deep end, The

Black Collegian, Oct 1997 by Reed, Minerva H

Joint Degree Programs

Students need not be limited to one area of study. Many schools offer attractive joint degree programs that enable students to develop a broad career base. Unlike their undergraduate counterparts, however, graduate joint degree programs tend to have more complicated acceptance procedures.

"Usually in applying to joint degree programs, students must meet separate and independent admissions requirements-applying to each school and being accepted to both," says James Milligan, dean of the Columbia University School of Law. "Upon acceptance to both programs, joint degree candidacy is granted. It takes four to five years to complete the two programs together"

The variety and combinations of dual degrees are seemingly endless and depend upon the university as to which programs can be combined. Among the interesting dual degree programs available are the joint MBA/MA (International Studies) offered by the Wharton School and the Lauder Institute of the University of Pennsylvania, Boston University's JD/MBA programs with concentrations in health care management and mass communications, and Columbia University's joint JD/MA in journalism. To find schools that offer joint degrees, check into the Peterson Guides to Graduate Schools.

When to go

One of the biggest questions facing students is not whether they should attend graduate school but when they should attend graduate school. If graduate or professional school is an integral part of your career path-you want to be a doctor, lawyer or social worker, for example-then you will want to go immediately after commencement, unless your chosen program requires experience before you enter.

"The top business schools require one-to-two years experience before admission," Carson says. "The Harvard Business School is one of them."

"There are two reasons to not enter graduate school immediately after graduation: if the graduate school requires experience before admission; and if the student determines he doesnt have the experience to compete with his fellow students. I don't recommend a wait when neither of these conditions exist," Carson adds.

Many students, however, do choose to wait a year or two before entering graduate school. There are a number of good reasons cited, but it usually comes down to one of these:

They want to take time to rest and think about how or if graduate school fits into their plans.

They want to work and pay off undergraduate debts before taking on the expense of graduate school. Carson does not support the second reason.

"It's economics. They get out, they go into debt. Then they can't afford to go back to graduate school and they get caught," he contends.

Final points

Ultimately, the choice is yours to make. Graduate school is an expensive, time-consuming endeavor. It is not something to be entered into half-heartedly. But if, after you've conducted your research and explored the issues, you accept the challenge of pursuing a graduate degree, you will be glad you did. The personal and professional rewards can be substantial. Just remember the following points: