Grad School October 2022 Cooglife

Issue 57 // October 2022

Graduate School

October 2022

The history of graduate school

How to apply to grad school

Degrees better with a master’s

When a teacher goes back to school: a story of a UH grad student

Stories from grad students: trauma bonding

GA vs. TA: Which is better?

Is graduate school worth it? The pros and cons of higher education

Ways to (realistically) pay for grad school

Combined degrees: what they are and how to attain one

Thesis, comprehensive or applied?

Interesting and unique graduate programs

Editorial

Cynthia Isabel Zelaya Ordoñez cooglife@thedailycougar.com

Cover

Click Sessions

Writers

Jenny Truong

Maria Godinez

Britney Dzu

Cynthia Isabel Zelaya Ordoñez

Dominique Crespo

Cole Brown

Catherine Volel

Rey Mattes

Logan Linder

Atirikta Kumar

A Letter from the Editor

Greetings, bienvenidos.

So you’ve been thinking about graduate school. Or better yet, you only began to consider it after reading this magazine. But why would someone, after the torture of going through a bachelor’s program, But why would someone, after the agony of going through a bachelor’s program, choose to pursue a master’s degree?

Well, let’s start with me.

I’ve wanted a doctorate since my first few weeks of kindergarten. My teacher, Mrs. Ranado, a kind woman with long brown hair, was visibly pregnant. Naturally, my class wanted to know all about the baby, her husband and how they’d met. She had met her husband at a place called ‘college,’ where smart young people went to only study what

they wanted and hang out all day. Many lived on campus, turning the school year into a perpetual sleepover. The best part? You get to be something amazing after graduating from college. Astronaut, movie director, lawyer, doctor- all careers that needed a college degree. But if you wanted to study more and progress more in your career, you could earn as high as a doctorate degree. A Ph.D. You could be called a doctor without having to endure medical school.

And I definitely didn’t want to be a Doctor.

But I did want to be a doctor.

To me, a Ph.D. was a symbol of American royalty. Other nations have ‘duke,’ ‘princess,’ ‘lord’ or ‘viscountess,’ all symbols of a monarchy that makes both my Union side and ‘guanaca’ side skin crawl. But a Ph. D was a crown you earned. Joe would only be President Biden for four years, but Jill would be Dr. Biden forever. A key stepping stone between me and a doctorate was my master’s.

Journalism was never going to be lucrative. But I love the truth. I love writing, speaking, videography, long hours, hectic days and hard deadlines. I will milk reporting for as long as I can, but understand that a master’s degree will allow me the type of livable wage I can build a retirement fund on.

I understand the power that comes with a master’s degree both in the workplace and in potential earning levels, but I can’t deny ego played into my motivations. My parents didn’t finish grade school before having to flee El Salvador due to war. I was the first to graduate high school, let alone college. Why stop there? Why not take it as far as I could, give the family its first doctor?

But that’s just me. One tiny example. Most people pursue a masters in their 30s (if ever), with the second largest age group in their 50s. Many people have decades-long careers and families. Some seek to grow in their chosen field, overs seek to pivot career paths completely. Some can afford to pay their way, others take out loans. We are all different in our needs and desires.

There is no wrong way to be a graduate student. No wrong time, degree or purpose. In this edition of Cooglife, we try to give you a crash course on grad school. I hope you find our articles informative and funny. And if you find yourself on the fence about pursuing a masters degree, I hope we help you make the best decision for you, regardless of what it may be.

Cynthia Isabel Zelaya Ordoñez Executive Editor

A Brief History of the Master’s Degree

By Jenny Truong @jennyl

Most of us expect 17 total years of schooling. Four years of college, four of high school, three years of middle school and six or seven years of elementary school. School already takes up a massive chunk of our lives! Even so, a few of us go further than just an undergraduate career.

Enter: the master’s degree.

If someone decides that their bachelor’s isn’t enough, they may pursue their master’s degree. The years this may add to their education varies. For the most part, it’ll be another two years. But why on earth would someone return to school? And has the master’s degree always been a thing in higher education?

With a history dating back to the medieval era, the master’s degree isn’t something new. Its place in the world of academia is an integral one. Now, let’s see where it came from and how it evolved.

Humble beginnings

Something resembling a master’s degree emerged in medieval Europe in the 1200s. This was around the time the famous Cambridge University was built. Some scholars wanted to further their education in their respective fields. Once they acquired said knowledge, they shared what they learned with others.

A person allowed to teach others had earned the title of ‘Magister.’ Sound familiar? However, this title didn’t evolve into a degree until centuries later. Before then, these magisters only had a license to teach others.

The dark ages… Kinda

With the death of the magister came the actual degree. In the United States, Harvard University began offering the Master of Arts (or the magister atrium) degree soon after it was established in 1636. Many other universities

in England and Scotland also began offering the degree around this time. By the 19th and 20th centuries, offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees became the norm for universities.

Oddly enough, earning a master’s degree during this time rarely required any further study. A master’s degree was awarded to anyone who passed an exam, or to bachelor’s graduates who did well in school.

This is due to the fact that scholars at this time didn’t believe in the legitimacy of the degree. People with doctorate degrees looked down on the master’s, believing it to be a mere stepping stone to the Ph.D. Some even thought it was given in pity for those unable to obtain PhDs—hence, the dark ages.

Today’s master’s degree

More time passed, and the purpose of the master’s degree evolved. By the late 20th century,

Photo by Thao Truong

thousands of master’s degrees emerged across the country. The reputation of the degree improved with the rapid changes that came to the U.S. workforce. To obtain one nowadays, students could either write a thesis, complete a project, do an exam or more. This is usually paired with rigorous coursework. There are many ways to earn this degree, and it depends on the field of study you take up.

Today, people earn their master’s for many reasons. For the most part, academics still have the same goal as they did back in medieval times. They want to expand their knowledge in a field they’re passionate about. Becoming an expert in a certain field helps with specialization in the workforce, so it absolutely comes in handy. With all of this being said, what about you?

How to apply to grad school

By Maria Godine @gjmaria

If you’ve been wondering whether or not to apply to grad school, here is a checklist for the steps needed to apply at The University of Houston.

Start an application through the ApplyWeb website at UH

To start an application, you must create an account. Creating an account will allow you to view anything needed from your part post-submission. There is also a separate application for those applying to a professional program such as law or nursing.

Choose the program for which you want to submit your application

Depending on the program of your choice, there could be other

requirements needed for the application process. You can check the program’s website for more information.

Submit transcripts

Must be scanned copies of official transcripts. They can be uploaded as PDF files. You cannot enroll after acceptance without the official transcripts.

Submit test scores

(GRE, GMAT, etc) are sent directly from the testing agency. Check the program’s website for the test requirements. The code for the University of Huston is 6870 when reporting scores.

Submit the required documents

Such documents are:

Should you get one?

The master’s degree isn’t for everyone, but knowing its origins can help with your decision to pursue one. The University of Houston alone has nearly a hundred master’s degree programs. Also, the graduation regalia for completing the degree is sick, so definitely factor that into your decision. You could be

· Letter(s) of recommendation. Which will be gathered electronically. You provide the emails of your references.

· Personal statement. Requirements are different depending on the program.

· Resume. Requirements depend on the program applying to.

· Additional/Supplemental materials. A portfolio, writing sample, etc. Depending on the program applying to.

Photo courtesy of Melissa Cisneros

Submit your application

Application fees are $50 for domestic applicants, $80 for international, and $25 for nondegree programs (certificatebased). There are some limited fee waivers available. Check the program for eligibility requirements.

For Melissa Cisneros, a former grad student at UH pursuing a master of public administration (MPA program), the hardest part of applying to grad school was taking the GRE exam. She knows many students prepare for the test by getting tutoring, but as a mom, she had no time to truly invest in tutoring. But on one lucky day, she found a waiver,

allowing her to bypass the entire GRE. However, she still submitted a writing sample.

“I got extremely lucky,” said Cisneros. This was her chance to apply for grad school. She decided on the MPA program because she wants a degree with the flexibility of finding a job in anything outside of her current job. She aims to work in higher ed specialization, non-profit or as a public official. She currently works as a graduate advisor for the college of pharmacy while studying part-time.

Cisneros has been working at UH for five years. She began working as a graduate assistant, and

has been since then promoted. Her current goal is to continue working as a staff member at UH while working her way up through promotion. Her advice for those considering grad school is;

“Do your research on the program you’re interested in, talk to any current students on the program and reach out to alumni or even faculty in the program. Look at the program requirements. Is there a thesis? Know what you’re getting yourself into. Don’t rush, take your time. Set realistic expectations/goals, because it can easily lead to burnout.”

Degrees better with a master’s

By Britney Dzu @britnxyy_

The benefits of a master’s degree are undeniable; higher salaries, competitive advantages and more opportunities for growth and networking. While not all career paths and degrees require a master’s, here are some

degrees that are better off with one.

Business

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2013, master’s degrees in business

were obtained more than any other subject of study. A master’s degree in accounting or marketing can increase a median salary from $90,000 to $170,000 or $80,000 to $110,000 per year, respectively.

Photo by Britney Dzu

While job opportunities are ample with a bachelor’s in business, a master’s degree will provide more opportunities for growth in the professional world. To reach senior levels at the top of the corporate ladder or for salary increases, a master’s degree in business is preferred.

Education

With a master’s in education, teachers at all levels of education can earn up to 43% more. In order to teach at a postsecondary level, or become a college professor, at least a master’s degree is required. The median salary for a postsecondary teacher is $79,640 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The median salary for an education administrator can increase by 44%. Educational administrators, while not teachers, are in leadership positions vital to the operations of learning institutions. This role often requires graduate education. The median salary for this role is $98,490.

Nursing

While nursing does not require a master’s degree, a graduate degree is required to be a nurse practitioner. The average salary for a registered nurse in Texas is $72,890, while a nurse practitioner can earn an estimated average of $117,670.

With a master’s degree, a nurse practitioner will be able to do more for higher pay, including diagnosing patients and prescribing medications.

Psychology

A bachelor’s in psychology or sociology will be able to provide a wide range of job

opportunities such as caseworker or advisor for various departments. However, in order to practice psychology in a more clinical setting, such as being a clinical psychologist, at least a master’s degree in psychology is required.

With a graduate degree in psychology, counselors can also earn up to 35% more. Counseling and social work roles that require a master’s degree include school counselor or family/ marriage therapist. School counselors earn a median salary of $60,510 per year.

Public Health

A bachelor’s degree in public health can provide jobs such as health education specialists, public health advocates, or public health planners. Salaries for these positions and other jobs for a bachelor’s in public health ranges from $53,000 to $66,000. However, with a master’s degree in public health, public health consultants can make an average of $81,942.

Physician assistants also require at least a master’s degree and make a median of $121,530 per year.

Conclusion

A college education can open the door to many opportunities. Taking the step to pursue a postgraduate or master’s degree will open even more doors.

When a teacher goes back to school A story of a UH grad student

Photo by Click Sessions

By Cynthia Isabel Zelaya Ordoñez @cynthia_zelaya_

As a child, Salma Yousef’s least favorite subject was social studies. The self-described bossy, determined little bookworm sought something more stimulating. Growing up, she hardly ever received social education. When she did, it consisted of a dull page out of a textbook followed by a quiz. It was unengaging, irrelevant and quickly forgotten.

Today, Yousef is a fourth-grade teacher in Fort Bend country, pursuing a master’s of education in curriculum instruction and social education. Her intention with the degree? To become a curriculum writer in social education. What are the odds?

Her passions in high school centered around writing and music, so she assumed her college major would involve those interests in one way or another. However, her trajectory would be forever changed by a

key educator during her junior year.

Finding her calling “I was accidentally put in a journalism class with a man named Mr. Rideout, who absolutely changed my life,” Yousef said. “I would observe him interact with his students and myself. It was a random class. I didn’t sign up for it, I was just there. But it turned out to be one of the most powerful classes in high school. My biggest takeaway was he was doing important work. He was going in there and he was teaching ethics and life lessons. And all these random students who had nothing in common would go in there, and we would listen to him, learn from him and we would love him and love this class. I just felt like he was doing important, powerful work. I kind of just threw my own personal interests out the window and I was like ‘I need to do that.’ They

felt important, and I wanted to do something that was important. So I decided I was gonna major in education.”

Yousef went on to graduate from the University of Houston in 2020, snagging a job as a teacher soon after. She graduated and started her first job during the pandemic. It coincided with one of the greatest movements of civil unrest of her time. Children began coming to her with difficult questions, and she did her best to answer honestly in a kid-friendly way. She was quick to notice where the social education system fell short, doing her best to fill in the gaps.

Although she was confident that she was doing right by her kids, she knew they may not receive the same quality of information from other teachers who were going purely by the written curriculum they were given. She thought back to the social

She thought back to the social education classes she’d taken at UH during her undergrad, of how unnecessary she’d thought they were. Diversity, inclusion, all things she thought were obvious. But as a young teacher, she realized that was not always the case.

“I have now realized it’s not obvious and common sense to every educator,” Yousef said. “There are a lot of educators who negatively stereotype students based on their skin color, who genuinely don’t understand how to deliver high-quality education to lower economic populations of students.”

Deciding to go back

Despite the hard work and long hours, she loved her students, putting even more time into creating the best lessons and learning environment she could. Soon, she realized that her current salary was not satisfactory, not in terms of her needs, nor in compensation for her work. Her contract hours are from 7:50 a.m. to 3:50 p.m., but she works a lot more than that. Meetings, paperwork, lesson planning, logistics and communications outside of work hours don’t even begin to cover half of it.

“I have never been one of those people that thought I would enter education and retire into it,” Yousef said. “I knew that I would eventually want to move out of it. This degree… My resume is all child care. There’s not a lot of things I can do with my undergrad degree that are outside of the education field. So

thinking about that, and knowing that I didn’t want to be in the classroom forever, I needed to pursue something that would be interesting, something that I can continue to grow in.

When an educator decides to pursue a master’s degree, there are a few different paths they can take. ELA specialists will go back to become English specialists, math teachers will go back to become math specialists, and so forth. Instead of becoming a reading specialist, she realized she could make a bigger impact on more people by changing the curriculum from the top.

Fueled by the desire to grow her career and now armed with a need to improve social education, she decided to go back to school and get a master’s degree.

Getting in Applying was easy. The college of education is very straightforward. Yourself was able to follow the application process, step by step, on the UH masters of education page. The difficult part was financing her degree.

“I went through undergrad completely on grants,” Yousef said. “Pell grants and Texas grant and all of that. I didn’t have to pay anything out of pocket. Grad school is a different story. Because I have a salary now (which we know it’s not a big salary) FAFSA said ‘well you’re making money so you’re alright.’ So I was not offered a lot by FAFSA, which meant my options were to take out a loan or pay out of pocket. So… I took out a loan.”

Her master’s program is completely online, something she is very grateful for. Those at the college of education understand most of their students are fulltime teachers that work long hours. Making it to campus after school through Houston traffic would have been less than ideal. Although she hasn’t made as many friends as she did during her undergrad, she has found maintaining a work-life balance to be easier.

Yousef has chosen a capstone seminar as her final project, which is best described as a hybrid between a thesis and a project, all relating to social education.

“I was advised to go this route due to being a full-time teacher,” Yousef said. “They said this is probably the best route. Thinking about what I wanted to do with my degree afterward, the capstone, because of that thesis portion and the fieldwork, serves as really strong evidence that I know what I’m talking about.”

The best thing about graduate school was all the things she learned about that she didn’t even know she didn’t know. She was in awe at the talent and knowledge her professors hold, even going as far as to cite one of her professors in her thesis. The worst thing? The three mandatory electives. She found uncovering which electives were available to her difficult. Many of the ones that would be of interest had prerequisites she didn’t meet.

“UH advisors, it would be so helpful if you could make a list of electives that closely align with the major that that student is in,” Yousef said. “That would be more helpful instead of telling your students ‘search for your own electives.’ We don’t know where to start with that. You are so much more knowledgeable.”

Looking forward

Yousef’s long-term goals include becoming a curriculum writer, creating new content for TEKS and revising preexisting content to better serve students and educate teachers. In the short term, however, her degree will

serve as an advocate for her own knowledge. As a younger teacher who is more in tune with the attitudes and needs of the youth, it can sometimes be difficult to be taken seriously by one’s peers.

“It (the degree) would empower me to speak up for myself as a teacher,” Yousef said. “Knowing your rights, knowing what I can and can’t teach and the limits of that, especially in Texas, where they are, opposing limits that are sometimes illegal and have nothing to do with what we’re really allowed to do. And then also just learning how to best deliver sometimes highly sensitive lessons to students who are interested in their history and the current

events.”

Early education is the foundation of the people who will shape the future of our nation. As important as the core curriculum is, it’s social skills that will shape the future. Understanding history in a nuanced fashion and how to treat people fairly in an increasingly diverse country are crucial skills to ensuring a thriving economy, culture and democracy in years to come. Salma Yousef went back to school to work towards providing a better future both for herself and for her country’s youth. Although her goals and path aren’t the same as yours, her end goal is.

Stories from grad students: Trauma bonding

By Dominique Crespo @dominique.crespo

The exacerbating pressures of transitioning from an undergraduate student to a graduate student can be quite a challenge when your non-academic life is difficult to balance.

Graduate school is a transcendent

experience for a young adult. Coming up with enough money for rent with an entry-level job, dealing with car issues that seem to happen at the worst moments possible or attempting to balance the parent life with school are a few common shared experiences amongst graduate students that

make their master’s degree that much more difficult to obtain.

While some students have very unique and wild experiences during graduate school, many students share similar emotional challenges.

Photo courtesy of The University of Houston

Determined. Dedicated. Downtown.

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) serves the educational needs of America’s fourth largest city. As Houston’s second largest, public four-year university in the heart of Downtown, UHD provides students life-changing educational experiences with unparalleled opportunities to conduct research and participate in communitycentered learning, coupled with flexible scheduling and an award-winning faculty. We offer bachelor’s degrees in 46 areas of study and 11 master’s degrees in four academic colleges.

• Home to Houston’s largest MBA program since 2014, according to the Houston Business Journal.

• Industry-aligned degrees in artificial intelligence, medical humanities, strategic communication, data science, health and behavioral sciences, nursing, social work, geosciences, biotechnology, chemistry, mathematics, criminal justice, and fine arts.

• Federally designated Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving Institutions & Military-Friendly School.

Industry Demands Advanced Business Skills

theoretical knowledge of AI with hands-on training in AI-specific applications through hybrid, face-to-face, and online courses. Graduates of the program will be prepared to join the ranks of AI analysts, engineers, and specialists to explore the new ways to use AI to tackle societal issues as diverse as cancer diagnosis and treatment, climate change, and cybersecurity.

A new Master of Arts degree in Strategic Communication (MASC) in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. The 30-credit hour, fully online program with innovative strategic communication skills, research knowledge, technology competencies, and theories needed to create effective community engagement and messaging with culturally, ethnically, and racially diverse public audiences and stakeholders.

As industry evolves, more and more working professionals in Houston are realizing the tremendous value—and greatly enhanced earning potential—a master’s degree can provide.

Our students have busy lifestyles—jobs, families and more. To accommodate, UHD provides a variety of class offerings on weekdays, evenings, and weekends, as well as 19 fully online degree programs (15 undergraduate/4 master’s). From face-to-face instruction at our Downtown campus or one of three satellite locations, UHD degrees and classes are offered completely online or hybrid format. With one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas, UHD’s competitively priced tuition and fees make the pursuit of higher learning affordable and accessible. Plus, UHD graduates have the lowest student loan debt in the state.

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

• UHD earns high marks in U.S. News & World Report for the fourth consecutive year. Online Programs ranked among the nation’s best for Online Bachelor’s Programs, Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, and Online Master’s Criminal Justice Programs among this group.

We know that degrees and individual coursework must align with industry needs. For this reason, UHD has reinvented the Master of Business Administration (MBA) with its Corporate Fellows Program. Thanks to a powerful combination of sound business theory and practical application, the Marilyn Davies College of Business’ MBA program offers a “team-teaching” approach by collaborating with private industry to ensure that every MBA class is taught by a professor and an industry executive. The College offers professionals the choice of taking classes either in-person in our traditional hybrid format or online.

Graduate Certificates: Meet Individual Student Needs

For individuals who are not ready to commit to a full MBA program but want graduate-level training to improve their skills, UHD offers eight AACSB-certified graduate certificates. After earning a Graduate Certificate, students may enter UHD’s MBA program—no GMAT required—with nearly half of all coursework completed.

Cutting-Edge Technology & Emerging Fields

The College of Sciences & Technology’s new Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (AI) addresses the growing needs of industry. UHD is one of only six graduate-level AI programs offered in Texas. This leading-edge degree combines

With more than 61,000 Gator alumni and counting, UHD alumni excel in fields ranging from medicine and business to science to humanities.

UHD is recognized nationally for its community engagement programs that link classroom academics with opportunities to serve people and agencies in Greater Houston and around the globe. UHD Gators help shape the city’s workforce—ready to take on our city, state, nation, and the world. Learn

Riley Phillips, a recent graduate, stated that she struggled with imposter syndrome in the process of getting her master’s degree. Imposter syndrome is when an individual doubts their accomplishments or skills and they do not believe they deserve the success they receive despite their competence.

With a mutual internalized fear of failure and fraud, it is important for graduate students to support each other. Students are able to bond through their

struggles and can help each other through such a tangible period of their lives – we call this trauma bonding. Getting to know your peers in graduate school can help guide you through your challenges, and you can do the same for someone else without even knowing.

Madison Ventura, a current graduate student at the University of Houston, once had to catch a flight to Colorado after her Monday class to then make it back in time for her Wednesday

class. She flew out again right after.

That is the beauty of grad students; They are resilient and persistent in the face of adversity.

“Not only are you elevating your education, but you’re enhancing your career opportunities and putting yourself first and ahead of others,” Ventura said. “Being able to be the one to set the precedent in my family as the first to have a master’s means I hopefully won’t be the last.”

GA vs TA: Which Is Better?

By Cole Brown @coleypoleyhair

When applying to grad school, there are many questions you will have to consider.

“What opportunities will I be getting?”

“Is this worth it?”

“Will I be living in a High School Musical spinoff where they all go to college? And Zac Efron will

take my hand and bring me to all his basketball games?”

Okay, maybe not that last one. But, for now, let’s throw all these questions aside and talk about the most prominent deciding factor for college; M o n e y.

University is already expensive, and grad school makes sure you

understand that it does not get any easier. However, hope is not lost! Most universities will give you student employment options to not only get more experience in the field you’re after, but they will pay you for the work! The two most common and beneficial opportunities you can get while in graduate school are as a graduate assistant or a teaching assistant.

Photo By Cole Brown

“Okay, cool, whatever, I’m just here for the money.”

Okay, cool, whatever. Let’s take a deeper look at these two. Being a GA or a TA can be an amazing experience and opportunity for your future! But, as always, there are pros and cons. So, let’s take a gander at your options.

You’re probably familiar with TAs, but let’s talk specifics. Most TAs do the professor’s dirty work. A TA will grade papers, assist the professor and sometimes even teach the students themselves.

The

Tah within the Gah

Being a TA means you will become a Teaching Assistant. Wow, lucky you.

Depending on your major, being a TA can allow you to be up close and personal with your potential future working environment.

However, one of the significant downsides will be your workload. Depending on the professor and the course, if you’re a TA of an undergraduate class with 300 students, that might mean you’ve got 300 tests to grade. Of course, this won’t be the only thing that you’re doing, but it will take up a lot of your time.

The Gah without the

Tah

Being a GA means your new title shall be a Graduate Assistant. Now, being a graduate student, this may sound counterintuitive. But, being a GA is like a broader version of being a TA.

Being a GA means you’ll be

working for the department as a whole rather than for a single class. As you’d expect, this means the work you’ll do will vary widely from department to department, but the general layout and expectations will be the same.

For example, if the department you’re wanting to be in is very lab-heavy, like engineering or medicine, then you’ll basically be the upkeep of the lab. You will manage the equipment, and if someone is having problems with one of the instruments, you will be there to help! You will also maintain a healthy and safe status for the lab and even research ways to improve the lab further.

Now, if you’re into something completely different, like coaching or sports broadcasting, you can just change the words “lab” and “equipment” with people and the items they will be handling.

So, if you’re a GA of a basketball team, then you’ll be their assistant coach. You will maintain the work ethic of the team, help any athletes who are struggling and do research on how to make the team better.

See? Sounds just like being a GA in a science lab! Just like a TA, being a GA is another opportunity to learn what a true working environment will be like.

Okay, cool, whatever, but which one is better for me?

Well, of course, it depends! Some positions will look better

depending on your major, and some majors may have more options for being a TA than a GA, and vice versa.

It never hurts to apply!

There are usually qualifications you will have to meet to apply for a GA or TA, but once you find a spot you qualify in, then it can be a great opportunity!

OR IS IT?

While it never hurts to apply, it also doesn’t hurt to look at any other options you have. Again, let us not forget the most significant factor of university.

M o n e y.

College departments will offer jobs that are very similar to the work GAs and TAs perform but with even higher pay. The qualifications might be more strict, but if you meet their expectations, then do not hesitate to accept!

In Conclusion, Your Honor

Either way, you will still have to make the commitment. Being a GA or a TA is similar in this regard. But when it comes to specifics, and counting the benefits of your major, that is when differences start to appear.

You may teach students, you may work with administrators, you may do a lot of independent research for your department, you may make bank or you might be stressed, depressed and with your hair being a mess. But if it looks hot and sexy on your resumé, it will be worth it!

Is Graduate School Worth it? The Pros and Cons of Higher Education

By Catherine Volel @lady_midnight013

As the end of the semester is nearing for graduating seniors, students may be weighing whether or not grad school is worth the investment. It can be a fruitful one that greatly benefits some students’ career trajectories, while it has minimal effects on others. Students considering pursuing grad school must weigh the pros and cons before deciding.

Potential job advancement and other opportunities

For some majors, it is mandatory to go to graduate school before many employers will even look at your application. Law and medical schools are typical examples of fields mandating extended education. But what about majors that don’t require

it? As more students attend college and graduate with bachelor’s degrees, some are willing to go the extra mile and obtain a master’s degree to stand above their peers or to gain better leadership positions. However, this isn’t a guarantee. Work experience tends to be more valuable than a master’s in some fields, such as entertainment and the arts.

Photo by Maria Vonotna

Higher potential earnings vs hefty costs

When students decide whether or not to pursue graduate school, finances play a significant role in the decision. According to Smart Asset, the median earnings of master’s degrees are $1,545 per week and $80,340 per year, compared to the medium earnings of a bachelor’s with a weekly average of $1,305 and $67,860 per year. That is about a $12,000+ increase! In some majors, according to Monster’s. com, several medical, engineering and tech fields quickly pay off in a matter of years.

However, there is no guarantee of a higher salary, and many of these graduate degree plans can accumulate a lot of debt. The average U.S. graduate student loan debt is $70,000, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, with some Master’s Degree Programs being more expensive than others. Overall it’s about gaining the perfect balance

Knowledge vs. time

As employers seek new hires with more work experience, going to graduate school helps give students more specialized knowledge in their fields. Students’ professional skills increase by taking higher courses with opportunities and equipment inaccessible to undergrads. They can work closely with professors that are experts in their field, building connections that lead to more career opportunities.

However, going through additional years of schooling

takes a large chunk of your life. While some fields may only take two years, other fields, like medicine, may take seven years of dedicated time mastering the field before entering the workforce. In degrees that do not require a master’s, going to graduate school means delaying getting into the workforce. Graduate schoolwork is more challenging than undergraduate, meaning more time is consumed completing and studying it. Overall, having your life consumed by grad school can be pretty stressful, contributing to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

What’s right for you? Final Thoughts

After weighing the pros and cons, you have to ask yourself these questions whether or not grad school is right for you:

• Do I have the time?

• Am I making a good

investment?

• Will this degree attend to my professional needs?

• Do employers value more advanced education or work experience?

• Will this degree fulfill my passions?

• Am I open to learning new things?

Reflecting upon these questions is the first step in deciding where the next chapter of your life will head. Do your research, ask academic and career advisors about the decision, and consider the input of professors, friends and acquaintances too. Ultimately, this is your decision.

Ways to (realistically) pay for grad school

By Rey Mattes @reyputati0n

As the years finishing your undergrad come to a swift close, the open door to life after college beacons to you. In fear, you turned back around and go for the second door; Grad school. Nosey neighbors and overbearing family members call to you from the land of the

living…

What are you going to study?

I don’t know.

What field are you going into?

There are so many options.

How are you going to pay for school?

Well… Here are some ways to make them stop asking. But really if you want to do these things, they’re kind of genius.

Photo By Shane at Upsplash

I’m going to pursue my longtime hobby of fraudulent merchmaking

One thing toxic family members love to tune out is your interests that they don’t care about. So, dive deep into your mind palace and find the sealed memory of your fan-fiction writing days and break that door down. What would a younger, incessant, slightly obsessed you love to wear? Perhaps a Taylor Swift cardigan? Maybe that one Twenty One Pilots shirt everyone had? Coincidentally you’re actually going into that business! No, you don’t know the artist, but you’ll be selling to teenagers online who will pay exorbitant amounts for it, and your clients never have to be the wiser!

I’m going to be like the Dog Whisperer, but for teenagers who vape

Pick a cause dear to everyone’s heart that is in dire need of attention. Whether it’s true or not, your listener and the

nosey neighbor will be reminded of their connection to the topic, and pity those who need your help. Maybe your neighbor’s son’s room reeks of Redbull or blue raspberry fizz-scented vape juice and they just can’t get their kid to see that popcorn lung isn’t worth it. Whatever it is, put the message on blast, make the viewer pity the afflicted and watch the donations start rolling in. But look at you! You’re helping those in need. Pat on the back to you. The only downside is that maybe they won’t remember the show Dog Whisperer.

Stripping

You need not elaborate on this tale as old as time. Generally, people are uncomfortable thinking about someone they are related to stripping, so this is a surefire way of shutting them up. Double points if you’re saying it to a religiously conservative old lady! (This is actually a really good idea though, think

about how much you’d have in the bank and how sexually liberated you’d feel.)

I want to start an underground ring of baby teeth trading

Apparently, baby teeth have stem cells in them? Yeah, that’s useful. You never know when you’re going to need some stem cells! With your underground baby teeth trading ring, you can find fresh baby teeth, vintage baby teeth… and then you can… do whatever you want with them? I don’t know, maybe use this example if you want people to never come over to your place again.

Marrying old and wealthy

Always a sustainable business option. Good for those who look good in black.

“No officer, I had no idea that was his oxygen tank cord, I must have tripped on it on the way to sunning on the terrace!”

And if none of these avenues appeal to you, come up with your own! Anything is better than taking out a student loan.

Combined degrees: What they are and how to attain one

By Logan Linder @ench4ntedl0gan

With over 25 dual degree graduate programs, the opportunities at UH can quickly become overwhelming. If you’re

determined to earn multiple degrees while saving both money and time, dual degree programs are helpful to look into.

Students commonly double major for their undergraduate degree, which is immensely different from completing a dual degree program. The main

Photo By Letizia Bordoni

difference between the two is that a double major results in one degree focused on two fields of study, whereas a dual degree program leads to two separate diplomas.

Earning two higher degrees at the same can certainly put you ahead of your peers, but is it actually worth it? The short answer is yes.

Dual degree programs can be

costly, despite them saving you money in the long run. There are different completion times based on the specific degree being earned, but a dual program with two master’s degrees will take three years.

With extended amounts of coursework, your free time will likely be limited so make sure you’ve chosen the program that best suits and interests you.

If you’re looking to stay at UH, they have a wide variety of dual degree programs. For those more into business, UH has programs that offer an MBA in business administration, along with either an MS in hospitality management, a doctor of pharmacy or industrial engineering.

There are multiple dual engineering degrees, from master’s degrees in mechanical engineering and subsea engineering, to master’s degrees in aerospace engineering and space architecture.

For the more creative students, consider an MA in arts leadership, with dual programs for those in the School of Art, the Moores

School of Music and the School of Theatre & Dance.

Health-centered students can receive a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences and M.A. in applied economics, an OD in optometry and an M.S. or Ph.D. in physiological optics and other options focused on pharmaceuticals and optometry.

The full list of dual degrees offered can be found on UH’s

Thesis, comprehensive or applied?

By Cynthia Isabel Zelaya Ordoñez @cynthia_zelaya_

So you’re entering the final year of your master’s program, huh? Congratulations! I’d say it’s all downhill from here but… it’s not. It’s actually more akin to putting on a backpack filled with rocks and running up a hill on zero percent. But you can’t quit now! There’s too much at stake. I’m assuming you may have a little difficulty choosing your final project, your magnum opus, the deciding factor on whether you graduate or not. Never fear, I’ll break it down for you.

Not all of these options are allowed in every college or degree plan. Not all of them will serve you well. Choose wisely. You can’t flip back as if this were a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book.

Thesis

• Great for people who have strong writing and research skills

• Choose a thesis chair/advisor, someone you have research interests in common with and a friendly relationship. You will also need two other committee members

• Highly recommended for those pursuing a career in academia immediately upon degree completion or within a few years after

• Good choice if you want to be a college professor

• If you want to make an impact in your field and pick up some citation clout, having a published work in journals or databases is a huge plus

• Signing up for a thesis means you’re required to sign up for less hours your final semester so you can have more time for research

Comprehensive Exam

• The best choice for people on the go, swamped by a busy life and career

• Choose a committee chair/ advisor, then two more. One will usually be in your college while the other will be from your concentration

• You will spend class time during your final semester studying for the exam. You don’t know what your questions will be, anything from any of your prior classes is on the table. Luckily, your committee will usually give you a pretty good hint. Narrow down your studies, write practice answers (usually round 10 pages each) and ask your committee to review your practice

• Best choice if you’re a good test-taker and have saved everything ever posted on blackboard

• Protip; if possible, take a week off work to complete this exam. It’s no joke

Applied Project

• A new and innovative option

• Gives you a real-world project to add to your portfolio

• You must find a company/ business/non-profit willing to let you implement a project of your own design to improve an aspect of their model using the skills you’ve picked up during graduate school. After you’ve locked down an establishment willing to host you, you must find a project supervisor and a committee

• You will be graded based off how successful your methods are on the real-life business

• Good choice if you’re already a working professional. See if your employer will let you do your project on them. Not only do you walk away with a great project in your portfolio, but (if/when successful) you also look great for the boss, positioning yourself for a raise or promotion

Interesting and unique graduate programs

By Atirikta Kumar @atiriktawrites

Graduate programs

require a lot of work and commitment from their students. When considering a master’s degree, research all the different cool and exciting programs available to you. Checking the admission requirements wouldn’t hurt either.

Here is a list of a few unique and interesting graduate programs offered around the nation.

Joint JD (Law)/ MS (Journalism) degree

Juris Doctor and the Master of Science degrees in journalism

are offered at universities like Columbia University and UNC.

Joint Degree in Journalism(M.S) and Religion (M.A)

Students will earn a B.S in Journalism and an M.A. from the school of religion in this dual degree offered at Columbia University.

Masters of Science in Foresight

Offred at UH, this graduate program will give students the knowledge to anticipate significant changes to help

influence their client’s long time goals.

MA/MFA Puppet Arts

Offered at the University of Connecticut, for students pursuing careers in performing arts, theater and drama.

These are just a few programs offered at different universities in the U.S., although this is not an extensive list. To better understand your options, it’s always good to research joint/ dual degree programs as well as interesting programs that may be offered at a university.

Photo by John Schnobrich