With the price of a college education ever on the rise, more and more students are turning to scholarships and fellowships to fund their graduate school studies. There are literally thousands of scholarships out there, but how can you hope to find the one that's right for you? To help you out, we've developed this comprehensive guide to scholarship resources on the Internet, along with some advice on other ways to get your education funded without taking out a fortune in student loans.
The first thing you should do when you're looking for scholarships is search through your school's website. Most universities have an entire page dedicated to scholarship opportunities based on a variety of criteria, and chances are you'll qualify for one of them. Do this research before you even settle on a school, because knowing what kinds of scholarship money you have available can really affect your studies and your life after the university, and make things a lot less stressful. Once you've figured out how much money your school is willing to offer you, take a look at what's available on a boarder scale.
You should also be sure to fill out your federal financial aid forms, which are free to complete and might result in quite a bit of funding from the federal government. Take a look at the FAFSA site, or visit students.gov to find out more about how federal financial aid works.
Master's programs host nearly three quarters of all students in graduate education, and enrollment rates have shown dramatic increase over the past decade.
One of the first places you should look is to prestigious scholarship foundations, some of which give out thousands of scholarships to students of all disciplines and levels every year. For example, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation gave out almost 2.5 million dollars in grant money in 2010, and 3 million in 2009, including $300,000 in college money. You could easily be one of the scholars chosen by a foundation like this, but first you have to apply. Here are some of the big-name fellowship foundations in the United States:
If you don't want to stay in the good old USA, there are also plenty of scholarship opportunities abroad (where tuition is often cheaper, too). If you want to study at Cambridge or another prestigious European school, these are the foundations you should look in to:
Those who attend Master's degree programs in history have a broad and influential impact on what will be taught, but face challenges as many programs take a narrow-sighted view of a master's education.
How do those with master's degrees in anthropology make career paths, evaluate the role of professional organizations, and assess their educational experiences?
The M. Eng degree may be right for you if you are prepared to learn about business fundamentals and significant areas of engineering at advanced levels.
There are tons of websites dedicated to helping students find scholarships, fellowships and grant opportunities. You just have to know where to look. Here, we've compiled a list of several of these sites. They all access different information, so it would be in your best interest to use more than one of them, and see which comes up with the most relevant hits for you:
Online education has the potential to be more flexible, adaptive, and personalized, which is demonstrated by the high number of participants in online Master's of Education programs.
In the age of technology, information and its management are increasingly important to the success of organizations. Those which are unable to utilize their informational assets will fail. Information management is focused on the best methods for managing information. Further, it is interested in the infrastructure necessary for its storage and access, as well as the importance of information in differing contexts.
Want to improve your chances of being admitted to a Master of Science in Computer Science program? Thoroughly preparing for the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a good way to do this. Practice this full length version that accurately replicates the actual test. You are even able to compare your test score to recent results. This is helpful for learning where you stand relative to other students. In addition to the practice exam, effective test taking strategies are explained. The structure and potential content of other versions of the GRE is given, allowing for a significant understanding of the examination.
How does a master's compare to a PhD, and what are its advantages and disadvantages? Master's programs are less likely to offer funding to students than PhD programs, which may mean that you have to pay more for your degree. It is also important to note that MAs and MSs for computer science are slightly different. MSs tend to be more research oriented and are perceived as more applicable to real world employment. For any advanced degree, it is important to prepare yourself for graduate education through core classes at the undergraduate level.
CS Graduate StudySwiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich Department of Computer Science, 2006
Students working on acquiring their master's degree in computer science should possess all abilities of undergraduates, but to an enhanced extent. A high level of familiarity with conceptual reasoning in addition to technical ability are important in understanding all layers of computer systems. Further, those in master's programs must also show an advanced awareness of interdisciplinary concepts and a deep knowledge of related sub-fields. Additionally, those involved must also be able to contribute to ongoing and emerging research projects in meaningful ways.
The increasing presence of quantitative methods in finance is reshaping the industry. What types of careers can you enter once you have a Master of Science in Finance degree? This degree differs from other similar degrees in that it trains for general knowledge in finance which is applicable inside and outside of finance. Additionally, this degree is different from an MBA in its specificity. While the MBA trains individuals to understand many aspects of business, a master's in finance will result in greater focus. As a result, students will experience increased job opportunities and success in more specialized fields.
How is the world of banking developing and what skills are valued? In addition to being involved in an MS Finance program, motivation is one of the greatest determinants of success. Further, being prepared is of utmost importance in entering the field of finance. The need for individuals with advanced knowledge is high, as companies seek to tighten their budgets and make their operations more efficient.
What sorts of jobs can you get with a finance master's degree? The complexity of the state of finance requires specialization and advanced knowledge. Those with appropriate knowledge are valuable resources for businesses. As one of these valuable individuals, you may consider a job as a financial analyst, or financial consultant. Both positions demand in-depth market knowledge and critical thought, but are significantly different from one another. The ability to inform organizations of preferable resource allocation is key in a number of finance jobs.
Masters in Mathematics
Masters Applied Math SurveyThe Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Jim Crowley and Lee Seitelman, 2003
What is it like to take part in a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics program? A study conducted on the topic revealed that a majority of those involved were business oriented, and were not seeking a PhD. This displays the desire for master's students in applied mathematics to enter professional fields. Mathematics remains one of the underrepresented subjects of master's study, receiving much less activity than many of the humanities. The push for an increase in involvement, however, is greater in mathematics than many other fields.
How is a professional master's degree in mathematics different from a traditional MS in mathematics? The most significant difference is that professional master's degree programs are created as stand alone programs, meaning that they are not intended to prepare you for doctoral study. Instead, these specialized degrees are constructed so that you gain practical knowledge necessary for success in the workplace. Now that you know the difference, survey professional master's degree programs from across the nation with the provided directory.
Having an integral role in developing the Professional Science Master's degree, the Council of Graduate Schools explains the significance of including professional skills and knowledge along with traditional mathematical study. PSM programs are especially practical options for those who wish to gain a competitive edge and learn skills necessary for success in the professional world. Emphasizing the production of highly valuable professionals, these degree programs provide ample instruction without the additional constraints placed on those pursuing their doctorates.
What are the most essential educational components of a master's education in nursing? In order to succeed as an advanced clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist, there are some key areas of study. The societal implications of an educated nursing workforce are substantial. With refined analytical skills, broadened perspectives, and a demonstrated knowledge of applying theory to practice, master's educated nurses are highly effective. Further, the diversity and range of education provided in master's programs shows clear benefits and some struggles. Although these programs tend to contribute to a highly varied workforce, they sometimes result in incongruous experiences and knowledge.
Nurses have always taken on an extremely important role in the health sciences, but that role may be increasing, especially for those with advanced degrees. Soon, nurses may be taking on larger more direct roles in providing health care to patients. Current limits on the scope of practice for nurses prevent them from carrying out many procedures which they are capable of doing. Doctors argue that such a change could negatively impact the overall quality of care, as even nurses with advanced degrees do not have education comparable to that of physicians. The debate remains heated, but it is likely that nurses with advanced degrees will continue to see increased authority.
An immensely diverse field, biology covers the spectrum of life from the smallest components in organisms to complex large-scale systems. Careers in the field are understandably wide ranging, and include working on crime scenes, practicing medicine, examining the spread of diseases. Masters programs for biology are often based around recent research in the field, and require students to develop their own unique research. Upon completion of a thesis, students are asked to defend it in front of a thesis committee.
Industrial microbiology is commonly available as a master's program, and less commonly offered as a doctoral program. An primarily multidisciplinary subject, industrial microbiology often requires a thesis. A master's education in the subject is highly research oriented, while very few (about 5%) programs are business oriented. Many express concern over the lack of funding available for students in this area, however.
The number of options available to you may seem overwhelming, and the implications for which program you choose are substantial. Choosing the wrong program or degree may mean that you are unprepared to do what you want to do. In finding an appropriate program it is necessary to fully understand your priorities and interests. A master's degree in psychology or a related field will result in greater occupational advantages, while also taking less resources and time.
Applying to graduate school for psychology is a daunting process, but it is really not that bad. Given that there are several hundred programs for master's and doctoral education, how do you know which one to choose? Master's programs typically fall into the category of either "general" or "specialized" studies. General studies provide a solid knowledge of theory and basic psychological principles across the many areas of psychology. Specialized programs, on the other hand, provide training for those who wish to practice psychology and are useful for those interested in counseling or industrial-organizational psychology. In most cases, a general program is preferable as they allow for a greater number of options. Often, a master's degree in psychology will allow you to do the same kinds of things as PhD holders; teach, consult, work as researchers, and act as clinical or school psychologists.
What does the current psychological employment landscape look like? What are common salaries and debts incurred? Data show that women have quickly become the leading demographic in psychological studies, making up nearly 75% of all psychology graduates. A relatively large number of those who study psychology at the graduate level pursue a master's degree (33%), while other disciplines show a much lower average (13%). In 2009, the median wage for those with a master's degree coupled with median working experience were reported at $58,000. Additionally, those who worked in applied psychology earned the most on average, while those in direct human services earned the least. Further, explore career options available in academia as well as non-academic sectors. Managed care companies may be a desirable destination for you, while health care reform places a higher need for those with psychology knowledge and skills.
The growth of the United States economy over the past seven years is due to increased technological innovation. This increase means that there is also a higher demand for those who have skills in science and technology. Many master's programs in physics prepare students for a unique role in the economy, acting as highly educated individuals with increased practical and professional knowledge. These programs often explain the importance of networking and interactivity between members of industry in addition to research experience as it applies to specialized positions.
How much training should you seek as a person who is interested in pursuing a physics career? More true for science than some other fields, higher levels of education are necessary for involvement in a number of positions. What may be more important are the professional skills you develop as you advance in education. Further, what careers are available change as your skills and credentials improve.
In order to be successful, what should a master's level program on medical physics include? How does the clinical setting of many medical physicists affect the courses required of those in master's programs? While licensure may become required, it is still important that programs provide a smooth transition into the clinical field. Given the simultaneously medical and physics based knowledge necessary to succeed, courses with topics such as nuclear medicine, radiation biology, and diagnostic imaging must be covered.
While accreditation is often focused on undergraduate education, should graduate schools be more closely assessed? The structure of master's programs makes it difficult to implement standardization. Groups like the Council of Graduate Schools are pushing strongly for greater outcome and student progress based focus. Skeptics argue that such attempts would not account for the original work and research done by graduate level students. A framework called the Degree Qualifications Profile attempts to define the master's degree by a list of qualifications that all graduates should possess upon completing their graduate education regardless of field. Both sides of the argument on regulating master's education are valid. In order to reach an agreement, regulation must take into consideration the professional needs of master's degree recipients as well as the diversity of master's programs.
Earlier, graduate school was the means to ensuring employment and increased pay, but is that still applicable today? Graduate school may do you more harm than good. The job market today is highly fluid, resulting in increased career changes. One of the main reasons to get a master's degree is to specialize your skills in a specific area. When you are likely to change jobs a number of times, this is not valuable to you. If you are seeking work outside of your advanced degree, potential employers may think you are unable to get a job doing what you are interested in.
There are a number of great reasons to go to graduate school, but are your reasons among them? Before embarking on a master's degree adventure, ask yourself why you want to go. Even if you receive full funding, not making the salary you otherwise would be can be financially damaging. This is what is known as opportunity cost, and it can play a significant role in helping you determine your future. Beyond this hidden cost, graduate degrees require a lot of energy and time to complete. The wages you will earn back with an advanced degree may be enough to recoup your investment, but this is not true for all degrees.
Life in a master's program can be tough. You are often low on money, buried in an intense workload, and most likely a bit disenfranchised. Sometimes being part of a master's program feels like being a pledge in a fraternity or sorority; you have to do things you do not like for those above you. Further, you are treated as an academic inferior to doctoral students, and may have trouble getting into the classes you want. The experience is enough to leave you feeling damaged. For those looking to complete a PhD, putting up with the poor treatment may be acceptable. If you are not planning on continuing your education, however, this may be infuriating.
