Hey, you! Want to go to grad school?

We are not talking to them – the nameless, faceless Audience.

We are talking to you, worrying about finances and time and online classes and homework. In a way, we’re talking to ourselves – the versions of ourselves from a year or so ago, unsure but excited, worried but determined.

Communications-R-Us

Is graduate school for you? Here are some things that we’ve considered and overcome since starting our journey to Marist College’s M.A. in communications:

•  Finding time for classwork
•  Figuring out the online program technology
•  Fear of missing something (graduate school is more self-directed)
• Fear of failure
•  Funding
•  How to create a network/community when you’re not face to face

And the big one: Will my degree be worth it in the end?

You don’t have to listen to those anxious little voices in your head. These are all normal things to worry about, and they’re all things that can be faced and conquered. Marist has a comprehensive financial aid program, and many employers offer tuition assistance. Building communities online is a little different than seeing your classmates every day, but it works if you take it “one interaction at a time,” as team member Janice has noticed. Helen was most reassured by Marist’s reputation, including making it on a Princeton Review list of “50 colleges that create futures.” Kristen does miss the in-person interaction of a traditional classroom, but enjoys the flexibility an online program allows. Lorrie has conquered the work/school/life balance in admirable ways that make the rest of us jealous.

No matter how great a program, there is always room for improvement. Wanda would like to see more variety in majors offered. Kristen would like some study abroad opportunities. A great thing about Marist is their dedication to enhancing their students’ experience and education. Have a concern you want addressed? Feel like something’s missing from their educational approach? Reach out through the student information portal, attend a grad student open house and talk to people who’ve been there, see an advisor – there are ways to get your ideas and questions heard.

This team isn’t nameless or faceless either. We were where you are now. Some of us already have master’s degrees. Some of us have spouses and children. Some of us finished our bachelor’s more than a decade ago; some were fairly recent. We have jobs and lives to work around, and we’re here to tell you that if we can do it, you can do it. Marist College can help.