Northwestern University Launches Post-Baccalaureate Bridge to Graduate Study Programs

CHICAGO, May 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies has launched a program designed to augment the academic skills and resumes of those hoping to secure admission to graduate school.

The Bridge to Graduate Study is a part-time post-baccalaureate certificate program for working adults that caters to individual student needs and goals, according to Peter Kaye, Assistant Dean at Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies.

"A student interested in an MBA program that specializes in branding," said Kaye, citing one example, "might choose to combine courses in marketing, public relations and advertising."

Completing the graduate school preparatory coursework, which is taught by the faculty at the prestigious university, enhances an applicant's academic record and serves as a distinction when applying to a graduate school.

The innovative program underscores the competitive nature of graduate school admissions – more than half of applicants nationwide are rejected – and the growing expectations among employers that those seeking jobs and promotions hold advanced degrees.

Graduate school enrollment has been increasing by about four percent a year during the past decade, according to estimates by the Council of Graduate Schools, a Washington-based group that represents institutions of higher learning. Nearly nine percent of Americans age 25 and older now hold master's degrees, according to the group.

Earning a spot at a graduate school in this competitive environment, however, requires that candidates have strong academic backgrounds. Only 45 percent of applicants are offered admission to graduate school.

For those who make it through graduate school, the financial rewards are significant. People with a master's degree earn roughly 50 percent more than those with a bachelor's degree, according to U.S. Census figures.

The Bridge to Graduate Study program provides opportunities for students to strengthen their graduate school applications and prepare for advanced study in areas such as business, law, writing and education. The program enables students to enhance their academic records, round out their educational experiences and secure current letters of recommendation. Students can also benefit from support services including academic advising and graduate school application workshops.

"We help people reach their educational goals, from the computer programmer who transitioned to becoming an MD," said Kaye, "to the engineer who entered a PhD program in clinical psychology."

He added: "When people take the initiative to advance their own interests, the possibilities are endless."

To find out more about Northwestern University's Bridge to Graduate Study certificate program, contact a Northwestern University enrollment adviser at 847-467-0931.

Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies

The mission of Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies (SCS) extends the resources of Northwestern University to undergraduate and graduate students whose lives include significant professional and personal commitments that place limitations on their schedules and affect the pace at which they may achieve their educational goals. Consistent with Northwestern's dedication to excellence, SCS makes distinguished teaching available to nontraditional students and, to the greatest extent possible, provides access to the University's other resources, such as libraries, laboratories, recreational facilities, and events.

SOURCE Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies