For many students, education does not stop at the undergraduate level.
Some recent graduates of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s Class of 2015 are heading straight to graduate school, continuing their educations in a variety of disciplines from biology and social work to nursing and professional counseling.
Some will stay here at UW Oshkosh, while others are heading elsewhere to pursue their advanced degrees.
Dylan Erickson ‘15, of Sun Prairie, graduated in May with a major in psychology, a minor in social justice and an emphasis in prejudice and discrimination. Erickson always has had an interest in psychology and found that he likes working with students. Because of that, he is moving on to graduate school, starting in the summer.
Kathryn Baez ‘14, of Menasha, studied biology with a healthcare business emphasis as an undergraduate. She currently is researching a lack of dental care for the underinsured and hopes to become a professor. Baez will be applying to doctoral programs for fall 2016.
According to the UW System, UW Oshkosh has the third-highest enrollment in graduate school with 1,230 students for the fall 2014-2015 semester.
The Graduate Studies Program has a variety of ways they recruit students to attend school at UWO, such as Taste of Oshkosh, Homecoming and Tent City, Grad Fest, an online presence and alumni who recommend UWO.
Recent graduates and nontraditional students are enrolled for graduate programs based on a variety of needs. Dean of Graduate Students Susan Cramer said attending graduate school adds a “layer” onto transcripts.
“Graduate programs, as a whole, increase development of critical-thinking, leadership and scholarship,” Cramer said. “Graduate students also are making connections and networking, which helps in their profession and community.”
The programs at UWO are more project-based because students have learned the theories during their undergraduate career. Cramer said the programs allow graduate students to apply those theories and “contextualize the work.”
Currently, UWO offers 17 master’s program degrees and 17 certificate options for students, ranging from fields like business to social work.
Cramer said the certificate programs are different than degrees because they are shorter programs and focus on specific study areas.
“It’s a great way for people who aren’t quite ready to commit to a whole degree,” Cramer said. “It’s also a great way for people within a degree to add on their transcript a particular expertise.”
At UWO, students can earn a degree, a certificate or both. Some certificates coincide with degrees and can be used as an emphasis when students go for the master’s degree.
Students who are interested in graduate school can apply to the programs depending on what each requires. Greg Wypiszynski, graduate services director, said the grade-point-average requirement for UWO is 2.75, but the programs also look at more than grades.
“Since the admissions process is holistic, the programs look at everything,” Wypiszynski said. “They don’t just assume that if you have a low GPA, they can’t admit you. The idea is to try to get people into graduate school and help them be successful at it.”
Wypiszynski added that program requirements vary, but students also may need to submit small fees, an essay, transcripts, and/or verification of graduation from an accredited institution.
Erickson said he chose UWO because faculty members remember who he is, and he appreciates the care they have for their students.
Erickson said he went into his interview and remembered seeing Charles Lindsey, an associate professor in the College of Education and Human Services, from Grad Fest two years prior. Lindsey, who sat a few seats away from Erickson, turned around and told him he was glad that he chose UWO.
Cramer said many students choose UWO based on cost, geographical location and referrals.
“People will say they knew someone else who completed their degree and loved it,” Cramer said. “It’s that personal referral that’s a very strong piece. There’s that human connection, also, and that becomes very important.”
Alumni also can impact the graduate program by helping spread the word.
“We know that there is a lot of value to what our alumni say and do,” Wypiszynski said. “They have a tremendous value to UWO, and we love that they’re talking about us in the community.”
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