Indiana University School of Journalism

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Photo by Shanna Rottinger

Associate Dean for Graduate Studies Amy Reynolds outlined the methods for applying to grad school during a special session Wednesday night. Current graduate students formed a panel to share their experiences with interested undergrads.

As the job market gets gloomier, some students are opting to delay the job search for a year or so while pursuing advanced degrees directly after receiving bachelor’s degrees.

Others want to capitalize on what surveys say is a greater chance of making more money if they have master’s or other advanced degrees.

Whatever their own motivations, several undergraduate students attended a five-person panel discussion Wednesday hosted by Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies Amy Reynolds. Current graduate students Erica Hunter, Tara Titcombe, Matt Troutman and Amy Purvis formed the panel.

While a master’s degree is not necessary for many journalism jobs, Reynolds said an advanced degree often leads to better jobs and better pay.

“It can give you a competitive edge,” Reynolds said. “You get the opportunity to explore areas further and develop your skills.”

She described the master’s degree program as one that focuses on flexibility and personalization.

“We try to create independent, organized experiences for people and let them maximize their time,” Reynolds said. “We don’t always have every class, but we will try to meet your goals.”

Graduate students have a variety of travel opportunities, too. Current graduate students Tara Titcombe and Erica Hunter went to Washington, D.C., to visit Scripps-Howard.

The J551 Reporting the Law class reports on the Supreme Court and J560 International Reporting course includes travel stipends for students to report on their class beat.

While some panelists took time off in between their undergraduate and graduate studies, others pushed right through to complete their master’s degrees in one year. Those who are accepted may opt to defer enrollment for up to two years.

“Applying doesn’t commit you,” Reynolds said. “It just gives you choice.”

Here are some other pointers:

• Apply online at the Graduate Degree Application Web site (http://www.gradapp.indiana.edu/index.html). You’ll need an undergraduate transcript (a GPA of 3.0 is suggested), three letters of recommendation and GRE scores.
• Applications are judged as a whole. A lower GRE score or borderline GPA will not lead to an automatic rejection, Reynolds said. The school accepts 70 to 75 percent of its applicants.
• Check the Bursar Web site for tuition fees. Generally, out-of-state tuition is three times higher than in-state and graduate students pay by the credit hour (plus student fees), not a flat rate like undergraduates.
• Assistantships and fellowships are available, but not required. Students with assistantships are required to work 10 hours each week. Reynolds said she tries to find assistantships or fellowships for students to help offset tuition.