Navigating Requirements and Finding Information
The admissions process for University of Saint Joseph was so easy, I went to search my emails to fully recall each detail. I noticed that I started looking at this school in early February 2017, and by early March I was accepted and enrolled to start classes within that month. After having a grueling undergrad search — applying to and visiting 14 schools — I was so thankful to have a pleasant time arranging my graduate school program of study.
I started to look into attending University of Saint Joseph for my graduate degree upon recommendation from a friend. As a full-time teacher with after school obligations, I did not have the time to spend hours researching to find the answers I needed. When I look back on how the process unfolded, I think about how easy it was for me to get started.
I started my research by looking up programs. It was easy to find what I needed to decide my path. The catalogue was listed for the degrees, so I could get a sense of the courses I would need to take. The program outcomes are also listed, so that you can predict how it could enhance your performance in future careers. The acceptance requirements were listed on the site in an easy-to-use check list format. From there, I went to peruse the course schedule to see what my schedule could look like if I took different classes.
Helpful Advisors
After doing some initial research, I felt ready to contact the Coordinator of Off-Campus Programs to ask about the master’s program in Education with Multiple Intelligences Theory Concentration. I was convinced by the unique program, the prestige of the university, and the possibility of attending classes with a cohort to learn and grow with throughout the program. Many other colleagues of mine had done online graduate work, and I was really looking to make the in-person connections. I am so grateful to have found a program that provided networking opportunities.
The advisor I had made contact with was easily accessible by phone and email. I would say the best advisors take care of you as if you were always working with them and at the same time are soon forgotten because of how great of a job they did getting you started on your goals. My advisor walked me through all of the program options that would work with my schedule and location.
All of my concerns of timeline and payment were eased in the first day of speaking with my advisor. It was so helpful to feel that all the information was laid out in a matter of minutes. I received a follow-up email within the hour of speaking with my advisor over the phone. She organized a list of items I needed to meet the requirements and complete my application. I worked on obtaining this information and was able to have questions answered quickly while working.
After a few days of gathering the items for my application, I submitted the information via email and received feedback almost immediately. It was great to feel that all I had to do was my homework and know that someone was watching out for me to make sure everything was complete. I felt that my aspirations were handled with care, and I was important to the advisor, as if they were going on the journey with me.
Getting Started and Financial Aid
After my application was completed, I was informed about an orientation that was to be held on the campus to cover everything I needed before starting classes. I was so grateful the orientation was held on a Saturday because it meant that I did not need to make arrangements to miss work. Furthermore, attending the orientation solidified my decision to choose the University of Saint Joseph as my graduate school of choice.
In order to continue teaching and renew my teaching certificate, I needed to complete my master’s degree within a certain timeframe. With the path laid out in the program, I would be ahead of schedule. I was fortunate enough to work in a district that would reimburse some of my program expenses.
However, I still needed to apply for financial aid, since I did not have the ability to pay upfront or wait for reimbursement from my employer. I was so pleasantly surprised by the reasonable tuition rate to complete the master’s program in under two years. Luckily, I was able to easily obtain financial aid so that I could focus on my studies, not on financial burdens — what a weight lifted!
Don’t wait any longer! Contact our University of Saint Joseph team, get answers to any questions you have, and get started today!