More MSU students are seeking graduate degrees according to enrollment figures over the last year. The increase in graduate students makes up almost 30 percent of an overall increase in enrollment at MSU, which currently holds the largest on-campus enrollment in Mississippi.
The graduate program enrollment increased this fall by 236 students, which is more than a 7 percent increase from 2006.
The 3,550 graduate students earning their master’s, doctorate or educational specialist degrees make up 21 percent of the students at MSU.
Interim director of graduate studies William Person said there were several reasons MSU has experienced an increase in graduate students this year.
“One of the reasons we have a large enrollment is because it doesn’t take a large amount of time to complete degrees,” Person said, “[Students] can complete those degrees in anywhere from a year to a year and a half including summer school.”
Person also said students often come to MSU because of its competitive tuition costs.
“It doesn’t cost a lot comparatively speaking to get a graduate degree at Mississippi State,” he said. “The southern part of the country is typically a good place for graduate study because it doesn’t cost as much as [other regions in the country].”
President of the Graduate Student Association Mark Thomas said added programs, diverse degrees and benefits for students may be other reasons for the increase in students.
“We’ve added some online programs and also especially for master’s you have diverse programs,” he said. “We have thesis and non-thesis in some departments.”
Thomas said financial aid often motivates graduate students to come to MSU.
“Besides this being an institution known for research, our [graduate] stipends (scholarships and assistantship wages) are very competitive with other universities, not just in the state,” Thomas said. “A lot of grad students come to grad school and the university pays them to come. They’re employed as research assistants, teaching assistants or service assistants.”
In addition to the stipends provided for students, Thomas said non-residents of Mississippi can pay in-state tuition rates by participating in an assistantship.
Thomas, 42, who is earning his doctorate in cognitive science, said many graduate students are older than undergraduates.
“[Job and funding opportunities make] more students look at us seriously because you have to live while you’re at school,” he said. “The average [graduate student] is 31 or 32. You’ve got people who’ve already been out in the world and have families.”
Person said nearly two-thirds of graduate students have assistantship jobs.
President Robert ‘Doc’ Foglesong has been supportive of the graduate program and has been influential in the increase of enrollment, Person said.
“We are very fortunate to have a university president who recognizes the value of a graduate education and has been willing to support that during the past two years,” Person said.
Kweilyn Murphy, a graduate student in broadcast meteorology and a native of Pittsburgh, Penn., said her adviser recommended MSU because of its good reputation. Murphy, who works as a graduate assistant for the University Bands, said her graduate experience at MSU has been very positive.
“Graduate school has been phenomenal,” she said. “The teachers are very accessible and they want you to succeed. They’re always open to questions.”
Person said graduate degrees are becoming more important to students and their future employers.
“Students are beginning to realize a graduate education is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity,” he said. “In order for students to be more competitive in the job marketplace when they compete for a position, the master’s degree doesn’t hurt at all and the doctorate degree is even better in some disciplines.