Graduate Fair connects students with postgrad education options

The MSU Graduate Fair took place this week on campus, inviting students to obtain information on graduate programs and applications and get prepared for life after undergrad. The MSU website states: “We highly recommend attending the in-person Grad Fair, as you will hear very specific tips and tricks regarding the application process, funding your education and how grad life is.” Graduate Admissions Supervisor Danica Lower said. “Our in-person Grad Fair was yesterday and we are hosting an online one [Tuesdays] and international sessions on Thursday.” 

The event hosted 22 different departments including human development, health sciences, various arts programs and many more featured departments and programs from MSU. The fair also included five other universities’ grad programs from around the state of Montana such as Montana Tech and MSU Billings. Many informational sessions were held which covered topics such as tips on how to be a successful candidate, how to secure funding and how grads are supported.

According to the website, additional virtual sessions will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. for students interested in learning more about what programs are offered and deadlines for applications.

“Graduate education can help you excel in a broad range of careers. You will develop advanced skills and knowledge to help your community,” Dean of the Graduate School Craig Ogilvie said. He added that these programs are designed to be accessible. “Certificates [require] 12-15 credits and most Master's degrees [are] typically completed in 30 to 36 credits,” he said. According to him, programs are available in a variety of disciplines, with some offering scheduling options designed to accommodate different needs.  

Applying to graduate school should involve preparation and a clear understanding of the audience that will be reviewing your application, according to Ogilvie. “Your application will be reviewed by faculty, so consider them as your primary audience,” he said. 

“They are looking for what strengths you bring and why you are interested in the graduate program,” Ogilvie said. According to him, a flawless academic transcript is not required to get accepted into many graduate programs. “Faculty are also used to seeing transcripts that are not perfect. If there are periods where you did not do so well academically, please describe those and highlight where you have done well.”

MSU offers a variety of programs ranging from accounting and economics to photography and filmmaking. According to the website, “MSU holds a distinguished position in higher education, being recognized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as one of the top five public, four-year universities with very high research activity.” This recognition highlights the university's emphasis on STEM-dominant research doctoral programs. 

Many STEM-based departments are included in available curriculum such as chemistry and biochemistry, health sciences, and biology as stated on the Graduate Fair webpage. In addition to STEM-based research, the graduate college at MSU also states, “MSU leverages more than $220 million annually to support pioneering research across our departments, institutes and centers.”

Those considering graduate education can begin by exploring the available programs on the MSU website. “We encourage all students to review the offerings, decide on several programs that best suit their interests and contact the department contacts with questions or to learn more about the program,” Ogilvie said.

The deadline for applications is the first day of classes in the spring semester. If you want to take the next step in your post-undergraduate education and career visit MSU graduate programs page at  https://www.montana.edu/academics/graduate