03.03.10 | Popular Trends in Graduate Education
As a recently graduated student, I have seen firsthand what types of programs have been big recently for my peers pursuing advanced degrees. Due to the expensive nature of post-undergraduate education, prospective students are looking for the highest value, in the shortest amount of time, at the best price possible. This has lead many schools to start offering hybrid degrees and combination programs to increase their own admissions rates, as well as cater to what students are seeking.
Hybrid Degrees
If you are looking to go into a technology-related industry, such as Intellectual Property law, high-tech marketing, etc., many employers have begun to require their job candidates to possess multidisciplinary knowledge. This often involves a science background AND a business background — not exactly a common skill set. To address this need, many graduate schools have started hybrid degree programs; they contain an accelerated curriculum of two very different studies and run simultaneously. One example of this would be a Professional Science Master’s degree (P.S.M.), it is a fusion of depth learning in math, science, or engineering with a more traditional MBA program.
Headstart Degrees
A leapfrog degree, or “headstart” degree (as I like to call it), is a course of study where an undergraduate student spends their last one or two semesters taking graduate classes to shorten the length of their Master’s degree. This is accomplished by taking all core and required classes at the expense of free electives, and then spending all those free electives at the end of your time in school on graduate classes. Not every school allows this, but it is becoming very popular — ask your academic adviser for more details.
Combination Degrees
Arguably one of the most popular trends in recent years, the combination degree has gained a lot of traction in higher education. Essentially, it allows you to compact two advanced degrees into an accelerated course of study that can potentially shave a year or two off your studies. The most widely adopted incarnation of this concept is the joint MBA/JD programs offered by many universities with business and law schools.
Online Degrees
Recently, online degrees have exploded in volume due to their more flexible nature. As a working adult, it is far easier to take an online course than a brick & mortar one because they are offered at more times during the day, and they allow you to complete your coursework on a schedule that is more tailored to your lifestyle. Practically every common degree has an online version as well, so check an online school out if you need to work but still want to earn an advanced degree.
One thing I can advise about these programs is that with the exception of the leapfrog degree, they are all very academically rigorous and intense. If you choose to undergo a hybrid or combination degree, taking out loans is pretty much a necessity to keep your financial stress level low and allow you to focus on your studies. Remember to file your FAFSA to apply for federal financial aid (yes, it absolutely is available to grad students), and if necessary, a private student loan can help cover your other expenses.
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I didnt know about the hybrid degrees…interesting stuff
May 5th, 2010 | #
very interesting
April 28th, 2010 | #
I'm glad i read this blog there was a lot of information i didn't know
April 23rd, 2010 | #
Very helpful, thanks.
April 13th, 2010 | #
That good what she is doing
April 1st, 2010 | #
Although I do wish I could have known this prior to graduating high school, I kind of figured most of this out already through college
March 27th, 2010 | #
i wish i would have seen this in highschool, very helpful.
March 26th, 2010 | #
nice info
March 24th, 2010 | #
online degrees have become more popular, but taking an online class myself, i realize the complications involved. i would rather do a headstart degree.
March 24th, 2010 | #
Good info. I think I'll give it a shot.
March 24th, 2010 | #
education is a revelation
March 24th, 2010 | #
good to know
March 22nd, 2010 | #
This is great! Education is evolving!
March 22nd, 2010 | #
interesting
March 22nd, 2010 | #
The information was helpful. Now I'll definitely consider some of those degrees of which i didn't know before.
March 22nd, 2010 | #
I was unaware that the Headstart degree might be available. I am going to school online to complete my Bachelor's, and I'd like to continue to finish my Master's. Completing graduate studies while paying for undergraduate classes could be really beneficial. I wonder if they adjust the prices for graduate classes.
March 18th, 2010 | #
Good information to know. Thanks
March 17th, 2010 | #
This hybrid degree sounds intresting and i may consider in going into that field
March 17th, 2010 | #
Very interesting
March 16th, 2010 | #
thanks for the info
March 16th, 2010 | #
Thank you for the information it really helps you.
March 16th, 2010 | #
Interesting
March 13th, 2010 | #
If you cannot spell break I don't think you have to worry about getting into graduate school.
March 13th, 2010 | #
THANKS FOR THE INFO, IT MAY HELP ME A LOT.
March 12th, 2010 | #
I think you have to be the right type of person to take on such an intense load. Especially to forego the electived that help us stay in school and make it a little less stressful. Its good to have options, but this wouldnt be for everybody.
March 12th, 2010 | #
I agree they really brake down concepts and categorizing
March 12th, 2010 | #
Thanks for the blog! I really think that will gone to be so helpful
March 9th, 2010 | #
so after undergraduate college it would be best to try to presume graduate college as well.
March 9th, 2010 | #
Glad to "lead the curve" so to speak! If you're interested in keeping up with this information and other relevant blogs, check us out on Twitter @studentloannet
March 9th, 2010 | #
It could very well be a good idea for you.
Check out this other blog post I wrote for some insights: http://blog.studentloannetwork.com/student-loans/...
March 9th, 2010 | #
No problem at all
March 9th, 2010 | #
this is really nice it blows my mind too
March 7th, 2010 | #
I wonder if a hybrid degree would be necessary when getting ready for med school. . . nvm I'm just confused.
March 6th, 2010 | #
This information is excellent! I was unaware of the different types available. Thanks for offering this information.
March 5th, 2010 | #
This blog was very helpful in categorizing the different types of degree options out there. This is the only place I have seen the breakdown of this typeof information.
March 5th, 2010 | #
Very nice information. I will consider the hybrid degree, it sounds great.
March 4th, 2010 | #
Gracias
March 4th, 2010 | #
great post, i'll definitely consider a hybrid degree.
March 4th, 2010 | #
thanks for the info
March 3rd, 2010 | #
thanks for the information it makes me think a lot
March 3rd, 2010 | #
yes i know it is making my life so much eassier it's like 123
March 3rd, 2010 | #
this just blows my mind!
March 3rd, 2010 | #