Seniors have graduate and life plans in order

Though a bachelor's degree does make for competition in the work force, a graduate or advanced degree often guarantees a larger salary and more room for advancement. Two seniors have concrete plans on how graduate school will aid for successful careers.

by Joe Holden news editor

An employee with a master's degree can earn double or more, in some cases, than a person with a bachelor's degree. This is one of the many reasons why an undergraduate or adult student would consider continuing with their education to earn a master's or other comparable degree. Though a master's degree can give employees an advantage, it is not to say that those with bachelor's degrees will immediately suffer.

A survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers noted that job opportunities for people with bachelor's degrees wilJ increase by IO percent, and starting salaries are expected to climb by 4.8 percent. Due to this, enrollment in graduate programs has dropped over the past two years. Though a bachelor's degree might land a prospective employee a good first job, a master's degree is becoming more and more essential for employment advancement.

Senior psychology major Rebecca Kuenecke will be going to school for her master's degree in the fall. She has been accepted at Eastern College and Immaculata College for graduate studies in counseling psychology. To practice counseling psychology, a master's degree is necessary. Kuenecke calculates that it will take her two to three years to complete her graduate degree. She was uncertain about the costs that she will soon incur but is hopeful that she will get an assistantship, which is a program that helps defray tuition while a student works for the college in a specific position or department that commensurates with their bachelor's degree.

Kuenecke explained that an advanced degree in the field of psychology is pretty much commonplace. "When I first came to Cabrini, I wanted to get out after four years," Kuenecke said. "Getting a master's is somewhat mandatory." Kuenecke eventually hopes to earn a doctorate in her field and begin her own practice.

Chad May also hopes that he lands an assistantship that will pay for his graduate schooling. His goal is to be independent from his parents while he continues his studies, therefore hoping that his assistantship will pick up a large bulk of the costly tab. May, a senior mathematics/history major plans to enroll in graduate school in the fall semester of 2001, which is more than a year after his graduation.

Dr. Leonard Primiano, professor of religious studies, commented that for some students it might be in their best interest to take a year off from school. "Some students choose to do a year of service with an organization like the Cabrini Mission Corps," Primiano said. "For others it might be better for them to find a job, work for a year and then go to graduate school."

May is shooting for an administrative position in the field of education. His goal in earning a master's degree is only one step on the road to an eventual doctorate.

"I have a real strong belief in American education," May said. "I want to make a difference from an administrative position." May also commented that he is not at all concerned with the amount of money a degree can earn a person. "The money will be there with the position. I'm not at all worried about the money."

Though uncertain about his graduate school of choice, May explained that the Graduate Record Exam, or ORE, is taken prior to acceptance to any graduate school. Depending on the school and subject a student is studying, the test can be two part. "The first part is standardized, much like the SATs, and the second part is specific to the student's area of study showing the student's command of the subject," May said.

May explained that one can't get an administrative position in education without a master's degree. "It'll be a different atmosphere from undergraduate work," May said. "Often it makes more sense to further an education."

Primiano pointed out that he always pushes his students to continue with their education. He cited very obvious reasons for this, such as greater advancements in the work force, the ability to be competitive, and being able to network on a higher level. "Today there are many different possibilities and programs at graduate schools to suit almost all lifestyles," Primiano said.

Primiano received his bachelor's degree in religious studies

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from the University of Pennsylvania. He did not take a year off to work or rest. "I was determined to go to graduate school." He went to Harvard Divinity School because he aspired to go to "the finest school." His graduate degree is in American religious studies.

"I want the students to achieve; I want them to continue with their studies," Primiano said. "I explain the complications of getting into a graduate school and the rigors of doing graduate-level work. There is definitely a lot more reading and more independent work."

Primiano reported that seven religious studies majors over the past four years have entered graduate school. "Two are at Harvard Divinity School, one is at Drew University and four are at Union Theological Seminary."

Primiano suggested that any student who has an interest in furthering their education should do so, but be mindful that it is important to attain good grades throughout college. "A student must pay attention in their college classes so they have the right mental preparation," Primiano said.