How to Complete your Masters Degree in Seven Quick Steps
May 31, 2009 by Sophie Peters
Filed under Online Colleges
Great! You have just received you acceptance letter for the masters program you applied to. You know this will make your career options more promising. But what will it take to complete the program in good time and stress free? Let’s review these steps one-by-one. Going back for to college for an advanced degree can take many months or several years. This means that good planning is very important. The positive side of this is that you can take some actions that will make the experience less stressful and more enjoyable.
Step 1 – Develop your program of study early. In most masters degree programs you need about 36 hours or more to complete your degree. Clarify this information with your department or graduate coordinator. Most graduate schools also have a program of study form for you to complete, to guide you in the program. Each semester or quarter, be sure to enroll in the minimum number of courses. If you don’t some programs might think you have dropped out of the course. Also, be sure to review future courses and when they are offered so that you don’t miss out when they are offered.
Step 2 – Take and finish your courses. However, plan your course load carefully and do not take on too much. Contact your adviser as they are the ones who are there to help you successfully complete your degree. It is a good idea to make an appointment with them at least one each semester to discuss your milestones and any difficulties that you might have in the program.
Step 3 – Put together your advisement committee if you will be completing a thesis or research paper. If your graduate program requires you to complete a thesis, talk with your advise about other team member who would best advise you in different areas of your thesis, for example research methods that you will be using.
Step 4 – Do some in-depth research about the new career you are working toward. Take time during the program of study to learn more about the needs and structure of your desired career. You can do by taking an internship, talking to people in the profession, taking related courses, and doing your own Internet-based research.
Step 5 – Write and defend your thesis. This is where your committee will work with you to develop a quality product. It’s a challenging task but also one that is rewarding. Start out by outlining your proposed topic, methods, theory, and procedures for the completing the thesis. Some programs may require you to write a comprehensive exam in lieu of or in addition to the thesis. Be sure to study for that as well.
Step 6 – Start doing research on available jobs. Put together a professional portfolio that can include your CV, artifacts, references etc. Highlight your qualifications and best products. Also, you want to keep a log of potential jobs you might apply to so that as you go through the program you will make informed decisions. Do not wait until you graduate to start this research, so that if it takes a while to locate your ideal job you will not become frustrated.
Step 7 – Apply for graduation. Graduation deadlines can sneak up quietly. Put them in your calendar and apply as soon as you are eligible. More than anything, enjoy the academic journey and celebrate your accomplishments.
If you are working full time, have a family, travel a lot for work, flexibility is key in you completing your degree successfully. Therefore you may want to ensure that the college you enroll in has online classes, flexible evening and weekend classes and other options for the working adult. In all these, ensure the program you graduate from is accredited. No need graduating with a degree that is not recognized.
Transferrability of credits is very important when considering career training programs.