Super! You have been accepted into the masters degree you applied for. The future of your career certainly looks promising. Now the question is, what will it take to complete the degree on time and with little stress? Let us look at this step-by-step. Returning to school is certainly a longterm commitment which requires months or years of sacrifice and good planning. The good news is that it is possible to take some actions that will make your time in the program more manageable.
Step 1 - Prepare your program of study as soon as you get in to the program. In many graduate programs, at least 36 credit hours are required for graduation. So be confirm this information with your department or program advisor. May graduate schools also have what they call a program of study. This is a form that you need to complete showing what courses you will take and when you will take them. Every semester you are in the program, make sure you enroll in the minimum number of required hours. If not advise the school you will be taking a semester of. Some programs require you to re-enroll if you are away from the program without notifying them.
Step 2 - Take and finish your courses. However, plan your course load carefully and do not take on too much. Contact your adviser as they are the ones who are there to help you successfully complete your degree. It is a good idea to make an appointment with them at least one each semester to discuss your milestones and any difficulties that you might have in the program.
Step 3 - Put together your advisement committee if you will be completing a thesis or research paper. If your graduate program requires you to complete a thesis, talk with your advise about other team member who would best advise you in different areas of your thesis, for example research methods that you will be using.
Step 4 - Do research on the career you want. As you go through the program, learn about what it takes to succeed in that field. For example if you are a nursing student, learn more about the latest technologies being used in healthcare. This way when you join the field, you will already have a good idea on what is current. You can learn these skills through your coursework, internship, and also your own extra reading and Internet searches.
Step 5 - Write and defend your thesis. This is where your committee will work with you to develop a quality product. It's a challenging task but also one that is rewarding. Start out by outlining your proposed topic, methods, theory, and procedures for the completing the thesis. Some programs may require you to write a comprehensive exam in lieu of or in addition to the thesis. Be sure to study for that as well.
Step 6 - Begin researching for jobs that you might be interested in. Compile your professional resume including your resume, best artifacts, your reference list and other items that speak to your best work. Do not wait until the day before graduation to start looking for a job as others might also be doing the same thing. Be ahead of the crowd!
Step 7 - Apply for graduation. This might happen earlier in some programs than others. Be sure not to miss any deadlines as it might mean waiting an extra semester to graduate. Above all, enjoy the journey and celebrate your success!
If flexibility is important for you, you might consider taking online classes or enrolling in programs that have options such as evenings and weekends. While it is important to graduate, it is even more important to ensure that the program you graduate from is accredited. No sense graduating with a degree that no one will recognize.
Step 1 - Prepare your program of study as soon as you get in to the program. In many graduate programs, at least 36 credit hours are required for graduation. So be confirm this information with your department or program advisor. May graduate schools also have what they call a program of study. This is a form that you need to complete showing what courses you will take and when you will take them. Every semester you are in the program, make sure you enroll in the minimum number of required hours. If not advise the school you will be taking a semester of. Some programs require you to re-enroll if you are away from the program without notifying them.
Step 2 - Take and finish your courses. However, plan your course load carefully and do not take on too much. Contact your adviser as they are the ones who are there to help you successfully complete your degree. It is a good idea to make an appointment with them at least one each semester to discuss your milestones and any difficulties that you might have in the program.
Step 3 - Put together your advisement committee if you will be completing a thesis or research paper. If your graduate program requires you to complete a thesis, talk with your advise about other team member who would best advise you in different areas of your thesis, for example research methods that you will be using.
Step 4 - Do research on the career you want. As you go through the program, learn about what it takes to succeed in that field. For example if you are a nursing student, learn more about the latest technologies being used in healthcare. This way when you join the field, you will already have a good idea on what is current. You can learn these skills through your coursework, internship, and also your own extra reading and Internet searches.
Step 5 - Write and defend your thesis. This is where your committee will work with you to develop a quality product. It's a challenging task but also one that is rewarding. Start out by outlining your proposed topic, methods, theory, and procedures for the completing the thesis. Some programs may require you to write a comprehensive exam in lieu of or in addition to the thesis. Be sure to study for that as well.
Step 6 - Begin researching for jobs that you might be interested in. Compile your professional resume including your resume, best artifacts, your reference list and other items that speak to your best work. Do not wait until the day before graduation to start looking for a job as others might also be doing the same thing. Be ahead of the crowd!
Step 7 - Apply for graduation. This might happen earlier in some programs than others. Be sure not to miss any deadlines as it might mean waiting an extra semester to graduate. Above all, enjoy the journey and celebrate your success!
If flexibility is important for you, you might consider taking online classes or enrolling in programs that have options such as evenings and weekends. While it is important to graduate, it is even more important to ensure that the program you graduate from is accredited. No sense graduating with a degree that no one will recognize.
About the Author:
Sophie Peters manages a site with information on careers in e-learning and corporate training jobs. Visit the her site for related information.
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