So really how bad is grad school?

[APhi Sailorgirl]

Ok, I've been reading lots of posts trying to get a vibe on what grad school is like. Problem is, with so many different areas, some seem to be more work than others.

I will be entering a Master of Arts Integrated Marketing Communication program in September. I will be taking 3 four-credit classes.

So, what should I really expect? Is it going to be a big shock between college and grad school?

I may/may not have a 10hr/wk internship carrying over from the summer and I have volunteered to be the marketing advisor at a local a-phi chapter. (I am going to grad school far away from my collegiate chapter, VA to Boston.)

The way some people have posted, it seems that you barely have time to sleep and eat and that's while doing school full time with no job.

[winneythepooh7]

I think depending on your major drastically varies. I know that I almost lost it at least once a week because I was so stressed during grad school. A typical schedule for me was 3-4 classes per semester with papers for each due every 3-4 weeks, one year, I did a 21-hour per week internship and then worked 35 hours in the evenings/weekend. I managed to get through it though (it was definately a miracle) and now I am an MSW.

I do have friends who have gotten Master's in business-related fields and their programs were not as stressful. (I think this may be because internships weren't involved, no papers, etc.)--don't quote me on that though.....

OVERALL I would have to say the level of stress experienced for any Master's program depends on the individual and the level of their stress-threshold. This is different for everyone.

[aoiikristi]

I really enjoyed grad school. I got my master's in music performance. Although I was busy, I loved that I never had any classes outside of the music building. I spent a lot of time either in the practice room or in the library. I didn't think the classes were very difficult though, just lots of busy work.

[Munchkin03]

They call graduate school in architecture Architorture. Pulling an all-nighter in the studio is a fact of life, especially around review time. Luckily, I'm in a less time-intensive program, but I still have to take 19 credits/semester and write a thesis/hold an internship. Some programs are more demanding than others, based on the type of program and what you bring into it, as far as your background and experience. Some programs are designed for people who work during the day. Others are full-time programs.

Since I've never heard of "Integrated Marketing Communication," there's not much more I can say. Have you talked to others who have done similar degrees?

[sairose]

Originally posted by aoiikristi
I really enjoyed grad school. I got my master's in music performance. Although I was busy, I loved that I never had any classes outside of the music building. I spent a lot of time either in the practice room or in the library. I didn't think the classes were very difficult though, just lots of busy work.

Hey girl, where did you go to grad school? I noticed you live in Georgia, and I am considering UGA for my grad studies (Saxophone Performance), and was wondering if you knew anything about the program; any insight?