Many seek master's degrees for better, higher-paying jobs
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Robert Morris University senior Molly Pawlikowski, a nuclear medicine technology student, hopes to attend graduate school to become a physician assistant.
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During a college graduation ceremony, it might feel as though obtaining a bachelor's degree is akin to reaching a finish line, and, in some regards, it is.
But it's also another step toward new decisions, directions and options.
One of these options is whether to go to graduate school.
Graduate schools -- and graduate students -- are all different, but they often have at least one thing in common: They have changed significantly over the last decade or so.
Many schools are reshaping the way they approach students' needs, often by creating more flexibility through online courses, work-friendly schedules and other options.
Demand for a master's education is up. Nationwide, about 650,000 graduates a year earn a master's degree, double that of 20 years ago, according to the Council of Graduate Schools.
"I think students have realized that jobs are actually requiring master's degrees now. Some jobs you could get with a bachelor's degree 20 years ago now actually require a master's degree," said Nathan Bell, director of research and policy analysis for the Council of Graduate Schools.
"We live in a much more technical world, so I think the amount of knowledge you have to have for some careers has increased," he said.
Roughly half of graduate students attend part-time, fueling the need for colleges to add flexibility to their programs.
"Students are demanding it. Employers are demanding it. And universities are responding by coming up with new programs or new delivery methods, providing that flexibility that students want to get their degrees," Mr. Bell said.
Kellie Laurenzi, dean of admissions at Robert Morris University, said, "I definitely think a big recurring theme is that schools are really adjusting to the way they approach graduate education."
At Robert Morris, nearly all of the graduate students also are working professionals, so programs are designed to meet their schedules. For most of the Robert Morris graduate programs, courses run in eight-week terms instead of typical semesters. Students can choose evening or weekend classes. Online degree programs also are available.
First Published February 10, 2011 12:00 am
