I’m graduating this May and I’m thinking about getting a masters. I have a 3.2 GPA in Communication and I’m thinking about getting a masters in Conflict Analysis and Resolution.
Now for my questions:
How much different are masters classes?
How hard is it to get into a masters program?
What should I write in my mission statement? Any tips that well make it look better?
Basically I want info on master’s programs in general and any information regarding Conflict Analysis and Resolution.
Different from undergraduate classes? Significantly, from my experience. My grad school classes met once a week, lasted 3 hours, and were much more open to on-topic but wide-ranging discussion.
Depends on the program and your GRE scores.
Tell the truth. Embellishing will only cause problems later.
Classes, in my experience (private undergrad, state school now) are not that different, just sort of one degree tougher. My classes meet 1 or 2 times a week, and like Knead, the discussions usually are better.
Less silly crap (although I did once - swear to God - hear a MA student complaining that "I didn’t know spelling counted’), more intellegence.
You will have no problem getting in a program somewhere; whether at any particular school is another issue. I had a 2.7 undergrad GPA! (But over 3.0 in the subjects that were relevant to my Grad work, and a kick-ass GRE score.) I got in on a “provisional” basis.
Classes, in my experience (private undergrad, state school now) are not that different, just sort of one degree tougher. My classes meet 1 or 2 times a week, and like Knead, the discussions usually are better.
Less silly crap (although I did once - swear to God - hear a MA student complaining that "I didn’t know spelling counted’), more intelligence.
You will have no problem getting in a program somewhere; whether at any particular school is another issue. I had a 2.7 undergrad GPA! (But over 3.0 in the subjects that were relevant to my Grad work, and a kick-ass GRE score.) I got in on a “provisional” basis.
Sorry, no info on your particular program, but I can tell you a little about my experience.
I graduated with a degree in communications, then enrolled in a masters program in journalism. I attended the same school for both (large, public university) and I can tell you that the programs differed considerably. As an undergrad, I often had classes with over 300 students. In grad school, the largest class I took had 20. It was great to have more time with the professors/instructors, and if your degree program is small enough, you’ll get to know all of your classmates rather well.
The schedule for classes was similar for both, with classes meeting twice a week for 90 minutes. These sessions were more structured, and were taught by professors rather than teaching assistants.
I would recommend taking a prep course for the GRE since it can make a big difference if you feel that your GPA isn’t strong enough for the school of your choice. I took one and it helped. Check around, they can be quite expensive.
As far as your mission statement goes, be specific about your goals and what you want to accomplish. As another poster said, don’t embellish. Remember that the admissions committee will be reading a ton of statements, so they’ll probably be able to spot this especially if it conflicts with the information contained in your transcript/application.
I also found that having strong letters of recommendation helped (I didn’t know it at the time, but one of the professors I requested a letter from was actually on the admissions committee!).
Found out some information. I do not need to take any tests (GRE or MAT) to get into my particular Masters. This is a good thing, because I tend to be a nervous wreck when it comes to taking tests that have the ability to CRUSH a future path.
Anywho I seem to make the requirements for the Masters program. I have to get teacher recommendations and write a 3-4 page mission statement.
I’m usually a fairly decent writer but I’m a little worried about the missions statement. I’m meeting with a person next week who is getting a PHD in the field I want to get my masters in, so I’m hoping he can give me some insight.
Incidently I can’t sign up for the masters until this time next year, which SUCKS. I was wondering, does it behove me to start taking classes now? Will the board of admissions look at that in considering me for the program?
Any Masters stories would also be appreciated-I want to know what I’m getting myself into.
…because I went into a much different field. It was also a while ago, and I’m pretty sure I’ve repressed a few memories.
-“How much different are masters classes?”
In my case they tended to be “narrower and deeper” than the undergrad classes, if you know what I mean. I took an entire Master’s level course on surface mechanics, for example, which was just a blip on the screen in my undergrad mechanics class.
In addition, every course I took was directly related to my MS program. There was none of that chinese menu elective selection intended to give me a somewhat “well rounded” BS. I found few things more aggravating in college than dragging my butt back from the lab at 2:00 am, falling into bed, abd then remembering that I had to write a short story for some English class the next day. In graduate school it was all engineering, all the time.
-“How hard is it to get into a masters program?”
Do you have to take a candidacy exam? By some miracle my undergrad GPA was high enough that I was excused. A friend had to take a two hour oral exam that he described as the most grinding and stressful experience of his life.
Otherwise, this is a tough question to answer. It really depends on the program and the school.
I can only offer two pieces of general advice:
-Make sure your course work, thesis/project and chosen career are in line.
-Even if there are no formal prerequesits (sp?) for a course you’ll be doing yourself a big favor if you ensure you have the necessary backgroud beforehand.
One of my biggest mistakes was trying to teach myself variational calculus. In retrospect, I should have shelled out for another class and learned from a professonal in the Math department.
Sorry about the length. Hope this helps.
Good luck.