Walking across the stage and being handed an undergraduate diploma is the goal of almost every college student at The University of Memphis. However, those same students have a big decision to make once they cross the stage. They have to decide what it is they want to do with their lives.
Some students will immediately enter the workforce, while some students will do nothing for a while. Then there are others who will sit by the mailbox and wait to hear whether they have been accepted to a graduate school program, where they will spend anywhere from two to three years attending more classes.
"Students choosing to attend graduate school do so with the intent to improve themselves economically," said Karen Weddle-West, assistant vice provost of the graduate program.
Professional advancement is a major reason students choose to attend graduate school, according to Weddle-West. Having an advanced degree, such as a master's or doctorate, increases employment marketability Weddle-West said.
"Many employers consider having a master's degree as a filter in the hiring process," said Jeff Wallace, senior research assistant in the Bureau of Business and Economic Research.
Wallace recommended students check out the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook before seeking a degree. The handbook provides information such as job descriptions, monetary compensation and education requirements for employment.
"Advance degrees break the proverbial glass ceiling," Wallace said.
Hiring managers consider it a good thing when prospective employees present a resume with both an advanced degree and experience.
"Having a graduate degree was a factor that enables me to teach," said Roy Hopper, a teaching assistant in the history department.
Hopper teaches world civilization classes at The U of M while he works on his doctorate.
Personal development is another reason students seek a master's degree.
Hopper said getting his master's degree increased his knowledge base for his doctorate classes. He also said it helped create connections to others in his field.
Wallace agreed.
"The personal satisfaction that is obtained by achieving something like getting a master's or doctorate degree is like running a marathon," he said.
"They both require a lot of hard work, but it's worth it," Wallace said.
Attending the same institution for both an undergraduate and graduate degree is said to be a bad idea. However, according to graduate school spokespersons, there is no truth in that belief.
"We have many of our own students attending graduate school here," said Jan Brownlee, director of graduate school services.
"Graduate school students go where the program fits their needs or is available," she said.
Senior exercise and sports science major Samantha Black is one example.
"I plan to attend the physical therapy program at University of Tennessee at Memphis after I graduate," said Black, who wanted to be a physical therapist after her mother went through physical therapy after an accident.
"I had to apply separately for the program," she said.
Senior Melissa Cook is planning to attend Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law next fall and is both looking forward to and dreading attending graduate school.
"I am prepared to make sacrifices now so that I can have better things in my life later," said Cook, referring to the amount of time she will have to spend away from her family in order to get her degree.
