on page 2 to look at some in-state programs at other schools than UH.

7–12 points Graduate school might be a good choice for you, but it’s a big decision you need to think about more. Some reasons to go to graduate school are more valid than others, so take time to really consider all your options before you sign on for at least two more years of school.

13–18 points Yes, the real world is scary.

But so is the life-changing choice of going to graduate school if it isn't right for you.

Instead of more education, working can help you build a different skill set than what classes have given. Also, there’s no guarantee that going to graduate school means a higher salary, and the cost of that degree can be expensive.