GRADUATE DEGREE FROM QU

by Chris Brennemann, PhD

Quincy University offers fast, flexible, and affordable graduate programs in business administration, education, and education in counseling.

Graduates from QU's master’s programs have gone on to become entrepreneurs, teachers, school counselors, licensed mental health practitioners, directors and administrators.

QU’s Coordinator of Graduate and Professional Studies, Maranda Stumo, provides outcomes-driven responses to some key factors to consider when pursuing a master’s degree.

WHY EARN A MASTER’S DEGREE?

The career opportunities will be a lot better and more varied for you than they would be without having a master’s degree. It puts you on the fast track for success.

Another great benefit of earning your master’s degree is the versatility. You will be qualified for the niche field that your master’s degree represents. It will also qualify you for a broader spectrum of careers in that career field.

A master’s degree makes you more marketable. One of the most obvious reasons for obtaining a master’s degree is you will have higher earning potential.

Current graduate student, Anna Peters, says that a variety of life experiences led her to pursue a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. Her ultimate goal is to open a private practice.

“The MEC program has helped me hone in on the skills I have and build new ones. The instructors are very encouraging and supportive every step of the way. Classes are both large enough to have a diverse group but also small enough to make a comfortable class environment.”

WHY EARN A MASTER’S DEGREE FROM QU?

All of the QU graduate programs facilitate personal and professional growth by combining academic rigor with experiential learning and service to the community. QU provides a caring, compassionate environment that fosters growth and development so graduate students are able to reach their full potential.

QU post-graduate professors are active in their fields and incorporate real-life experience into research and applications of course material.

“Each of the master’s programs offered at QU will prepare you for high demand jobs both locally and in other areas of the country and internationally. Due to the small class sizes, master’s students get the opportunity to have close relationships with their instructors and peers as well as be part of a community that values learning and service to others,” said Maranda Stumo, coordinator of graduate and professional studies.

ARE THERE ANY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT PURSUING A MASTER’S DEGREE AT QU?

One misconception is that the tuition is not affordable because QU is a private university. QU’s tuition is very comparable to other similar institutions. Additionally, many people think that they have to pay out of state tuition, but that is not the case. Since QU is a private university, no one pays out of state tuition.

Sometimes people assume that, since QU is a Catholic university, it is only for people of the Catholic faith. In keeping with our Franciscan values, QU respects the significance and worth of people from all walks of life. Everyone is welcome at QU.

As Coordinator of Graduate and Professional Studies, Maranda Stumo oversees all aspects of QU's graduate and professional studies and is responsible for fostering the academic strength of the program and supporting the educational and professional success of QU graduate students.

Maranda has a Master's of Education in Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University. She has served in multiple positions in higher education for over 20 years including academic advising, teaching, counseling and directing.

2022 Best Masters in Counseling Degree Programs – Ranked #15 in the nation by https://www.intelligent. com/best-masters-in-counselingdegree-programs/

Winner of the 2017 Leo G. Bent Award for Outstanding Professional Counseling Program in Illinois by the Illinois Counseling Association