Graduate Programs
Master's Programs
Outstanding students wishing to continue their education may begin graduate work after the completion of their bachelor's degrees. Most master's degree programs require applicants to take standardized national examinations such as the Graduate Record Examination (www.gre.org) and apply for the program in the spring prior to admission. The graduate program in business requires students to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) (www.gmat.org) as part of the admission process. Most students continue to study in their undergraduate major field. Students wishing to switch fields may be required to take undergraduate course work as preparation for admission to a master's program, which presumes prior preparation in the area of study. Generally master's work is more narrowly focused, and degrees require one to two years of full-time study. Some graduate programs may be taken on a part-time basis.
Doctor of Philosophy and Education
The doctorate is the highest degree awarded and requires course work, comprehensive examinations, original research, and a dissertation. Three years of study beyond the master's is minimal, and most students require additional time to complete the course work and research.
Graduate Certificate Program
Graduate-level certificate programs, often in professional areas of specialization, resemble minors but generally require more credit hours. Some certificate programs are a stand-alone program, which means that a student does not have to be working toward a graduate degree to complete a certificate program. Only courses in which students receive at least a C (2.0) can be applied to the certificate program. Specific requirements can be found in the Schools section.
Non-Degree Programs
The Office of Community Engagement offers professional development classes and customized training programs in areas of business and management, health and medical, leadership and supervisory skills, specialized career certifications, and technology. Most of these classes are open to the public and intended to help individuals build knowledge of new or developing fields, increase their existing skills and knowledge, or explore new skills and career opportunities. To learn more about these programs or available classes, visit the Office of Community Engagement website.
