Though starting out as a historically black academic institution, the North Carolina Central University or NCCU now has over 9,000 students of various ethnicities enrolled in its programs. This institution founded in 1910 has then went on to produce graduates who have become professionals and leaders in their own industries and vocations. Undergraduates are given enough space and opportunity to develop academically and socially within NCCU and in the areas surrounding the campus through the many activities and rich culture in North Carolina. One can also undertake his or her graduate studies in the various offerings of NCCU. From biology to counseling and a host of other specializations, individuals taking ther graduate studies can surely become the best professionals that they want to be.

Portland State University

A public urban academic institution that has been providing tertiary education can be found in the heart of Oregon. Students of Portland State University or PSU, founded in the 1940s, are blessed with the quality education and hands on experiences that can be garnered in this esteemed institution. PSU encourages that tertiary education be undertaken, especially by those graduating from high school, by staging Viking 101 sessions or having middle and secondary school students to visit the campus. PSU makes sure that its undergraduates get the best kind of education through the many programs and activities aimed to develop them academically and socially. Graduate studies in PSU also equip students with the necessary knowledge to improve their specialization and profession. Business administration, the arts and sciences, and urban public affairs among others are just a few of the areas of interest where one can get a graduate degree in.

Cornell University

Cornell University in Ithaca, New York is one of those esteemed learning institutions that have been gracing the pages of history. Cornell was founded in 1865, from one of the many land grants bestowed by the government for academic use. The year 1870 saw the enrollment of women in the university and today, the student body is made up a variety of people of different ethnic backgrounds as well. Cornell is also known for perpetuating tie-ups with international academic institutions, founding centers and partnerships in Qatar, the Philippines, and China among others. Aside from undergraduate studies, graduate programs and doctorate studies can also be taken up in Cornell U. Graduate programs range from Asian studies to zoology can be found in Cornell University.

In the quaint yet modern city of Charlottesville, Virginia lies the premier institution of the University of Virginia. The U.Va. opened its doors to its first 25 students in March 1825, and from then on has become one of the better known schools that provide quality education to students. With the Chesapeake Bay and the Blueridge Mountains surrounding the campus of the U.Va., students won’t have a very taxing time taking up their studies in this area. Aside from undergraduate studies, graduate studies are also offered in the U.Va.. Those who are interested can get advanced degrees in the arts and sciences, education, engineering, as well as in law and medicine.

Duke University Graduate School

In the mountains of North Carolina lies one of the most prestigious institutions in the academic community. Duke University is one exemplary academic institution that has been churning out the leading professionals in different fields and industries who have helped shape the country’s history. Fairly young when compared with its contemporaries, Duke University was established in 1924 in memory of businessman and philathropist Washington Duke. Duke University is known for the excellent training and hands-on experiences it endows to its undergraduate and medical students. Aside from medical studies, however, graduate degrees can also be obtained in the university. Duke offers graduatecourses in various studies such as education, the arts, sciences, engineering, and allied health services, just to name a few.

Northeastern University Graduate Studies

In the heart of the Ivy League area, Northeastern University’s presence has been a strong one, with students getting prime education and development in its hallowed halls. Despite having an upper-crust location, however, Northeastern prides itself in integrating classroom learning with real-life application in the surrounding communities. A research-oriented institution, Northeastern University offers comprehensive undergraduate courses in the fields of health sciences, the arts and other sciences, engineering ,and professorial studies among others. Apart from undergraduate degrees, individuals can also look into improving their knowledge and profession by taking up graduate studies. Northeastern offers graduate degree programs in business administration, health sciences, criminal justice, and engineering among others.

In the heart of the Old Line State lies an esteemed academic institution that has honed many a student to become a leader in his or her profession. The University of Maryland has been awarding degrees to students since the time of its agricultural college in 1862 until now with its several notable undergraduate degrees, certificates, and diplomas for different programs. Aside from undergraduate studies, the University of Marlyand also has its own graduate school where individuals can receive advanced learning. Graduate studies in education, engineering, journalism, languages, and foreign studies are just a few of the programs that can be undertaken by degree-holders and professionals who still want to improve their own craft or industry.

University of Minnesota Graduate School

Though Minnesota may be known as the Gopher State, one can find that burrow comfortable and enriching enough to inspire social and academic development. The University of Minnesota has been answering the needs of Minnesotans for tertiary education since 1851 when the university that spawned five campuses and numerous outreach and research centers broke ground in the Twin Cities. The University of Minnesota is also a premier research institution that has given rise to medical breakthroughs such as stem cell transplantation and a manufactured beating heart. Countless graduate studies and programs can be taken in the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses of the University of Minnesota, while an All-University category hosts graduate studies in the areas of biosciences, toxicology, water resource science and biomedical informatics, and computational biology.

Alabama State University

Though the roads to Alabama may lead one to back-country hovels and sprawling farmlands, one can eventually find a path that leads to one of the most notable academic institutions in the country. Many students have made Alabama their sweet home thanks in part to the quality education found in Alabama State University. Initially established as a school for blacks in 1867 by nine former slaves, the Alabama State University of today has grown into an institution where students of different ethnicities pursue their collegiate studies. Aside from undergraduate courses, one can also undertake graduate studies in the areas of the arts, sciences, engineering, and business management among others in Alabama State University.

One of the greatest academic institutions to rise up from the land grants of the US government in the 1800s is Purdue University. Founded in 1869, Purdue University was named after John Purdue, a successful businessman who donated much land and money for the institution. From the first recipient of Purdue’s Bachelor of Science degree in 1875, Purdue now is a noteworthy institution that not only awards undergraduate degrees in different courses but also graduate and doctorate degrees in over 70 programs. Those who wish to pursue higher degrees of learning in aviation, the life sciences, business administration, and the arts among others can find one of the the best faculty and programs in the US when they choose to take up their graduate degrees in Purdue University.

JHU Graduate School

Baltimore has more to offer than just the proverbial nippy nights. In the heart of this famous city, the Johns Hopkins University has been attracting legions of students looking for advanced degreessince 1876 as the first research-centered university in the country. JHU has been in the forefront of engineering and other mechanical sciences and have been able to produce the best professionals in these industries. Aside from undergraduate or collegiate courses, one can also get into graduate programs as well as doctorate courses in JHU. Currently, one can take graduate programs in public policy, fine arts, creative writing, and engineering in JHU.

Ohio State University

Far more than just being the home of a football legend, Ohio is also the perfect place for taking up one’s tertiary education. The perfect weather and the environment surrounding Ohio State University give its students the perfect setting conducive to academic and social development. Due to Ohio being an agricultural hub, Ohio State offers courses that specialize in the development of this resource. However, other areas of interest such as education, biology, allied health services and the arts are also offered in Ohio State. Aside from undergraduates studies, Ohio State also offers graduate and doctorate studies to people interested improving and developing in their chosen professions through higher learning.

With a spectacular view of the Rockies in the distance and a diverse student body, the Adams State College of Colorado provides a suitable venue for students taking up their advanced degrees. For students who still want to improve their knowledge and skills, graduate studies are offered in Adams State as well. Adams State’s graduate studies are in the areas of Art, Counselor Education, Graduate Teacher Education, History, Government and Philosophy, and Human Performance and Physical Education. Students can choose from full- and part-time schedules, with part-time schedules dividing classes into night-time and weekend shifts. For the convenience of some students, Adams State also offers graduate classes through online discourses and in summer programs.

Adelphi University

What started as an offshoot from a private prep school in Brooklyn eventually became a big contributor to the country’s cause during the World War II. Though Adelphi University was then known as the first school that supplied nurses to the battlefront in those years, this school also offered high class education in other courses and fields. Graduate studies can also be taken in Adelphi, which is now located in Long Island, with a majority of programs delving in the area of education. People can also get into Adelphi’s graduate programs in nursing, the arts and sciences, and business and management.

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU)

One of the oldest historically black universities in the US, the AAMU has provided quality education for students of all ethnicities for the past 131 years. With a student body more diverse than when it started out in 1875 as a land grant from the state of Alabama, a variety of courses aside from its specializations in two major trades are offered in AAMU. When it comes to graduate studies, AAMU is an esteemed institution that offers graduate degrees in the fields of agriculture, computer science, social work, business administration and management, and urban and regional planning among others.

Located in idyllic and inspiring Bristol, Rhode Island, Roger Williams University is an ideal place to study in, especially for graduate studies. There are many course offerings for graduate studies in RWU and students have the option of taking up a full-time or a part-time load. New York, Boston, and Providence are all just a stone’s throw away from this institution, making RWU a very accessible institution to take up one’s graduate studies in. Currently, Robert Williams University offers graduatedegrees in the studies of Architecture, Construction Management, Criminal Justice with a joint degree in Law, Teaching, Public Administration, and Forensic Psychology.

The University of San Diego

A Catholic university chartered in 1949, the University of San Diego is the flagship university of San Diego City. Located near Mission Bay and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, students can enjoy the infamous California sunshine in USD, making it an ideal place to take up one’s studies in. For people who still want to take their education further, USD offers graduate degrees in five of its major schools of education. Master’sdegrees can be obtained in some courses in the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the School of Business Administration, Hahn School of Nursing and Health Services, and, more recently, in the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies. USD also offers post-graduate degrees in its School of Law.

Seattle University

Seattle University prides itself in its Jesuit foundations of instruction – by teaching students and fostering research. Because of this, students learn much from the seasoned and excellent faculty and staff that Seattle U employs. Seattle U currently offers 31 graduate degree programs in its seven schools. Though a majority of these graduate degrees can be found in the School of Theology and Ministry, as Seattle U is a Jesuit-run academic institution, the most number of degrees are found in the College of Education. Students who get to take their master’s degrees at Seattle U can choose from full-time and part-time programs, with classes on a daytime, night-time, and weekend basis.

Education

Graduate school is often directed toward a specific academic discipline. So, it is no wonder that education degree holders are keen to go for advanced degrees. People wanting to get advanced education degrees believe that they can improve their teaching techniques and pass on the love for learning to their students if they get their master’s degrees. As of 2008, the most competitive program is being offered by Teacher’s College of Columbia University. It has the toughest acceptance rate, at only 48%.

Engineering and the natural sciences

When it comes to the general sciences, the best programs are generally offered by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It has an overall 14% acceptance rate, which ranks it as the most difficult to get into in the disciplines of engineering and the natural sciences. MIT is also looking for applicants with SAT math scores above 700. This is to ensure that the students can cope with the demands of the intense science programs.

Health

As of 2008, the University of Washington is known for its excellent nursing program. However, the University of Pennsylvania, ranked number three, is more competitive, with only a 21% acceptance rate. Washington, on the other hand, accepts about 67% of its applicants.

Social science

Social sciences is a broad field. So, for each graduate program, a different university excels in it. However, some top-ranking universities are noted for their highly discriminating student selection. For example, Stanford tops the Psychology program and is recorded with an 11% acceptance rate. Harvard presents a tougher acceptance rate, at 9%. It also offers the top-ranked political science program.

Humanities

The top humanities programs can be found in Princeton, Yale, Harvard, University of California – Berkeley, and Stanford. While Harvard tops English, Yale offers the best history program according to most people. Being accepted at Yale can be quite difficult, though. The acceptance rate is at 10%.

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Proceeding with the previous thought, a graduate degree can provide you with more career opportunities. Because of your advanced learning and better qualifications, you may get more job offers. You may also be promoted if you have an existing job. A teaching assistant, for example, can become a higher-ranked instructor in the university he or she is working for, especially after getting a master’s degree. If he or she proceeds to get a doctorate, that person will possibly earn professor status sooner.

Earning potential

With career advancement, higher earnings come hand in hand. A higher position can provide you a higher salary. Definitely, getting a graduate degree comes in handy when you apply for a higher position in the academe or the corporate world.

Another accomplishment…

Of course, do not forget that earning the degree itself is an accomplishment. Having a graduate degree is something to be proud of. However, for it to be truly an investment, you must maximize on the rewards it can give to you. Remember, most people are content with just having a bachelor’s degree, so you belong to a select few because you have an advanced degree.

Becoming specialized

Usually, graduating with a bachelor’s degree provides you with learning that spans a wider scope of knowledge. Graduate studies, meanwhile, can focus on a particular area. This way, you can better study that smaller scope in a more in-depth way. You can become an expert or a specialist in that particular area of your field of study.

Making connections

Being connected to important people, admittedly, can advance your career. You can establish healthy working relationships and respectable connections by going to graduate school. In graduate school, you get to know professors who are leaders in their fields; you also get to know fellow students who are, in their own way, important. Even if graduate studies are wise investments, you still have to make use of common sense and people skills to truly benefit from having it.

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Topic approval

If you are able to formulate intelligent questions, you can list possible topics for your graduate thesis. Present your chosen topics to your adviser for approval. Though you may personally believe the topics to be excellent, approval is still required in most cases.

Getting the background

Once you have your topic approved, it is time to research. Research may be done through extensive readings: you can visit libraries, read scholarly publications, and pore through reliable Internet information. Data to be researched can either be quantitative or qualitative. Research for qualitative data may be also done via surveys or interviews: you can get out there to prove or disprove your point through samplings, or find out more about a piece of information through interviews with experts.

Formulating an outline

For organization, create an outline of your thoughts. A graduate thesis can be very long. So, it is important to have a coherent guide to follow while going through the writing process.

Writing the draft

Of course, the writing process can never be skipped. You do have to write drafts of your graduate thesis. If you begin work early, you can create several drafts before starting with your final one. This way, you can better filter your thoughts and remove errors with each draft. As a suggestion, you can ask your colleagues to read your draft so that you can input their valid suggestions and comments on the next draft.

Proofreading for errors

Even if you have written several drafts already, what may be your last draft should still undergo proofreading. Even if your ideas are deep and your research is comprehensive, chaotic writing gives you the wrong image; sometimes a well-researched thesis can come out as something that has been sloppily done because of bad writing. If there are many grammatical lapses and other errors in language in your thesis, you may make people see you as a disorganized and an incompetent candidate for a graduate degree - as someone who has no eye for details.

Putting things together…

Of course, you need to print out your pages on clean sheets of paper. Make sure you follow your adviser’s instructions on binding and overall packaging.

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Assessing compatibility

As a research assistant, you will experience research work that may well be your future. Being exposed to actual research makes you see if you are truly compatible with the kind of work you are aiming for.

Going hands-on

Research work provides hands-on experience. This experience can be used to complement the theoretical concepts discussed in classes. You will benefit from being able to develop research techniques and strategies and to practice research application in relation to your field.

Salary on campus

Again, you will earn a salary conveniently with your position as an on-campus research assistant. You not only earn, you also learn through actual work. Though the stipend may be small, it is better than not earning anything at all.

Reduced rates for non-residents

If you are planning to study in another state, take note that tuition may be higher than if you were a resident. However, if you are a non-resident working as a research assistant, you may be granted the rates of a resident.

Scholarship opportunities

Your interest in the field may just land you a scholarship. If you perform well as a research assistant, professors may view you as an important contributor to the field.  A scholarship will ensure that you will be graduating with an advanced degree so that you can better participate and be a productive practitioner in your field of interest.

Enriched learning

As your professor’s research assistant, you also get to read his or her materials before most people can. You may get additional insight from your readings.

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