Considering Graduate School? Take the Next Step with a Virtual Information Session
Connect with experts who can answer your questions about pursuing a graduate degree or certificate
You’ve decided to consider or even pursue graduate studies. Perhaps you seek career advancement or a higher salary. Maybe your job requires you to gain new, specialized skills or training. Or a new field of study may be drawing your interest. Whether you are deciding among certificate, master’s or doctorate programs or are considering an on-campus, online or hybrid option, college and university information sessions are a crucial part of that decision-making process.
Information sessions are a great way to learn more about a graduate program and assess how it aligns with your goals, needs and future aspirations. However, not everyone can make an on-campus information session, and some candidates may be seeking an online program. Fortunately, many academic programs provide opportunities for virtual information sessions. During these sessions, you can learn about the admissions process, coursework and career opportunities. It is through these virtual conversations that potential students gain a clearer view of how a specific program may work for their personal goals and professional development.
At Sacred Heart University, virtual information sessions are available for many graduate programs, including those in health care, education, social work, business and communications. These are excellent opportunities to explore possibilities, ask questions of faculty and staff, learn about life as a graduate student and take the next step toward your future.
Wondering what you can expect from these virtual events? You’ll get the answers to these five crucial questions and many others.
What are the curriculum requirements?
During your session, faculty and staff will outline the course schedule and credits and prerequisites required to complete your program. In addition, you’ll learn how faculty will help you to transfer the skills and tools you learn in the “classroom”—virtual or in-person—to real-life situations and work experiences. With more than 40 doctoral, master’s and advanced certification programs across diverse disciplines at SHU, each program fosters a dynamic approach to learning, including coursework, hands-on applications, and collaborative and independent projects that lead to success.
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What are the expected career outcomes?
The decision to enroll in a graduate program is significant and is often guided by expectations of future career opportunities and earning potential. Are you interested in working in a particular setting, such as nonprofit, corporate or an academic institution? Do you want to know the fastest-growing positions in your field? Will your studies set you up to excel in a particular area of expertise? During an information session, you can expect to learn about projected career paths and opportunities available to you once you complete your studies.
How is a work-life balance achieved?
Are you wondering how you are going to juggle a job, family and other personal commitments? Are you considering part-time, full-time or hybrid opportunities? For many graduate students, earning a higher degree or certificate means balancing competing priorities. During your information session, you will learn about the many learning options, including online classes and on-campus experiences, such as short-term residencies and clinical practice. You can discuss options for part-time, full-time or hybrid schedules.
At SHU, each graduate program has a distinct learning format—from hands-on training and classroom experience to 100% online instruction.
What services and supports are available?
Does the academic program you are considering have strong networking and mentoring opportunities? Will you have access to job opportunities and career services? Before applying to a graduate program, it’s important to learn how you will be empowered and supported in achieving your goals. During your information session, graduate counselors will share on-campus and online resources that will help you to complete your coursework, conduct research, prepare papers and presentations and connect with the faculty and academic counselors, as well as discover the tutoring resources, library services and career counseling that are available to you.
At SHU, many services and programs help students with their job searches and facilitate relationships between current students and alumni. Graduate students have access to tutoring and academic support, as well as career services, including online job postings, a global alumni network, career panel discussions, networking events, resume writing and professional development coaching.
What is the application and financial aid process?
How do you apply and what are the requirements for admission? Does your program offer scholarships and grants? Are you eligible? You’ve got questions, and an information session is the place to find the answers on admissions eligibility, application deadlines and financial aid. At Sacred Heart, depending on the program, you may have access to financial aid, including scholarships, as well as state and federal grants.
How to prepare for your information session
Are you ready for some homework? While you can expect your information session to cover the previous five key questions, make a list of your own that addresses your distinct needs and priorities. Here are some examples:
- What is the deadline for applying?
- What equipment and technology do I need for my online learning?
- What is the time commitment for hands-on or on-campus instruction?
- How accessible and responsive are faculty and counselors?
- How does the program position me to find a job after graduation
- Will I be working with fellow students in collaborative projects
- How many years will it take to complete the program?
Next steps
Given demand for master’s-level occupations is high, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, now is the time to learn more about graduate programs at Sacred Heart. You’ve come this far, so why not take the next step? Sign up today for one of the upcoming virtual information sessions to receive a comprehensive overview of available graduate programs. Or, set up an appointment with one of SHU’s graduate program counselors who can talk about the more than 40 doctoral, education sixth-year degrees and certifications, master’s and certificate programs.
Not sure which program is right for you? Explore Sacred Heart’s graduate options.
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